The original Oregon State Hospital, including the Kirkbride section of the J Building, opened in 1883 and is the oldest operated mental health institution on the West Coast. The entire hospital site contains more than 70 buildings and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Kirkbride section is famous for being the location where the movie “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” was filmed in the early 1970s.

The newly restored space houses patient support areas and a courtroom on the first floor. The challenge for this restoration was to employee 21st century construction standards while maintaining the building’s historical significance.

The remodel included bringing the building up to modern seismic standards, abatement of lead and asbestos-based materials, and implementation of new building codes while reusing all the existing windows to comply with historical preservation requirements.

The windows, most of which were neither square nor plumb, created some very interesting framing and finishing opportunities. Modern building products and techniques were also used, such as high-impact abuse board and Level 5 drywall finishes.

Judge’s comment: “The sheer magnitude of this project renovation arouses everyone’s attention. Then the workmanship and project design, along with the material selection, come together and create a modern interior which harmonizes beautifully with the existing portions of the structure.”