Office of Planning and Construction

Communications Technology Building: A New Space for the Creative Arts

Sylvania CT interior renderingA new renovation on the Sylvania Campus will transform the Communications Technology Building (CT) into a vibrant space for PCC’s creative community. This 2022 bond-funded project is focused on upgrading the existing building into a multi-modal learning environment that cultivates student creativity and fosters collaboration across disciplines.

The updated Communications Technology Building will accommodate more instructional space for the visual and performing arts programs, and enhance access to versatile shared spaces that support multimedia expression. Accessible wayfinding and improved pathways to the building will increase campus circulation and traffic to the site. This new vision for the Communications Technology Building is guided by a committee made up of students, faculty, and staff.

Student contributions are essential to shaping the design, and we want to hear from you!

Add your voice

“We’re excited to give the PCC community a new creative art space on the Sylvania Campus that inspires collaborative learning and student creation.” Tim Kremer, Senior Project Manager

CT interior renderingLeading with inclusive design

The Office of Planning and Construction has partnered with BRIC Architecture and Studio Petretti to establish a Design Committee of students, faculty, and staff.

The Design Committee has established a set of guiding principles–known as North Stars–to shape the design and overall vision. These principles reflect the collective feedback and input of committee members. Read a full description of the North Stars. Key themes that have emerged from the committee describe a space that is:

  • Rooted in place
  • Part of a connected campus
  • A home of, for, and by creatives
  • Representative of PCC’s diverse student population

These North Stars guide the CT Building renovation through a collaborative process that reflects the values and needs of PCC students, staff, and faculty.

Co-Creating the Future of CT

The design process for the CT building is shaped by input from the PCC community. To ensure students can share their ideas for the building’s design, the pre-planning phase involves collaboration with the Associated Students of Portland Community College (ASPCC), resource groups, and campus centers, including:

  • Women’s Resource Center
  • Queer Resource Center
  • Accessible Ed & Disability Resources
  • Multicultural Center
  • Career Exploration Center
  • International Student Services
  • The Learning Center
  • Veterans Resource Center

Engagement efforts include open houses, workshops, and event tabling to connect with as many community members as possible.

Project team

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

FAQs

When will the project be completed?

This project is estimated to be completed in spring 2028.

When will construction start?

This project is currently in the pre-design phase of design. Construction is estimated to begin in January 2027.

How will the design process engage students and community members?

The CT design process relies heavily on input from the PCC community. To ensure that students have opportunities to contribute their ideas to the building design, pre-planning includes collaboration with the Associated Students of Portland Community College (ASPCC), resource groups, and campus centers including:

  • Women’s Resource Center
  • Queer Resource Center
  • Accessible Ed & Disability Resources
  • Multicultural Center
  • Career Exploration Center
  • International Student Services
  • The Learning Center
  • Veterans Resource Center

Engagement incorporates open houses, workshops, and event tabling to reach as many community members as possible.

In addition, the CT design process is informed by its Design Committee, made up of students, faculty, and college staff. Participants include those identifying as Black, Indigenous, Latine/x, LGBTQIA+, and individuals with disabilities. This group collaborates to define project north stars by setting guiding principles that shape the design vision. Committee members offer feedback through insights and recommendations during dialogue sessions, and perform reviews to ensure the project team remains dedicated to goals at every milestone. These practices foster a collaborative design planning process to integrate the values and needs of the entire community.

Will the renovation of CT affect my class locations?

Some classrooms may relocate temporarily or permanently. To confirm the location of your class, check with the course’s teacher or facilitator.

Will the art gallery be open during renovations of CT?

The art gallery will remain open and accessible, though its location may change during construction. The hours can be found on the Sylvania North View Art Gallery page.

Will this project’s development be eco-friendly?

Sustainable and low-impact development is central to the CT renovation project, including the capture and treatment of runoff and mitigation of air pollution impacts. The project will meet a minimum of LEED SILVER certification with an aspiration for LEED GOLD certification. Additionally, 1.5% of the total project costs will be committed to Green Energy Technology per the State of Oregon’s Department of Energy.

Who do I contact if I have a question?

Project manager

Tim Kremer, Senior Project Manager
tim.kremer@pcc.edu 

Timeline

  • Construction begins: Summer 2026
  • Grand opening: Spring 2028

Links

Steering committee