Portland State University

Portland State University (PSU) and American Campus Communities (ACC) partnered together for an on-campus student housing project that would assist in the university’s transition from a commuter school to a residential campus. PSU utilized ACC’s American Campus Equity (ACE^®) program to develop the $87.8 million project that created a vibrant living-learning atmosphere for students combining residential, academic, administrative and retail spaces.

PSU is experiencing a period of unparalleled growth. Since 1998, enrollment has increased more than 66 percent from 18,000 to 30,000. University Pointe at College Station was designed to complement the University’s pre-existing on-campus student housing accommodations as an upper-division, apartment-style community with a total of 282 units and 978 beds. The 16-story, 371,000-square-foot, high-rise offers both studio and apartment units with private and shared accommodations. 
The LEED^® Gold project was designed with the student in mind and in alignment with Portland’s urban renewal plan to revitalize an underdeveloped block.

ACC took an innovative approach in addressing PSU’s student housing needs by conducting extensive market research, surveys, focus groups, thermal comfort study, a complete site analysis, and hosting an eco-charrette. In direct response to the university’s needs, a remarkable mixed-use high-density urban neighborhood was built with sustainable features, including green roofs, energy efficient HVAC and indoor lighting systems, low-consumption indoor fixtures, high-performing irrigation, green housekeeping, recycling, bicycle storage, and direct access to two light rail MAX stops adjacent to the building.

To achieve individual communities, three-story neighborhoods were created with stunning views of Portland. This design relieves vertical elevator traffic and promotes interaction among residents passing through the neighborhood. All three floors link to the social lounge, laundry area and study rooms with one elevator serving the neighborhood and one elevator serving all floors. The first floor of the building features combined retail and academic space as well as community amenities that include a fitness center, social and study areas, mail room, and large outdoor courtyard.