PSU Marks Start of Construction for New Home for Schnitzer School of Art Art History Design

Rendering of PSU's Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design

Portland State University faculty, students, funders and friends gathered Tuesday to celebrate the construction launch for a new home for PSU's Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design. When doors open in fall of 2026, the 98,000 square-foot facility on the South Park Blocks will help enhance interdisciplinary creative thinking and learning across PSU, and strengthen programs and partnerships supporting our region's signature creative industries.

Under PSU President Ann Cudd, Portland State - the most diverse public university in Oregon - is leaning into the power of creativity and creative innovation as part of a multi-faceted strategy to leverage Portland's international reputation as a city of creative thinkers, makers and doers.

"We believe that diversity of thought and lived experience is the best fuel for creativity and innovation," Cudd said. "We think artists, designers and creative thinkers in all disciplines will help lead our city's rise, sparking yet-to-be-imagined possibilities and bringing fresh thinking to the grand challenges."

The Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design is the primary provider of university-level public arts education in the Portland region. The school includes nationally recognized programs in graphic design and art practice, and is ranked as Oregon's most diverse public art school, with more than 60% of the current class identifying as BIPOC. The school's graduate degree program in Art and Social Practice is among the first of its kind in the nation to explore the relationship between art practice, cross-disciplinary collaboration and social engagement.

"The new light-filled classrooms, studios and galleries will provide inspiring places for students, faculty and the public to engage in art experiences, and allow our school to strengthen and expand programs at the intersection of industry, sustainability, culture and creative practice," said PSU College of the Arts Dean Leroy E. Bynum, Jr.

Public-private investment to serve students and the city

The capital project was made possible by $81.6 million in public bonds approved by the Oregon Legislature leveraged by a $8.7 million goal from private philanthropy.

"When we invest in students, we are investing in Oregon's future. I'm excited to see the works these student artists will create as a result of this critical public-private partnership," said Senate President Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego. "The Legislature will continue our efforts to make significant investments in higher education, public schools, and technical education so all of Oregon's students have the pathways to achieve their career and educational dreams."

"The arts are a critical piece of what makes Portland such a vibrant city. I was proud to lead on this legislative investment, joining to support the new Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design and invest in the artists who will shape Portland and the art world for years to come," said Sen. Elizabeth Steiner, D-Portland, former co-chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.

"Breaking ground on a new Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design building is a significant step forward in revitalizing downtown Portland. By supporting arts education, we are not just bettering our community but also inspiring a new generation of artists and innovators," Jordan Schnitzer said. "I think of all the students who will grace the halls and classrooms of this new, state-of-the-art building. It is my hope that they find creative inspiration here, the kind we all need to build our workforce and economy."

"Much like my late parents and grandparents, I believe in the possibilities of Portland. My family business is headquartered here, and my family history runs deep. My grandparent's home was on what is now the PSU campus. My parents met at Lincoln High, now the site of PSU's Lincoln Hall," Schnitzer added. "This gift is very personal to me, but it is not about the name on the building. It is about the generations to come who benefit from it, the future leaders who will solve society's greatest challenges."

To acknowledge the Schnitzer family's decades-long investment in Portland State and the arts - including Jordan and the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation's recent $5 million capital contribution to the new school building - PSU announced in March of 2024 that it has named its art school in the family's honor: the Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design. The Schnitzer family ranks as Portland State's most generous benefactor family.

"PSU is a great partner with a shared vision for our city and its future," said Andrew Hoan, president of Portland Metro Chamber. "Investments in a PSU facility of this magnitude are crucial to the success of our city's economy and will help draw people from all over the world to see for themselves what Portland is all about."

A notable design - and design process

The building's design has elevated PSU's commitment to sustainable construction and equitable design practice. It will be the first building on the PSU campus to be constructed of mass timber, a beautiful, low-carbon alternative to concrete and steel. In addition, the building was intentionally designed to create accessible spaces supporting educational equity. BIPOC student leaders were consulted as part of the design process.

"We're proud of this building not just for what it will ultimately make possible for students but for the meaningful way in which diverse student voices helped shape its design," said Jason Franklin, PSU associate vice president for Planning, Construction and Real Estate.

The project was designed by Lever Architecture and will be built by Swinerton Construction.