A design review has been approved for the Portland State University New Housing Building, a 526-bed student residence hall on the South Park Blocks. The 6-story building will include 269 resident rooms in a combination of bed configurations including singles, doubles, and triples. Other program in the building include common space for residents, a student concierge center, and a new classroom. Design of the project is by GBD Architects.

The new residence hall will be located on roughly three quarters of the block bound by SW Montgomery, the South Park Blocks, SW Harrison St and SW 10th Ave. Two historic buildings, Blackstone Hall and Montgomery Court, currently sit on the site and will be demolished. Also sitting on the same block is the National Register-listed Simon Benson House, which will remain.

The building will be arranged in a C-shaped plan, with the Simon Benson House at the open side of the “C”. At the center of the plan, a landscaped courtyard includes seating areas, stormwater planters and paths to the Simon Benson House. The main entry is proposed at the corner of SW Harrison and the pedestrianized portion of SW Park Ave. A prominent feature of the entry is an elevated “front porch”, which will provide outdoor space for residents.

The proposed material palette includes ribbed metal panels, honeycomb-backed metal panels, varying types of fiber cement panels, brick, precast and board-formed concrete, storefront windows colored to match their adjacent materials, and vinyl or fiberglass windows with dark sashes and frames.

The Portland State University New Housing Building was approved through a Type II Design Review, where a decision is made by Portland Permitting & Development Staff. In the decision, dated May 1st 2026, it was noted how the proposed front porch will enliven the South Park Blocks:

The proposed building includes a large “front porch” expression with large windows affording views between the interior public and semi-public spaces of the building and the activities occurring on the front porch and in the adjacent South Park Blocks. This front porch assembly will be the most active and vibrant space in the building and will help to enliven the adjacent park and pedestrian pathway along SW Harrison St.

The full case file for the design review can be found here.

Demolition permits for the existing buildings have been issued. Building permits for the new building will need be obtained before construction can start. Project completion is expected by summer 2028.

Drawings