Centro Mercado

Grocery-style food pantry, tenant improvement project

Centro Cultural purchased a building in downtown Cornelius, Oregon to expand their food pantry program to a new and dedicated location. As of January 2021, their food justice programs have served over 13,400 individuals (53,800 household members). Centro Mercado will be a grocery-style food pantry that allows clients to select their food with dignity and respect. Centro set the ambitious goal of completing the Mercado construction with equity at the forefront: 100% Latino Contractors, 100% Latino architects, and 100% Latino workers.

Originally built in the early 1900s, the building is one of the oldest in Cornelius. As a recipient of an Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant, our design team worked closely with the State Historic Preservation Office to ensure the renovation is sensitive to the historic preservation needs while providing a catalyst for community revitalization through public-serving investments.

The project consists of a tenant improvement of the existing building–reconstruction of the façade, construction of a ramp at the main entrance, installation of a new storefront, and repaving the alley behind the building. A new ramp will be constructed to provide an accessible entrance to the store. New exterior walls and new footings will be constructed, and a new storefront system with transom windows will be installed. A stucco wall finish will be applied to the reconstructed walls to match existing conditions and to preserve the character of the building.

Salazar Architect provided architecture, interior, and urban design services.

Location: Cornelius, Oregon
Client: Centro Cultural de Washington County
Building Area: 2,700 sf