Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Future Sylvania

Building space for community and creativity

PCC is creating vibrant spaces to better connect our campus and community. Future Sylvania is a series of 2022-bond-funded projects that will modernize instructional spaces, improve wayfinding, address deferred maintenance needs, and enhance accessibility across the campus.

This work includes a full renovation of the Communications Technology Building (CT) to support PCC’s Creative Arts programs, as well as significant site improvements to key campus areas that will benefit students, faculty, and staff across all disciplines.

About the project

Future Sylvania will enhance campus spaces and connections to enrich the experience of current and future students while supporting access for all:

• A full renovation of the Communications Technology Building (CT) will create a new hub for the Creative Arts programs at Sylvania.
• Renovations on the second floor of the Technology Classroom Building (TCB) will update existing classrooms and create new office and instructional spaces to support ESOL, Adult Education, and Yes to College.
• Renovations in the Social Science Building (SS) will update existing classrooms and provide new office and instructional spaces to support ASL, Communication, English, ITP, Journalism, Philosophy, Reading, World Languages, and Writing.
• Select areas of the South Classroom Building (SCB) will be remodeled to better serve program needs.
• The Performing Arts Center (PAC) Plaza, Bookstore Plaza, and other common gathering areas will be revitalized to create a more accessible, inviting, and vibrant campus.
• Improvements to the Science Technology Building (ST), Health Technology Building East (HT East), Automotive Metals Building (AM), and Heat Plant (HP) will support temporary program relocations.
• The campus entryway will be upgraded to improve accessibility, safety, and wayfinding for visitors, along with improvements to the area north of the CT, and the P11 Parking Lot.

“Extending far beyond the renovation of the CT Building, this project will deliver a new center for visual and performing arts, while also bringing improvements to several buildings across campus and large-scale site improvements transformative for the Sylvania Campus.” Tim Kremer, Senior Project Manager

We’re collaborating with students, faculty, staff, administrators, resource groups, campus centers, and industry experts to help shape the design at every step. Stay connected — your voice and creativity will help us create new spaces for connection and expression.

Join our mailing list

From vision to design

Future Sylvania is currently progressing beyond the design phase, with construction on some campus spaces already underway. Recent work has focused on:

• Refining details, materials, and equipment planning
• Integrating building systems and wayfinding for a seamless user experience
• Advancing into the contracting and construction phases
  

Leading with inclusive design

PCC has established committees of students, faculty, and staff to help guide Future Sylvania and ensure the community’s voice is central.

The Future Sylvania Steering Committee plays a key role in shaping improvements at Sylvania. This dedicated group works closely with the design team to turn community input into thoughtfully designed spaces that are adaptable, inclusive, and sustainable.

Established in partnership with BRIC Architecture, Studio Petretti, and Varitone Architecture, the Design Committee brings student, faculty, and staff perspectives to the CT renovation. The committee meets regularly to explore how classrooms, digital spaces, and campus programs can promote equity and social justice. DEC members have helped shape the project’s vision and goals, developing an equity tool to guide the design and construction teams, and providing feedback that informed the design process and inspired initiatives to make campus experiences more inclusive.

Our North Stars

The Design Equity Committee developed north stars as guiding principles for Future Sylvania, keeping the project focused on equity, creativity, and connection. From these north stars, key themes have emerged that describe a space that is:

• Rooted in place: Spaces connect to nature with daylight, views, and covered outdoor areas.
• Part of a connected campus: Clear layouts and wayfinding support equitable access and community connection.
• A gathering place for creativity: Studios and gathering areas are flexible and welcoming, supporting exhibitions and performances.
• Representation: Inclusive, accessible spaces reflect PCC’s diverse community.

Read a full description of the North Stars.

Project team

• PCC Office of Planning and Construction
• BRIC Architecture
• Studio Petretti
• Lease Crutcher Lewis Construction

Stay connected

Student, faculty, and staff contributions are essential to shaping the design. Whether it’s the green space, the creative energy, or the easy parking – we want to hear what you love about CT and the Sylvania Campus.

Join the conversation and see how the campus is taking shape.

Help shape Future Sylvania