The modernization of Grant High School protects and restores meaningful historic architectural elements and restores landscape back into spaces that provide outdoor classrooms, improved circulation, views to the park beyond, and air and light into the building. This porous design approach integrates sustainable stormwater gardens that facilitate on-site runoff treatment while serving as active "living laboratories" for student engagement. The site design balances many needs for the 1,700 student population and staff members including multiple sports fields, security, low maintenance requirements and access, on-site day-care facilities, outdoor classroom spaces, parking, community garden, and more.

Client: Portland Public School District

Team: ZGF, KPFF, Mayer/Reed

Status: Completed with Mayer/Reed

Awards: ASLA Oregon Chapter, Honor Award (2022), Restore Oregon, DeMuro Award (2020), Oregon DJC Top Projects, First Place, Primary Education (2020), Oregon’s Excellence in Concrete Awards, Education K-12 Winner (2020), Portland Business Journal, Transformer Award (2019)

Credits: Images courtesy of Bruce Forster and Benjamin Benschneider