Exciting progress is underway at the future home of the Hillsboro Hops, a state-of-the-art ballpark set to redefine the fan experience in Oregon.

Slated for completion in 2026, the new stadium is being built with more than baseball in mind. Designed as a vibrant, multi-use venue, the ballpark will offer a 360-degree wraparound concourse, a lively beer garden, and a dynamic food hall featuring six unique dining options. Beyond game day, the stadium will serve as a year-round entertainment hub, hosting over 10 Live Nation concerts and community events annually.

The Opening Pitch

When Mortenson began assembling its team for the highly anticipated Hillsboro Hops Ballpark, where they are serving as the design-builder, they knew they needed the right electrical partner with the expertise, innovation, and energy to match the scale of the project. OEG was invited to bid and quickly emerged as the standout choice due to their track record of forward-thinking electrical construction solutions, as well as their ability to provide electrical engineering and design services directly through their in-house engineering department.

From the very first roundtable discussion, OEG brought passion and purpose. That mindset fueled a series of strategic planning sessions where OEG outlined its approach, resources, and unwavering determination to win the job.

“We came in ready to knock it out of the park. I’ve never been on a job where morale has been so high on a project ,” said a representative from the OEG team. 

With a deep portfolio spanning high-tech, commercial, and service work, OEG demonstrated it had the scale and experience to handle a project of this magnitude. The company’s extensive prefab capabilities, supported by dedicated facilities and strong material storage and procurement systems, gave OEG a clear operational edge.

OEG’s standout BIM (Building Information Modeling) department also played a key role. Their ability to create detailed 3D models has enabled seamless collaboration and precise installation, helping the team bring the complex stadium design to life efficiently and accurately.

A long-standing relationship with Mortenson further strengthened OEG’s position. Built on trust, communication, and shared problem-solving, the partnership set the tone for a collaborative, solution-driven build. 

A Project That Hits Home

For OEG, the Hillsboro Hops Ballpark is more than just another job. It is a point of pride for the entire team. As a high-profile community project located in their own backyard, this stadium build holds personal significance. Many of the electricians on-site are longtime locals who’ve attended Hops games with family and friends, and now have the unique opportunity to help build its future home. OEG even hosts its company picnics at the Hops stadium, making the connection that much more meaningful.

“This is the kind of project you talk about for years,” said an OEG project lead. “Our team has been excited about it since day one. It’s something we get to show off and be proud of.”

Powering the Vision

OEG plays a critical role in bringing the Hillsboro Hops’ new ballpark to life. From core infrastructure to high-end amenities, their team is responsible for installing the 3,000-amp and 1,200-amp services, all branch panels, interior and site lighting, fire alarm systems, pathways for security, EV chargers, AV systems, and more.

To support the stadium’s state-of-the-art features, including a 360-degree concourse, food hall, and beer garden, OEG has integrated tailored solutions such as chases for beer lines, air curtains, and custom lighting in the premium club area. Their scope also includes speaker systems across concourse and club levels, and dedicated show power infrastructure to support concerts and other large-scale events.

Throughout the project, OEG has prioritized both performance and appearance. A key focus has been on concealment, making much of the conduit “disappear” to maintain the clean, high-end look of the space. This has involved routing conduit in deck slabs beneath concrete and high above ceilings. The team also worked closely with inspectors early in the process to confirm placement strategies that support both code compliance and visual impact. Every installation is purposeful and carefully considered.

OEG’s prefabrication capabilities have further streamlined construction. By building components off-site in their prefab shops, the team has reduced installation time, improved quality, and minimized on-site congestion.

Early in the build, OEG prefabricated underground conduit racks for the switchgear and assembled custom racks for panels and transformers. Conduit ranging from 2 to 4 inches was bent in-shop for major systems, including one-line distribution and the low-voltage backbone.

As the project moves into its final phase, device kits with labels and cover plates are being assembled off-site and delivered ready for installation. This allows field crews to complete rooms efficiently and with consistent quality.

Coordinating Complex Systems in an All-Weather Venue

Designing for an all-weather venue has presented unique challenges. With multiple roof levels and exposed areas, routing electrical systems required detailed planning to avoid waterproofing conflicts. Certain floors act as both surface and roof, demanding precise conduit placement and coordination across trades.

Unlike a traditional building with a single roof structure, the Hillsboro Hops ballpark features multiple split slabs with membranes, foam, and additional concrete layers. This complex design required OEG to carefully plan and route penetrations to maintain the integrity of the waterproofing system, particularly in high-traffic areas such as the concourse, where numerous concession lines converge.

The premium level also required creative electrical solutions. Floor boxes had to be installed in coordination with accordion walls and drainage systems, leaving little room for error.

To manage these complexities, OEG relied on its robust BIM capabilities to visualize system layouts in 3D and coordinate across trades. Daily sync meetings and pull-plan scheduling helped minimize trade stacking and avoid overlap between crews, improving both safety and workflow. 

Enhancing the Fan Experience Through Craftsmanship

OEG’s commitment to quality is reflected in every conduit run, lighting system, and connection point throughout the stadium. The team is focused on delivering excellent craftsmanship and precise coordination to ensure the stadium is not only ready on time but built to impress.

“We take a lot of pride in what we’re building here,” said an OEG representative. “The systems we’re installing will directly impact the fan experience, and we want that experience to be seamless, exciting and memorable.”

Powered by Partnership: 75+ Years with NECA/IBEW

OEG’s longstanding relationship with NECA and IBEW continues to shape its success. This trusted partnership ensures OEG has access to a highly skilled, trained workforce and the support to deliver complex projects at the highest standard.

Working closely with NECA/IBEW has helped OEG stay ahead of evolving industry demands and maintain a consistent pipeline of talent through strong apprenticeship programs and workforce development initiatives.

About OEG

Founded in 1947, OEG is one of the largest electrical contracting companies in the Pacific Northwest, known for delivering high-quality, innovative solutions across commercial, industrial, and high-tech sectors. In 2001, OEG was acquired by Everus Construction Group, a national provider of electrical and mechanical, and transmission and distribution services. Backed by Everus’ resources and financial strength, OEG continues to lead complex projects with a commitment to safety, craftsmanship, and community.

Visit OEG on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

As tech and ecommerce industries grow across the Pacific Northwest, so does the demand for large-scale infrastructure. The Daily Journal of Commerce featured an article by NECA/IBEW titled Electrical Solutions Drive Energy Efficiency in Data Centers & Warehouses, highlighting how electrical professionals are driving innovation in energy management.

Over the past two decades, Oregon and Washington have seen a sharp rise in data centers and warehouses, with facilities ranging from 4,000 to 4 million square feet. These buildings bring jobs, tax revenue, and local development, but they also rely heavily on electricity.

With energy costs climbing and sustainability becoming a business priority, advanced energy efficiency strategies are now essential. The article explores how electrical professionals are helping businesses reduce energy use, control costs, and operate more sustainably.

From smart power systems to energy monitoring and efficient lighting, electrical teams are improving operations while helping businesses stay competitive. These upgrades don’t just cut expenses; they also enhance productivity and support long-term growth.

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Get Details About NECA/IBEW Membership

Explore what it means to be part of a trusted network of electrical professionals. Visit the membership pages for NECA’s Oregon-Columbia Chapter or IBEW Local 48 to learn more and get started.

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Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) in Astoria, Oregon, is undergoing a major expansion to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community. The ambitious project includes a four-story, 182,000 SF addition to the existing hospital, which will feature an expanded emergency department, state-of-the-art operating rooms, larger patient rooms, and additional space for mechanical equipment.

The project will also include resiliency features, such as the region’s first Tsunami Vertical Evacuation Structure (TVES) and a deep pile foundation, ensuring the facility can remain operational during natural disasters. It will be one of the largest construction projects in Clatsop County’s history. This four-year capital improvement initiative will expand hospital services, attract new healthcare providers, and integrate the latest technology to better meet the community’s health needs.

The project team includes ZGF Architects, Skanska USA, and electrical contractor JH Kelly, responsible for overseeing and executing all phases of the electrical work for the expansion.   

JH Kelly has partnered with Skanska on several projects, with their collaboration dating back to 2019. They served as the Electrical Trade Partner on three school projects for the Astoria School District between 2020 and 2022, modernizing and expanding the schools. As the projects wrapped up, the opportunity for the Columbia Memorial Hospital project emerged. Skanska was awarded the project, and the strong working relationship built over the previous years helped pave the way for this new venture. 

JH Kelly’s Role in the Expansion

JH Kelly is responsible for all aspects of electrical work on the project, including a complex emergency system, power distribution, lighting and lighting control, low-voltage cabling, and fire alarm systems. While access control, security, and audio-visual systems are managed directly by the owner, JH Kelly handles the raceways, pathways, and power requirements to activate these systems. The majority of the electrical work, covering everything related to electricity, falls under their scope. This includes generator systems, fuel management system, UPS units, and specialty equipment in the imaging suites. 

Supporting the Local Community

When selecting a general contractor and trade partners for the Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) project, CMH prioritized companies with a local presence to benefit the community. Although it wasn’t a contractual requirement, CMH emphasized the importance of positively impacting the North Coast community. JH Kelly’s dedication to using local labor and subcontractors aligned with this goal. Furthermore, JH Kelly ensured that CMH would have access to local contractors for ongoing maintenance, promoting long-term support and a sustainable, locally-driven service network.

“Astoria is a coastal town, so it’s a bit off the beaten path from most major cities. But for us, it’s local. It’s home, and we take a lot of pride in that.” ~ Bob Breien, Sr. Project Manager JH Kelly

In past projects, JH Kelly has consistently prioritized working with the local community. For example, in 2021, JH Kelly, in partnership with Skanska, provided temporary power for Astoria High School’s senior prom, held outdoors due to COVID restrictions. Project superintendent Kristian Fremstad led efforts to secure a generator and lighting, with the team donating their time for setup and takedown. JH Kelly also strengthened its local business support by partnering with Bogh Electric, an IBEW Local 48 contractor, building on previous collaborations with local businesses during the Astoria school projects.

Special Considerations for the CMH Project

The Columbia Memorial Hospital project has several key considerations, with the most critical being its tsunami vertical evacuation refuge structure. Situated in the Cascadia Subduction Zone, the hospital must remain operational even during a major earthquake or tsunami. 

“What’s unique about this project is that it’s designed not just to survive but to serve as a gathering point and a resource for the entire community. ~ Abe Ott, JH Kelly Director of Marketing

To ensure this, utilities and generators are placed on the 4th and 5th floors, above the tsunami zone, keeping them intact during potential disasters. In case of power loss, the hospital’s generator system is designed to take over immediately, with an 50,000-gallon seismically-supported fuel tank ensuring uninterrupted power for as long as needed.

Additionally, flywheel UPS systems provide instant power transfer, ensuring that critical systems continue to operate without interruption, even if utility power is lost. This design adds an extra layer of resilience to the project, ensuring the hospital can function continuously, providing essential support during catastrophic events.

Work Currently in Progress

The project is currently focused on key tasks such as utility relocations, parking lot revisions, temporary helipad, site lighting, and providing temporary power. Asphalt and lighting in front of the existing cancer center are finished, and work is progressing on a road to bedrock for structural stability.

The helipad is being temporarily relocated due to its position in the utility relocation zone, ensuring Life Flight operations continue smoothly during construction. It will be moved to the top of the new hospital towards the project’s completion.

Behind the scenes, pre-construction efforts, led by Bob Breien, JH Kelly’s Electrical Sr. Project Manager, are focused on budgeting, constructability, value engineering, and coordination. Quentin Kauppi, JH Kelly’s Electrical BIM/Prefab Manager, leads clash detection and virtual design through the BIM coordination process, allowing off-site prefabrication for schedule efficiency. With the project timeline compressed, prefabrication helps keep the schedule on track.  

Long lead times for critical components, like generators, are being managed proactively. Due to a 90-week manufacturing process, the generators were submitted on, approved, and procured early during preconstruction, to address supply chain challenges and ensure timely delivery.  

Next Steps for the Columbia Memorial Hospital Project

The final completion date for the project is expected in spring of 2028, marking the completion of Phase 1B, which involves the new 182,807-square-foot hospital. Following that, the focus will shift to retrofitting and remodeling the existing hospital to integrate it with the new facility’s systems, ensuring seamless functionality between the two.

About JH Kelly

JH Kelly is a fourth-generation construction company that self-performs work across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. With a skilled workforce that includes plumbers, pipefitters, electricians, ironworkers, boilermakers, millwrights, carpenters, sheet metal workers, laborers, and operators, JH Kelly has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, diverse construction services.

When it comes to commercial property value, most people think location, square footage, or rental income. But there’s one powerful factor that often gets overlooked: the electrical system.

The Daily Journal of Commerce featured an article by NECA/IBEW titled How Electrical Infrastructure Impacts Commercial Property Value, shedding light on how power behind the walls can shape a building’s worth and investment potential.

Commercial property value is critical in real estate, shaping everything from investment strategies to lending decisions and tax assessments. Valuation isn’t just about square footage. It includes location, income potential, market conditions, and the physical condition of the property. External factors like zoning laws and development plans also play a role.

One area gaining more attention is electrical infrastructure. As the article points out, a property with modern, well-maintained electrical systems offers more than basic functionality. It signals investment potential. Reliable power supports tenant operations, reduces maintenance costs, and improves long-term value.

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Interested in Joining NECA or IBEW?

Become part of a powerful, supportive network of electrical professionals. Check out the membership pages for the Oregon-Columbia Chapter of NECA or IBEW Local 48 to learn more.

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