This content was published: March 20, 2013. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
PCC develops a new Trades Education Center on Swan Island
Photos and story by Gina Whitehill-Baziuk
March 20, 2013
Written by Gina Whitehill-Baziuk
Map of the Swan Island Area. Yellow highlighted area indicates site of new PCC center.
In summer 2010, PCC purchased the former state of Oregon Motor Pool Facility with a vision of creating a PCC Trades Education Center. The five acre property at Swan Island was selected as an ideal location to house the college’s trades & industry courses as it is situated in the heart of the Swan Island industrial and manufacturing community.
Phase I of PCC’s Swan Island project will include a capital construction investment of $3.4 million to remodel and expand the former motor pool site. During its 2012 interim session, the Oregon Legislature recognized the substantial jobs and educational value in siting PCC’s training program on Swan Island. The authorization of one million dollars towards the renovation and expansion effort, recently approved by the state treasurer, further leverages PCC’s voter-approved bond capital.
Rendering of Phase I for the PCC Swan Island Trades Education Center
When finished, the new facility will provide over 20,000 SF of classroom and lab space for the career technical education (CTE) courses currently provided on the Cascade Campus Trades & Industry Department. The department includes Facilities Maintenance Technology / HVAC-R, Electrical Trades Apprenticeship (consisting of motors, refrigeration, and some electrical), and Fiber Optics. In addition to the renovation and building addition, the college will remove the existing compressed natural gas storage tanks and decommission the ethanal fueling station currently on the property. Portland Community College is excited to be part of the Swan Island business district and looks forward to building relationships with the community and its organizations.
Site plan for the new Trades Education Center on Swan Island.
SWAN ISLAND TRADES EDUCATION CENTER: PHASE 2
In an effort to expand upon the PCC Phase I CTE project, the college will pursue development of a Phase II project at the Swan Island property. It is anticipated that Phase II will consist of a new building to house additional CTE classrooms and labs. This project will add four to five new lecture classrooms, four new CTE shops, as well as storage and swing space for career technical education programs. Although the design and intended use of this Phase II structure are undefined at this time, it will likely be a single story building of approximately 25,000 SF. This additional space will be a potential resource for a wide array of technical training courses as well as programs geared toward technology and project management. Funds have not yet been identified to support the larger Phase 2 vision, but could come through private fundraising, state capital, or a future voter-supported bond program.
Flyer for the new PCC Trades Education Center on Swan Island
PCC’s 2008 voter-approved $374 million bond program is increasing opportunities for residents to access quality, affordable higher education close to where they live and work. Additional classrooms, updated equipment and technology, and advanced workforce training programs are helping to pave the way for future employment options. For more information, visit www.pcc.edu/about/bond/about.