Southeast Portland Trader Joe’s on Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard closed after asbestos found during flooring renovation

Store closure ordered as cleanup plans move forward

A Trader Joe’s grocery store in Southeast Portland at 4715 SE Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. shut down on March 5, 2026, after state regulators responded to an asbestos exposure issue discovered during renovation work on the store’s floor. The store is expected to remain closed until abatement and decontamination are completed, with no confirmed reopening date announced.

The closure followed the identification of asbestos in material associated with the flooring work. Regulators determined that a pre-renovation asbestos survey did not capture all relevant floor-related materials, and subsequent testing detected asbestos connected to the work area. The shutdown was initiated so that further disturbance could stop and professional cleanup could begin under required safety controls.

What is known about the asbestos finding

Asbestos is a regulated hazardous material that can pose health risks when fibers are released into the air and inhaled. Oregon’s rules require specific handling, containment and disposal methods when asbestos-containing materials are present in a renovation or demolition setting.

• The affected area was tied to flooring materials involved in renovation activities.
• The store was directed to close so decontamination and abatement could be completed before reopening.
• Regulators indicated it was too early to determine whether asbestos rules were violated, and reviews were continuing.

Health guidance and risk assessment

Public health officials stated that, based on the type of material identified and the apparent duration of exposure during renovation, the risk to employees was believed to be low. Even so, asbestos exposure is treated cautiously because there is no established “safe” level, and health impacts are influenced by factors such as fiber concentration, duration and whether fibers become airborne.

Authorities advised that the store will not reopen until abatement and decontamination are complete.

For customers and workers who were in the store during the renovation period, officials issued practical steps focused on reducing any chance of residual dust transfer from packaging and personal items. Guidance included wiping down packaged goods before opening and transferring food into clean containers as a precaution.

What happens next

Before the store can resume operations, licensed abatement work is expected to address any contaminated materials, followed by decontamination and verification steps typically used to ensure an area is safe for re-occupancy. Regulators said the store would remain closed until those steps are completed.

In the meantime, the case has renewed attention on how asbestos can be encountered during renovation in older buildings, and why surveys and testing must account for all materials that may be disturbed—including layers beneath visible flooring.