OJD Supreme Court Modernization

Honoring History with Modernization

Systems West Engineers had the privilege of commissioning the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for the Oregon Supreme Court Building’s seismic retrofit and modernization. This 119-year-old building, one of Oregon’s oldest continuously operating government structures, required a delicate balance of preservation and innovation. The project aimed to enhance functionality, performance, and safety while maintaining the building’s historic integrity.

Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future

Upgrading the building’s electrical and plumbing systems required creative solutions, including routing and installing MEP equipment within the marble structure. Custom-engineered fan coil units and innovative integration of campus chilled water allowed both the Supreme Court and Justice buildings to share resources, supported by an added air-cooled chiller for redundancy.

Early involvement in construction and coordination allowed the team to proactively address challenges, such as identifying poor insulation in chilled water piping within wall cavities and preventing potential condensation and moisture issues. Systems West’s commitment to sustainability is further reflected in the building’s targeted LEED Gold rating and seismic isolation system, ensuring the Oregon Supreme Court Building remains a functional, resilient landmark for future generations.

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