Architectural Record: An Adaptive Reuse Project by Lever Architecture Makes the Grade at the University of Oregon’s New Portland Campus

Photo by: Lara Swimmer

Soderstrom Architects brought deep preservation expertise to Highland Hall—protecting its historic architecture while planning for the future. In collaboration with the University of Oregon and Lever Architecture, we delivered a roofing solution that blends durability, design integrity, and campus consistency. Restored masonry ensures the hall’s historic presence remains strong and authentic. The project was recently featured in Architectural Record:

Highland Hall’s good bones and Lever’s light touch imbue the old gym with a near-ecclesiastical air. White paint applied to the trusses, exposed wood, and masonry structural elements (the ply panels were treated with a whitewash sealer) unifies the overall space. The rooms and pinup spaces symmetrically arranged on each side recall the side chapels lining the nave of a church, and the thick studio partitions, pews.

“By surgically removing and revealing and bringing material character to the space, we created a place that we hope is inspiring to the students,” says Robinson.