The University has finalized plans to relocate its Portland satellite campus, which will open in January 2008.
The University said Thursday that it has agreed to an 18-year lease for the White Stag building and two other historic buildings located in Old Town Portland, which, after an extensive renovation, will be home to the new Portland satellite campus.
Currently, the Portland Center’s 40,000-square-foot Willamette Block building and other leased properties in the Yamhill District serve about 200 to 250 students as a satellite campus. The University’s Senior Vice President and Provost John Moseley said enrollment is expected to double with the opening of the 66,000-square-foot White Stag property, located at West Burnside Street and Naito Parkway. The three newly acquired buildings will house the entire Portland Center. The building’s most recognizable feature is the landmark “Made In Oregon” sign that overlooks the Willamette river.
University President Dave Frohnmayer said in a press release that he was pleased with the Portland campus’ growth.
“This new space will bring together our programs in a signature building in Old Town that will best serve our students, our alumni and the people of Portland,” he said.
The University’s agreement with White Stag Block, LLC, managed by Venerable Group, Inc., will result in the construction of six classrooms, an event space to seat up to 250, a library for architecture and journalism programs, a computer lab, the University’s study abroad program and administrative offices for 75 to 100 employees.
There are no immediate plans to sell the Portland Center’s present home, the Willamette Block building, and The Duck Shop will remain at the current location. Final lease and operational costs for the White Stag block will be determined by the building’s design, according to the press release.
Portland Mayor Tom Potter said he was glad the University had committed to maintaining a strong and expanded presence.
“Ducks always make good neighbors,” he said.
Venerable Properties, LLC, a subsidiary of Venerable Group, Inc., intends to spend approximately $30 million on electrical and plumbing renovations and on structural upgrades to protect against earthquakes in the three buildings, which will be developed into a single complex. The White Stag block’s vacant buildings were deteriorated, Venerable Properties president and primary broker Art DeMuro previously told the Emerald. According to the University’s press release the signature architectural elements of the vintage structures will be preserved. The three masonry buildings embellished with wrought-iron details were built at the turn of the 20th century.
The University’s Portland Center first offered classes as early as 1917, and the program has housed architecture and urban design classes in Portland for more than 25 years. The center also holds courses in journalism, law education and in continuing and distance education programs.
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