Portland City Hall Renovation

Reimagining a historic civic space to support hybrid governance, accessibility, and sustainability.

Introduction

When Portland voters approved a major shift in city governance, City Hall needed to evolve—fast. More council members meant more seats, upgraded technology, and a workspace that could support hybrid participation, all while preserving the building’s historic character. Hyphn partnered with the City to design and implement a modern, inclusive environment ready for the future of civic engagement.

Objectives & Scope

Expand council chambers to accommodate additional members and staff
Integrate hybrid-ready technology for seamless remote participation
Preserve historic architecture while upgrading functionality
Maximize reuse of existing furnishings and materials
Ensure accessibility and ADA-compliant audio throughout the space

Approach

Working closely with the City’s facilities team, Hyphn prioritized sustainability, technology integration, and thoughtful design. Over two-thirds of desks and seating were refurbished from other municipal offices, reducing cost and environmental impact. The AV team replaced an outdated system with a modern setup—including a 136″ LED video wall, seven PTZ cameras, and 24 gooseneck mics—discreetly integrated into the millwork to maintain architectural integrity.

Outcomes & Impact

City Hall now offers a smart, connected, and accessible environment where all community members can participate whether in person or remotely. The hybrid-ready system supports livestreaming, ADA-compliant audio, and intuitive in-room control. The result is a workspace that honors Portland’s history while embracing the future of governance.

Key Takeaways

Modern technology can coexist seamlessly within historic architecture
Early collaboration and weekly coordination enabled rapid delivery
Sustainable design choices reduce cost and environmental impact