The James Beard Public Market, adjacent to Pioneer Square in downtown Portland, Oregon, is poised to become a major portal to Oregon’s agricultural bounty. BCV’s adaptive reuse of two existing buildings will showcase the state’s food culture, support local artisans, and honor local craft.

The main Market Building features glassy storefronts framed by massive solid wood columns that celebrate the state’s timber heritage. The timbers are sourced from local tribal lands and finished with a charred wood treatment inspired by yakisugi, the traditional Japanese wood-preservation technique often referred to as shou sugi ban. This façade reveals the bustling, multi-level food hall within, creating strong connections to the street.

At the adjacent landmark Selling Building, the Market’s offerings extend into prime corner retail space, an epicurean connection reflected architecturally in a complementary exterior palette of materials such as terra cotta and stone that recalls the building’s original character.