Life away from home

The Portland State Music Department is adapting to life away from historic Lincoln Hall, which it vacated last summer when renovations began on PSU’s first building. The move proved difficult, with the department cutting nearly 40 percent of the contents in Lincoln Hall to fit into its temporary setting in the Extended Studies Building.

Built in 1911 as a high school, Lincoln Hall became Portland State College’s first building in 1953. Recently, the building was condemned due to asbestos, ancient plumbing and electrical systems, leaky heaters and an inability to keep up with federal, state and local seismic codes.

“If we were to have an earthquake, Lincoln Hall would collapse like a deck of cards,” said Brian Johansson, dean of the music department.

Considering the age of the building, remodeling had always been a long-term plan. A 15-year study on the building’s code violations has only added to concerns for the health and safety of PSU Music Department students and faculty.

About three years ago the condition of Lincoln Hall attracted the attention of the Gov. Ted Kulongoski and became a priority to renovate. The governor allocated $29 million to bring Lincoln Hall up to code, with updating shear walls, mechanical systems and plumbing—key aspects of remodeling the building.

Howard S. Wright was contracted to administer its expertise in eco-friendly construction and remodeling to the project. The company remodeled Shattuck Hall, which opened fall term after a yearlong remodel.

They also work carefully to meet federal LEED codes, which gives the school tax deductibles to ensure more money goes toward new programs and student opportunities.

“Working in a cleaner, brighter, healthier building seems to inspire faculty and students to work and study more efficiently,” Johansson said.

Classrooms are going to be reworked to use square footage better and MIDI labs are being expanded. Listening labs, recently taken over by the Dark Horse comic book collection at the library, are going to be part of the plan when Lincoln Hall becomes usable again.

The faculty in the music department has strived to bring the best education to the students. Steinway pianos and Boston instruments worth a total $2 million have been added to the music department recently, and focus on bringing scholarships to each and every student who applies is a principality the faculty prides itself on.

“Having worked at Reed College I noticed students were usually well-off financially already,” Johansson said. “Reed students didn’t have the scrappiness of PSU students.”

The music department will move back into Lincoln Hall from the Extended Studies Building September 2010.