Building Blocks: Mt. Scott Community Center seismic retrofit and expansion

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PROJECT: Mt. Scott Community Center seismic retrofit and expansion

LOCATION: 5530 S.E. 72nd Ave., Portland

SIZE: 39,384-square-foot renovation and 31,000-square-foot addition

START DATE: December 2023

ANTICIPATED COMPLETION DATE: fall 2025

BUDGET: $34.5 million

OWNER/DEVELOPER: Portland Parks & Recreation

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Bremik Construction

ARCHITECT: FFA Architecture and Interiors

ENGINEERS: ABHT Structural Engineers (structural), PAE (MEP), Samata Consulting Engineers (electrical), Vega Civil Engineering (civil)

OTHER ASSOCIATES/CONSULTANTS: KPFF (surveying), Mayer/Reed (landscape), PBS Engineering & Environmental (geotechnical)

PROJECT SIGNIFICANCE: Following partial demolition to remove unreinforced masonry, the Mt. Scott Community Center will receive a renovation of 39,384 square feet and gain a 31,000-square-foot, two-story addition. The project will bring the center into seismic compliance, improve ADA accessibility, and expand recreational programming.

The renovation will include seismic improvements to the existing gym and roller rink structure, electrical service upgrades to support the expansion, replacement of HVAC equipment, and addition of sprinklers to the gym and chlorine storage room. Site improvements will include new plazas at the east and west building entrances, new parking lot pavement and landscaping, and right-of-way dedication and public street improvements to meet current code.

The addition will hold a preschool, multipurpose classrooms, a teen center, an event center, a fitness and aerobics studio, and office/administration and support spaces. The structure’s design, according to the FFA website, draws inspiration from a cabin nestled in the woods.

Plans call for sloping roofs with deep overhangs, all from a structural system of cross-laminated timber (CLT), FFA states. The outdoor covered spaces will create a large and welcoming “front porch” entry. To protect as many existing trees as possible and to highlight key programmatic elements, the addition’s footprint and roof heights will vary; the stepping form will connect to the surrounding neighborhood’s scale and character. Inside, the CLT will provide natural warmth to the new lobby, fitness center, event hall, and preschool classrooms. The main hallway will feature a central skylight.

The center will gain a high-performing HVAC system, a solar array, and energy efficiency upgrades. A Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design gold rating is being targeted for the project.

“Building Blocks” spotlights noteworthy projects either under construction or approaching the start of construction. To submit a project for consideration, please visit: djcoregon.com/building-blocks.