Five years after voter approval, Portland’s Center for Black Student Excellence still faces delays and rising costs

PORTLAND, Ore. — It has been more than five years since Portland voters approved a bond to fund the Center for Black Student Excellence, and the center is still not open. A recent report suggests it will be even longer before it is ready. While Portland Public Schools (PPS) has identified a building to purchase, renovating it is expected to be costly.

The One North property, located at the corner of North Williams and Fremont streets, may look ready to move into, but a Portland Public Schools board meeting Monday revealed otherwise. A due diligence report shows extensive work is needed to convert it into the Center for Black Student Excellence.

Renovations could include seismic upgrades and improvements to heating and air conditioning, with costs estimated at up to $20 million.

Kelly Ma