When PDX decided to build a nine-acre roof out of Douglas fir, we wanted the wood to come from local forests. Over the years, we’ve walked through these forests with the people who care for them. 

When you visit the new main terminal, starting in August, you'll see the results in the building’s curvy laminated beams and latticed ceiling. There’s a story behind every board — and this month we’re excited to share some of these stories with you.

When you peer up at the main terminal’s swooping wooden curves and lattice-framed skylights, some of the wood you see is from PDX’s four tribal partners: the Yakama Nation, the Coquille Indian Tribe, the Skokomish Indian Tribe, and the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians. 

We asked all tribal partners to tell us the story of the wood they supplied to PDX, the forests it came from, and how they manage their sovereign lands with a blend of traditional knowledge and modern science.

Meet Ben Deumling, who grew — and made — PDX's new floors

The local wood at PDX isn’t just over your head: The white oak flooring you’ll walk across in the main terminal comes from Oregon’s largest “forest-to-floor” company. Ben Deumling and his mother, Sarah, own Zena Forest Products, which makes hardwood floors using timber from their own land. For PDX, Ben imported European machinery that no American company has ever used before. Now he’s making oak tiles out of wood from small trees Zena harvests in order to improve the health of the forests that remain.

When can I see the return of the iconic carpet? August 2024. 
Where? Four new selfie stations located around the main terminal. 
Can I buy a piece? Not yet, but thanks for asking!

Got something on your mind? Keep your questions coming! Ask us anything (hello@pdxnext.com) and we’ll do our best to get you answers. We'll share the most-asked questions in future newsletters.