PORTLAND, Ore. — The American Institute of Architects, San Francisco chapter (AIA San Francisco) recently announced the winners of the 2012 AIA San Francisco Design Awards program, with the remarkable renovation to JELD-WEN Field, home of the Portland Timbers, and the architects of the project, AECOM, receiving the organization’s Merit Award for Excellence in Architecture.
The $40 million renovation to JELD-WEN Field, which was completed just prior to the Timbers inaugural Major League Soccer season in 2011, was honored as an urban-planning success story that balances contemporary architecture with the historic character of the iconic downtown stadium, which was originally constructed in 1926.
Designed to create one of the most intimate, authentic sports experiences in North America, the sustainable renovation embraced the considerable history of the venue while transforming it into a top soccer-specific stadium that is also well-suited for football, concerts and additional community events.
Since opening the newly renovated stadium for the team’s first-ever MLS home match on April 14, 2011, the Timbers have sold out each of their league home games over their two MLS seasons and will extend that sellout streak to 22 straight games when they play host to the Columbus Crew before a capacity crowd of 20,438 at JELD-WEN Field on Saturday, May 5. For the 2012 MLS season, the Timbers sold 14,750 season tickets and have a Season Ticket Waiting that numbers more than 7,500.
AECOM served as the primary architect of the renovation project, while ICON Venue Group served as the project manager and Turner Construction was the general contractor.
About AECOM
AECOM is a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government. AECOM’s global sports capabilities range from collegiate and professional facilities, to major international events. Recent work includes architecture for the University of Oregon’s Matthew Knight Arena, engineering for the Spartak Arena in Moscow, legacy planning for the 2012 Olympics in London, and cost and procurement consulting for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. With approximately 45,000 employees around the world, AECOM provides a blend of global reach, local knowledge, innovation and technical excellence in delivering solutions that create, enhance and sustain the world's built, natural and social environments. A Fortune 500 company, AECOM serves clients in approximately 130 countries and had revenue of $8.1 billion during the 12 months ended Dec. 31, 2011.
About JELD-WEN Field
JELD-WEN Field is an iconic sports and entertainment facility located in the heart of downtown Portland, Ore., at 1844 SW Morrison. JELD-WEN Field is the host site for a wide variety of events each year, including Portland Timbers MLS soccer, Portland State University football, college and high school football and soccer, concerts, community events and public and private functions. JELD-WEN Field officially reopened to the public on April 14, 2011, after a significant renovation crafted to create one of the most unique and authentic soccer environments in the country as the Timbers marked their debut season in Major League Soccer. Originally constructed in 1926, JELD-WEN Field is an historic civic gathering place that has played host to some of the region’s most memorable events, including presidential visits, a 1957 concert by Elvis Presley, the National Football League’s first game decided by overtime, Pelé’s official last professional game and the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup. For more information, visit www.JELD-WENField.com.
