New School of Business Administration building slated for 2010

Portland State’s new building for the School of Business Administration won’t be coming as soon as initially planned.

Led by Dean of Business Administration Scott Dawson, the project is still in the process of raising funds, and estimates point out that the original plan to start construction in early 2010 will be pushed back to late 2010 in light of recent economic circumstance.

The building will cost an estimated $60–90 million, but PSU will raise only half of the funds. The other half will come from state bonds.

The building will be tied together by a central atrium that is accessible from the Park Blocks. PSU has contracted with an architecture firm, Zimmer-Gunsul-Frasca, whose focus is sustainability and innovation.

The new building will replace the Extended Studies building and other buildings on Southwest Park and Market.

The building will feature 135,000 square feet of classroom space, student resources, community areas, faculty offices and student study rooms. An additional 10,000 square feet will be designated for general university use.

The business administration program’s success, and its reputation for nationally recognized scholars, extensive curriculum and community networking, have led to significant growth within the school.

“In 1986 we had about 1,500 students, now we have over 3,000,” O’Connor said.

Increasing popularity in the business program, as well as high demand for technologically savvy business majors, has amplified the need for an updated building.

“Our current business building was constructed in 1986,” said Maureen O’Connor, major gifts officer for the School of Business Administration.