The Jean Vollum Natural Capital Center Opening Celebration!

Crowds explore the building's new atrium and sample foods from Chefs Collaborative member In Good Taste.

Celebrating the completion of an ambitious restoration, Ecotrust welcomed Patagonia, civic leaders and the public to a September 6, 2001 opening party at the Jean Vollum Natural Capital Center.

Over a thousand people attended the event at which Portland Mayor Vera Katz, City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, and Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard congratulated Ecotrust and lauded the building as a great addition to the city and the region.

The festivities marked the Oregon debut for Patagonia, the national outdoor clothing retailer known for its environmental ethic. The Natural Capital Center store is Patagonia's largest one to date, occupying over 8,000 square feet and opening onto the building's new public atrium.

"If you're going to buy clothing," declared Yvon Chouinard, "the most responsible thing you can do is go to the Salvation Army ... And if you're going to open a new business, the most responsible thing you can do is find an old building and restore it."

Dan Saltzman, who heads the City's Office of Sustainable Development, set to move into the Natural Capital Center's third floor upon its completion this fall, expressed his enthusiasm for having a building in town where people could "kick the tires" to get a feel for green design ideas.

Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia addresses the audience as Spencer Beebe of Ecotrust looks on.

The evening's catering was chiefly provided by members of the Chefs Collaborative, a network of restaurants and farmers that promote sustainable cuisine. Future tenants Hot Lips Pizza and World Cup Coffee were joined by Cafe Azul, In Good Taste, and Daily Cafe in serving the crowds that milled throughout the building. The celebration also featured a bluegrass band, a Native American flute player, and the inauguration of the building's Conference Center with a nationally renowned exhibit on green design, Ten Shades of Green.

Ecotrust president Spencer Beebe looked forward as he spoke to the crowd, "The Jean Vollum Natural Capital Center is about connection, restoration and optimism. The environmental restoration of this wonderful historic building is just the start of a larger story of bringing people together and encouraging ideas that benefit communities and the environment."

Ten Shades of Green, a national exhibit on green design, inaugurates the building's Conference Center. Sponsored by Group Mackenzie and the City of Portland's Office of Sustainable Development, the show presents a sampling of exemplary architecture from both Europe and North America.

The Jean Vollum Natural Capital Center Opening Celebration!

Contact