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A renovation of the 93-year-old 511 Federal Building designed by will let the consolidate most of its facilities and give it a presence in downtown.

Construction of the $19 million project is expected to start in January 2013 and finish in August 2014. The location will help the school grow, said Chris Bixby, senior associate at Allied Works.

鈥淏eing by the park blocks is going to be huge,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey really want to become the north anchor in the way (Portland State University) captures the south park blocks. There will be a symbiotic relationship between the park and the school ultimately.鈥�

Also, a vacant property on the western side of the building, owned by the city, is expected to be developed into a park, according to Bixby.

The renovation will give PNCA students more space to operate. Presently, the school leases multiple spaces around town 鈥� and the total square footage isn’t sufficient to accommodate the school’s growing student population.

The bulk of the PNCA’s curriculum will be taught in the 129,000-square-foot 511 Federal Building, though the school will continue to operate out of its facility on Johnson Street in the Pearl District. The former post office will be fitted to hold painting studios, a multiuse theater space and a gallery space. The building’s center will feature a large atrium where students will be able to gather and socialize.

Because the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its exterior will not change in appearance and only be restored and cleaned.

鈥淲e are doing a sensitive infusion of new architecture to contrast the old with a light touch,鈥� Bixby said.

The project is presently in the design review process.

鈥淥n the Boards鈥� is a weekly feature that spotlights local firms’ best design work. Submissions from architectural and engineering firms are encouraged. Please call 503-802-7240 or email [email protected].