Held Architecture Featured in Construction Strong for Sustainability-Focused Oregon Development

The Cannery, a mixed-use redevelopment in Salem, Oregon, designed by Held Architecture, was recently featured in Construction Strong Magazine. The article explores how thoughtful architecture can act as a catalyst for ecological responsibility and community connection.

In the piece, principal Kristina Held shared insight into the firm’s design approach:

“We’ve designed each building with a distinct theme to support different dimensions of community life,” said Held.

Sustainability is at the core of The Cannery’s design. Each structure is framed with mass plywood panels (MPP)—a renewable material sourced just 20 minutes away in Lyons, Oregon. Unlike traditional timber, MPP utilizes smaller-diameter trees, a byproduct of the veneer industry, allowing for more efficient and regionally responsive construction.

With biophilic design strategies, geothermal systems, and a site plan that emphasizes walkability and wellness, The Cannery is conceived as more than just a development—it’s a framework for regenerative urban life.

Held Architecture’s work on the project reflects a broader commitment to reimagining what sustainable growth can look like in the Willamette Valley and beyond.

To access a copy of the article, click here and navigate to page 19.