Rebuilding Benson Polytechnic High School

 

For 106 years, the Classical Revival west façade of Benson Polytechnic High School has been one of the most noticeable buildings in Northeast Portland.  But unless you are more than 70 years old, you never saw the back side of the original building – or ever thought about it.

 Now, an extensive  remodel underway at Benson has cleared away a clutter of accessory buildings at the rear of the school, returning to view much of the original --and historically tasteful --eastern side.  The massive renovation project is expected to cost close to $300 million before it is completed in 2024.

 The spendy remodel will include a bunch of whizzbang new features, including a new gymnasium, library and instructional facilities.   But from the preservationists’ point of view, another benefit is that historical elements of the original building – both front and back – will be restored and preserved.

Eastern facade exposed after many decades

The original building, finished in 1916, had a narrow, rectangular floorplan.  However, its designer, architect Floyd Naramore, intended for it to be added onto incrementally as needed.  Shop wings were added to the north and south sides at the rear of the building in 1917 and 1918, followed by what is now called the “old gym” in 1925 and an auditorium in 1930. A library addition in 1953 closed off from public view what little could be seen of the original rear façade.

Naramore served as architect for the rapidly expanding school system from 1912 until 1919.  During those years, he designed 12 elementary schools (many still in use) as well as Benson and Franklin High School.  Portland was growing rapidly at the time.

 To meet the needs of growth Naramore devised what were called “unit” plan schools.  “Typically constructed of reinforced concrete with brick facing, the schools were designed to be built in units over time,” according to a historical assessment prepared for the school system in 2009.  “The initial building unit typically featured minimal provisions of classroom spaces. Specialized spaces including auditoriums, gymnasiums, and cafeterias were added in intervals as enrollment grew.”

 News articles in 1915 indicated that a talented young Portland architect, Folger Johnson, was hired as a consultant on the original Benson building.  Regardless, Naramore is always listed as its architect.  Naramore left Portland for Seattle in 1919, where he served as architect for the Seattle school system before opening a practice that was heavily engaged in World War II construction work.

 

Still a long ways to go...western facade

EXCITING UPDATE:  After 2 1/2 years of work by volunteers with the Downtown Neighborhood Association, the South Park Blocks have been added to the National Register of Historic Places.  The Portland Parks Bureau first suggested a nomination back in 1985, but never finished an application.  The current Parks Bureau administration opposed this application in three public hearings.  The bureau's motives are best left to speculation.

-----Fred Leeson

Join Building on History's mailing list by writing "add me" to fredleeson@hotmail.com.