Site and Developer Selection for Headquarters Office

ECONorthwest helped Oregon Research Institute select and negotiate the development of a new headquarters office.

The Challenge

The Oregon Research Institute (ORI) is the largest independent research center in Oregon. It employs 250 people in Eugene, Oregon and is the state’s fourth largest recipient of funding from the National Institutes of Health.

As ORI expanded, it found its current office spaces were no longer sufficient. ORI’s staff in Eugene spanned two rented buildings, which hindered their ability to collaborate, and its rented facilities lacked sufficient space for research activities and its annual conference.

ORI realized they needed a new headquarters office. They turned to ECONorthwest to help with site and developer selection.

The Results

ECONorthwest analyzed the comparative advantages of multiple sites and led the ORI board through the decision making process. ECONorthwest identified developers, assisted with the selection process, and negotiated a long-term lease with options to purchase. ECONorthwest also handled the lease extensions with ORI’s current landlords and evaluated alternative financing approaches. Construction on ORI’s new 80,000 square-foot LEED silver facility began in March 2012.

In the Press

New Building Under Construction for ORI
Oregon Research Institute. March 15, 2012.

Oregon Research Institute to fete start of headquarters construction
Eugene Register Guard. March 12, 2012. Greg Bolt.

ORI finally on last leg of its journey to new home
Eugene Register Guard. December 18, 2011. Greg Bolt.