PORTLAND, Ore. -- Mercy Corps has officially broken ground on its new headquarters building in Portland.

The new home of the worldwide humanitarian aid organization will be the historic Skidmore building and a new building next door.

The Skidmore renovation will feature environmentally friendly designs, including a rooftop solar array, green roof and landscaping which reduces storm water flow.

The headquarters will also have an area to help educate visitors about global issues such as poverty and hunger.

The two four-story buildings will have space for about 200 workers. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2009.