One Step Closer to a New Cleveland High School

A group of eight people post for a ceremonial groundbreaking at Portland's Cleveland High School. They are wearing hard hats, safety vests and holding golden shovels.

The golden shovels came out for a long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony at Southeast Portland’s Cleveland High School. We joined Portland Public Schools, city officials, students, staff and community members for the momentous occasion.

A rendering shows the future central courtyard of Cleveland High School with a skybridge overhead connecting the school buildings. The courtyard contains pedestrian paths and stepped seating for gatherings and breaks. — COURTESY OF MAHLUM AND STUDIO PETRETTI, RENDERING BY SIDE PIXEL STUDIO

The modernization project will replace the aging school with a state-of-the-art campus. Working alongside Mahlum Architects and Studio Petretti, Mayer/Reed designed outdoor spaces at the new facility that foster gathering and movement. A new central courtyard will serve as the heart of campus life — a big change for a school that currently lacks any outdoor spaces. The new Cleveland High School is expected to open to students in the fall of 2029.