EVENTS Archives - Page 2 of 19

Celebrating a Modernized Benson Polytechnic High School

Community members and local dignitaries joined students, staff and project team members in celebrating the official reopening of a modernized Benson Polytechnic High School. The September 14 ribbon cutting marked a new era of innovation for Portland Public Schools’ 1916 career and technical education (CTE) campus.

The modernization, led by Bassetti Architects, balances historic preservation with expansion, increasing space for state-of-the-art, hands-on learning. Mayer/Reed’s site design respects the campus’s classic symmetry while introducing universal accessibility and adding student-centered outdoor spaces throughout.

Visitors to the grand opening event toured the building and explored new and redesigned outdoor spaces including the main entry landscape, a new central courtyard adjacent to the student commons and the multi-functional CTE courtyard with outdoor workspaces for construction, applied geometry, manufacturing and automotive workshops.

Benson is the sixth high school to be modernized or rebuilt through the PPS School Improvement Bond program—all with landscape architecture by Mayer/Reed.

A New Era for Errol Heights Park

Errol Heights Par k buzzed with excitement on June 1 as the community gathered to celebrate the reimagined park and surrounding street improvements. The much-anticipated updates (completed in January of this year by Portland Parks & Recreation) have quickly transformed the park into a neighborhood gem.

The play areas were alive with activity, folks explored the elevated, accessible pathway that zigzags through the urban wetland and, overall, a sense of joy and gratitude filled the air. Community members shared personal stories about the journey to make this dream a reality; a ceremonial ribbon-cutting marked the beginning of a new era for the park and neighborhood.

As landscape architect for the park, Mayer/Reed’s design relied heavily on public input. The resulting programming reflects the neighborhood’s passion for accessibility, inclusivity, community gathering and environmental protection. Revamped and ready for exploration – Errol Heights Park has something for everyone.

A New Innovation Hub at University of Portland

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 4 celebrated the recent opening of the Shiley-Marcos Center for Design & Innovation at the University of Portland. Designed by Opsis Architecture, with wayfinding and donor recognition by Mayer/Reed, the building embodies the innovative spirit of Donald P. Shiley (UP alum and engineer) who attributed his professional success to collaboration and hands-on experimentation. An installation featuring the building’s namesake couple, Donald Shiley and Darlene Marcos Shiley, asks, “What if I followed my imagination? What if I wasn’t afraid to fail?” – encouraging future engineers to use the building’s makerspaces, labs and tools to tinker, dream and innovate.

OSU PRAx Opens Its Doors

Oregon State University’s Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts, or PRAx, bustled with activity during a grand opening in early April. Visitors enjoyed art installations, live music and theatrical performances throughout the day-long celebration.

Designed by Holst Architecture with signage by Mayer/Reed, the new campus centerpiece is home to a concert hall, black box theater and art gallery, as well as classrooms, studios and labs. Sophisticated yet understated, the signage system plays with depth, translucence, reflection, sheen and contrast to amplify the drama taking place within the venue.