Port Orford Community Co‑opThe 2020 Solar Building Expansion
Neighbors building something together
From the beginning, plans for the co‑op included the idea of expanding the building on the south side. Originally, a 10-foot wide solarium was considered for passive solar energy and to house dining in order to free up retail space. The board felt we needed more retail space, which moved the solar aspect to the roof. The decision was made to use solar energy to cover half of the co‑op's annual electric use, so the proposed expansion grew to create a larger additional roof.
The COVID pandemic allowed us the opportunity to do the work without interrupting daily operations, since shopping became dockside. Most of the work for this project was done by dedicated volunteers.
What the Expansion Added
Rooftop Solar
A solar array on the new roof covers half of the co‑op's annual electricity use.
More Retail Space
Room for a wider selection of local, organic, and natural products on our shelves.
100% Volunteer-Built
Community members donated time, skills, equipment, and even building materials.
Building Timeline
A look back at the summer of 2020, when volunteers turned plans into walls, walls into a roof, and a roof into a solar-powered future.
Progress on the new addition
Dedicated volunteers had been working tirelessly on the new addition. The floor joists were in and the walls were going up.
Part of the original vision
Having solar and expanding the store to the south was part of the original vision for the co‑op. With the expansion underway, the community finally had a place to install the new solar panels. While the vision had changed some for practical reasons, the co‑op never stopped working to meet the needs of this community.
Roof rafters going up
Rafters were going up at a fast pace. Thanks to Kerry Holman, Mark Lankton, John Lovendahl, Kevin Sprager, and Jerry Boydston for their beautiful craftsmanship. Al Geiser donated the beams used for the headers over the windows.
Ready for the roof
The addition was looking fantastic. Kerry Holman, Mark Lankton, and John Lovendahl worked hard to get all the rafters on and prepare for roof decking.
Plywood on the roof: Check!
Jordan Dawn joined the crew of Kerry, Mark, and John, bringing his equipment to lift the plywood up on the roof and to excavate the entry ramp. Another fantastic volunteer member.
Your co‑op wants your ideas
With the expansion well on its way and completion hoped for Spring/Summer 2021, the co‑op reached out to members for ideas on what to put on the outside of the new addition. It's your co‑op, after all.
Thank you, volunteers
This expansion was made possible by the dedication of community members who showed up week after week with tools, equipment, materials, and even lunch for the crew. Special thanks to Kerry Holman, Mark Lankton, John Lovendahl, Kevin Sprager, Jerry Boydston, Jordan Dawn, and Al Geiser, along with everyone else who contributed their time and talents.