91ÊÓƵ

The team proposing modernization of the Jefferson High School campus in North Portland received design advice from the Historic Landmarks Commission on Monday. Plans call for complete or partial demolition of existing buildings (contributing structures in the Piedmont Conservation District) and site amenities: a track, fields, parking areas and more. They would be replaced by new buildings and structures.

Jefferson, located in the Humboldt neighborhood, was historically considered Portland’s Black high school. It’s located at 5210 N. Kerby Ave., in the Humboldt neighborhood. The campus is bordered by North Killingsworth Street to the north and North Humboldt Street to the south; North Alberta Street crosses through the property.

The 13.47-acre site includes the original building that opened in 1909, additions and other buildings constructed between 1928 and 1968, a track, fields, and parking.

The project team includes Portland Public Schools, Bora Architecture & Interiors and LEVER Architecture.

At this point the team is proposing to retain the 1909 portion of the existing building and redevelop most of the remaining site. The existing field between Killingsworth Street and the 1909 building will be maintained.

The existing track also will be maintained, LEVER Architecture principal Chandra Robinson stated during Monday’s hearing.

Additional modifications are anticipated as the design process progresses. The focus of Monday’s meeting was on existing buildings’ fates, hierarchy of streets and site access, new building locations, height and massing on the site, response to the surrounding residential neighborhood, and more.

Parties stressed Monday that ADA access to the 1909 building is important to both Portland Public Schools and the design team. Currently, there is limited ADA access on sides of the building and none at the front.

The main entry requires renovation, Robinson said. The project team plans to transform it into more of a ceremonial entry, eliminate most of the stairs, and install a ramp for accessibility.

Plans also call for adding some sort of public path through the site.

Alterations made to the 1909 building include diamond detail pattern changes, plaster placed over arches, and flattened vertical breaks between sets of windows. Most of those alterations were made in the 1950s.

The project will move forward as a Type II process, Bureau of Development Services employee Art Graves said, unless demolition of most of the structures is proposed. In that event, a Type III demolition review by the Historic Landmarks Commission would be required.

Plans call for replacing tennis courts on the site’s northeast corner with parking.

Commissioner Andrew Smith said some of the 1909 building’s missing features are evident on the 1928 building, which currently is targeted for demolition. He said he can see an alternative where both buildings are retained. Commission Chair Kristen Minor agreed that the team should closely examine the 1928 building before pursuing demolition.

The primary entry was a hot topic for the commissioners. Minor expressed interest in learning if either the east entry or west entry could become the primary one.

The project is valued at $21 million. Schematic design will begin in early 2023. The team is set to return in early spring for a second design advice hearing and may request a third hearing. Construction could begin in 2024.