We are excited to announce that LEVER, in partnership with Noll & Tam Architects, has been selected for the design of Multnomah County Library’s Albina and North Portland branches—two of the first four library bond projects that will be realized with an intentional focus on equity and community engagement. Our team looks forward to working closely with the Portland community to design the two library projects through a highly collaborative and inclusive process.

The Albina Library will include 30,000 sf of new library and administration on the existing Isom/Knott Street site, and the Knott Street historic building will be renovated (which is the historic and current home of Albina Library and the former Title Wave Used Bookstore). The North Portland Library will be an 8,700 sf renovation of the existing historic library, and will include a 1,500 sf addition on the existing site. Both projects restore historic Carnegie libraries and will include additional expansions.

LEVER Principal Chandra Robinson, who brings a depth of experience with community-based architecture and design, will lead the Albina and North Portland Library projects. She says, "Portland is my hometown and I am so proud to lead our team to envision the future of our Albina and North Portland libraries. Authentic engagement with our community of library patrons and neighbors is critical to the design process and will help shape a space that will welcome and inspire all Portlanders."