This content was published: September 24, 2014. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Cascade Hall’s first day!
Photos and story by Amy Mintonye
Students leave their first day of class at Cascade’s new academic building Cascade Hall.
September 24, 2014
Written by Amy Mintonye
Cascade Hall, the new academic building at Cascade Campus, opened its doors for the first day of the fall semester this Monday. Students excitedly explored the new classrooms, study spaces, offices and extended campus mall while finding their way to class.
The new 49,000 square-foot academic building is home to 14 general purpose classrooms, faculty workspaces, a long sought-after childcare center, the Center for Careers in Education and the Portland Teachers Program.
Study and lounge areas are placed throughout the building.
Designed by THA Architecture, Cascade Hall is anticipated to achieve LEED Gold status due to it’s many sustainable features including:
–Energy reducing /saving building: Including advanced operational systems, a high performing building envelope including R-20 wall insulation and R-50 roof insulation, high performance window glazing and exterior sun-shades.
–Natural ventilation: Hallways and other similar transitional spaces utilize natural ventilation.
The new 211-space parking garage provides a much-needed option for short-term parking for faculty, staff, students and visitors.
–Stormwater management: 100% of stormwater is treated and dispersed on site.
–Water use reduction: Projected water-use reduction of at least 30% better than code.
–Native or adapted landscaping: Reduces irrigation demand by at least 50%.
In addition to Cascade Hall, Cascade Campus opened its new 211-space underground parking garage beneath the landscaped mall between Cascade Hall and the under-construction Student Union. The garage adds much needed parking spaces to the growing Inner NE Portland Campus without sacrificing precious space to an above ground lot. Its design was part of the college’s commitment to the neighbors and the City of Portland to reduce the number of college-related vehicles parking on local streets. The garage also includes a charging station for electric cars.
Cascade Hall and the new parking garage are just part of Cascade Campus’s bond-funded expansion and renovation plan. Across the mall construction continues on the new Student Union, which will replace the outdated, 1970s-era Student Center. Slated to open for the Winter 2015 term, Student Union amenities will include food service and dining areas, student clubs and government offices, a study/lounge area, flexible meeting space, the Women’s Resource Center, Multicultural Center and the International Program offices. Demolition of the existing Student Center and renovations to the existing Library coming in 2016 will bring these facilities into the 21st century with a focus on technology, collaboration and diverse learning environments.
A student enjoying the new seating and landscaping in the extended mall.
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 the bond website