PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Public Schools Board of Education voted to approve the purchase of a property for the long-awaited Center for Black Student Excellence.

It's been over five years since voters approved a $60 million bond to fund the center, with a recent report suggesting it will be even longer before it is ready , as the One North property, located at the corner of North Williams and Fremont streets, needs extensive renovations that could total up to $20 million.

On Tuesday, though, PPS approved purchasing the One North property.

The dual-building, 75,700-square-foot campus will be christened the Michael “Chappie” Grice Center (East Building) and the Dr. Harriet Adair Center (West Building), "honoring two trailblazing educators whose leadership, advocacy, and brillian

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