• Benson Banner

    Benson Polytechnic High School is one of 3 PPS high schools being modernized through the May 2017 Bond. It was partially master planned as part of the 2012 School Building Improvement Bond. Phased three year construction on Benson Tech is scheduled to begin in 2021. Learn more about Benson High School here.

  • Construction updates

    January 2022 - Exterior demolition is more than halfway done.
    Benson Demolition machines tear at debris
    Demolition is fully underway on the former Benson shop spaces and the north side of the building.

    Wide view of Benson construction site demolition
    The demolition and roof removal work on the north shop wing (C wing) has exposed details of the historical sawtooth roofing. A style of construction no longer common.

    Historic sawtooth roofing North Shop demolition
    In the center of the campus, excavation work involves removing the remaining boiler room basement walls. 

    excavation work in former boiler room
    Inside the building, large steel beams are being installed to support the historic main 1916/1917 building prior to excavation below the main level floor. The excavation is required to accommodate new mechanical systems, access tunnels, and the structural retrofit.

    large steel beams are installed to support the historic main building
    Interior demolition continues in the auditorium around the stage. 

    Interior demolition continues in the auditorium
    The work exposed some amusing "cultural artifacts", graffiti from students of decades past that were hidden behind the walls.
    Graffitti hidden behind the walls
    On the outside of the building's north side along Irving Street, shoring and structural supports are being put in place to prepare for the construction of Building B's new basement.  The lower levels of Building B's are being remodeled to include future Benson music spaces. 
    construction of the new basement along Irving St

    December 2021 - Demolition is progressing. Interior renovation underway.
    Active building demolition at Benson
    Significant demolition has taken place on Significant demolition has taken place on the site with a focus on the later addition buildings that were clustered in the center of the site. The campus buildings and wings that are being removed include the 1953 Automotive/Aeronautics building, the 1917 boiler house, the 1991 band room addition, the 1953 science addition, and the 1991 library and health occupations addition.
    Benson Buildings now gone from center of campus
    These buildings and wings are being removed to make way for the future social and CTE courtyard areas.
    Reinforcing Historic Benson Brick walls
    Elsewhere the historic brick walls facing Irving street and Buckman field have been braced to stabilize them prior to the demolition of the shop building. The walls will be renovated and remain as part of the future building. 
    Benson Brick salvage
    Additionally, historic brick salvage is underway and nearly complete. 
    Work inside the Historic Main building
    On the inside of the main 1917 school building structural framing and hollow clay tile wall upgrades have begun.
    Benson windows removed
    Most of the school's historic windows have also been removed, and will be rehabilitated prior to reinstallation later in the modernization process. 

    Sept 2021 Demolition has begun

     Demo on Auto Building
    Demolition on the former auto shop is underway.
    Benson Gym walls braced up
    Work is also taking place in the gym to shore up the existing wall in preparation for rennovation of the historical space. 

    Benson historic windows

    Many of Benson's historic windows have been removed and will be sent out to be refurbushed for later reinstallation.

    August 2021 Groundbreaking

    Groundbreaking at Benson

    View the August Groundbreaking photos here.

     

     

Benson Project Photos

Benson Construction 1-12-22

Benson Renderings

Benson Modernization renderings Fall 2020

Benson Flythrough

  • Project Team

    Bassetti Architects is the architecture firm selected for the modernization of Benson Polytechnic High School. Since 1947, Bassetti Architects has designed places where people learn, work, play, and connect. They believe that architecture is most successful when it reflects client goals and thoughtfully interacts with the surroundings. The firm approach is to share their creative synergy and to join with clients and the community in a truly inclusive process with a commitment to excellence.

    Andersen Construction is a Portland based, family owned general contractor that was founded in 1950. The company has grown steadily over the past 70  years, building many Portland landmarks including the OHSU Knight Cancer Research Building , Grant Highschool and the (renovated) St. Vincent Hospital patient tower. The Andersen Construction Foundation is an active philanthropic partner with many local community give back programs.