Groundbreaking Celebrated for PPS Multiple Pathways to Graduation Building

Portland Public Schools recently kicked off construction for the new Multiple Pathways to Graduation (MPG) Building with a groundbreaking ceremony in the Benson Polytechnic High School parking lot – the soon-to-be location of the new, 85,000 SF multi-story building. Part of the extensive Benson Polytechnic High School Modernization project, the new building will create a permanent home for MPG programs such as Alliance at Benson and Meek, DART/Clinton, Teen Parent Childcare, Teen Parent Services and Reconnection Services and Center.

Led by Bassetti Architects with landscape architecture by Mayer/Reed, the building and site design incorporate trauma-informed best practices to create a safe and inclusive environment that supports the diverse and specific needs of MPG programs and students. Officially underway with Andersen Construction, the project is expected to be complete in Fall 2024.

Posted September 13, 2022
Written by: Mayer/Reed
Categories: EVENTS  PROJECTS 

Team Selected for New Clackamas County Courthouse

We are proud to announce Mayer/Reed is on the team selected for the Clackamas County Courthouse replacement project following a year-long competitive procurement process. With Fengate PCL Progress Partners (FP3), we will be designing signage and wayfinding for the brand new facility in Oregon City. The current courthouse is in urgent need of replacement to meet the needs of the county (it was built in 1936 for a population of 50,000 and now serves a community of 420,000). We’re excited to be part of the team!

Long-awaited Improvements Commence for Errol Heights Park

Exciting changes are underway at Errol Heights Park in Southeast Portland, where neighbors are seeing beginnings of the design they’ve helped shape. Construction crews are preparing the site for improvements that will occur over the next year. Mayer/Reed worked with Portland Parks & Recreation and the neighborhood on a design for the 16-acre park that will provide trails for barrier-free access, inclusive play opportunities, community gardens and picnic areas on the upper plateau. The park’s lower natural areas and pond—locally known for wildlife habitat­—will be protected and a new outdoor classroom will welcome school groups.

This Saturday, the community is invited to a meet and greet event at the park to learn more about the work ahead. The improved Errol Heights Park is planned for completion in 2023.

Posted June 09, 2022
Written by: Mayer/Reed
Categories: EVENTS  PROJECTS 

Walk, Bike and Scoot Even “Better” Along Naito Parkway

Just in time for summer, “Better Naito Forever” officially opened on May 6 with a ribbon cutting and inaugural bike ride. This protected space for people walking and biking along SW Naito Parkway and Tom McCall Waterfront Park is now a permanent part of downtown Portland’s multi-modal infrastructure.

Linked with a similar project south of the Hawthorne Bridge which provides off street bike and pedestrian paths, the city has gained dedicated space for walking and rolling along 22 continuous blocks.

Mayer/Reed landscape architects and urban designers collaborated with David Evans & Associates (DEA) engineers on both segments, working with Portland Bureau of Transportation and Portland Parks & Recreation to establish human-scaled spaces that blend streetscape with park. “It was crucial to maintain a parklike edge, protect trees and create clear and welcoming park entrances,” notes Mayer/Reed project manager, Shannon Simms.

What began in 2015 as a temporary, volunteer-led pilot project to accommodate the influx of visitors to Waterfront Park during the summer festival season, “Better Naito” had grown to see wide support, eventually being designed, engineered and constructed. Now, in addition to providing space for daily recreation and bicycle commuting, the two-way cycle track and separate pedestrian sidewalk will offer inviting access for festival goers when outdoor events once again enliven our waterfront.