Tour and Happy Hour

Benson Polytechnic High School

March 18, 2025
4:30 – 5:30 pm Pacific
Happy Hour to follow tour

542 NE 12th Ave
Portland, OR 97232

Serving students from all over the district, Benson Polytechnic High School is not a typical neighborhood high school in that it uses a lottery system for enrollment. Founded in 1917, Benson has contributed to the industrial and vocational education of countless students over its storied history. In more recent decades, it has been transformed into a CTE (Career Technical Education) focused school, at which students choose a tailored high school path.

This project modernized the most historically significant portions of this designated local historic landmark: the 1917 main classroom building, the 1925 gym, the 1929 auditorium and the 1917 foundry building. Additionally, the design retains the most public façade of the moderately-contributing 1917 north and 1918 south shop wings, providing continuity to the public-facing historic fabric while allowing the program needs to drive the layout of the classroom / shop wings, maximizing functionality and adjacencies. The facades of the historic buildings were restored, including restoration of the original masonry, terracotta and windows. Interior spaces were reconfigured and updated, with a focus on life safety, accessibility, functionality, sustainability, and historic significance.

Located at the heart of the school, the design features a new wing that houses a commons, student store, and digital café / career center flanked by two secure courtyards, providing ample outdoor gathering, learning, and project space. New two-story wings facing the east “CTE” courtyard provide state-of-the-art CTE spaces co-located with academic classrooms in an arrangement that maximizes functionality, adaptability, transparency, daylight and outdoor access on a tight site.

Learning Objectives:

• Understanding the Evolution of Vocational Education: Learn about the historical evolution of vocational education at Benson Polytechnic High School, exploring how it has transitioned from a traditional vocational school to a modern CTE-focused institution. Participants will learn about the design of heavy-CTE spaces, and the infrastructure required to support it.
• Exploring Design Principles for Integrated Education: Examine the design principles employed in co-locating CTE and academic programs, emphasizing how these principles enhance student learning by bridging diverse curricula and promoting interdisciplinary experiences.
• Appreciating Historic Preservation and Adaptive Reuse: Gain insights into the challenges and successes of preserving historic landmarks within a modern educational context. This includes understanding the restoration process of the school’s historic buildings while meeting contemporary educational needs.
• Experiencing Innovative Educational Spaces: Experience innovative educational environments, including newly designed wings and shared spaces like the commons, student store, and digital café/career center. Participants will learn how these spaces foster collaboration, creativity, and career readiness among students.

Project Team:
Architect of Record: Bassetti Architects
Landscape Architect: Mayer Reed
Mechanical Engineer: PAE
Structural Engineer: KPFF Consulting Engineers
Electrical Engineer: Glumac Engineers
Civil Engineer: Mazzetti
Contractor: Andersen Construction
Specialized Consultants: Acoustics / AV Design – The Greenbusch Group; Food Service Consultant – JBK Consulting & Design; LEED – Lensa Consulting; Lighting Designer – O-LLC Lighting Design; Theater Design – PLA Designs; Hardware – Adams Consulting & Estimating; Planner – Angelo Planning Group; Historic Preservation – Architectural Resources Group; Survey – Ferguson Land Surveying; Envelope Consultant – Forensic Building Consultants; HazMat – PBS Engineering and Environmental; Cost Estimating – Construction Focus; 3D BIM & Laser Scan – i-TEN Associates
Owner: Portland Public Schools

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm	Tour Benson Polytechnic High School 542 NE 12th Ave Portland, OR 97232
Following Tour	Happy Hour Paydirt 2724 NE Pacific St Portland, OR 97232

Members: Free | Non-Members: $20

Please register by March 17.

Event Sponsor: