Jefferson Modernization

Design Team 

Bora Architecture & Interiors and LEVER Architects have teamed up for the Jefferson High School Project. This dynamic partnership brings an unmatched, long-term commitment to North/Northeast Portland. Bora has deep K-12 experience and a strong history of successful projects with PPS, and is a national leader in the design of performing arts spaces.  LEVER, based in the Jefferson neighborhood, has recently completed the Meyer Memorial Trust Headquarters.  The firms are committed to the creation of  a vibrant, sustainable, and resilient high school that reflects the values and aspirations of the community.

Construction Team

Aligned to Deliver Jefferson High School The Colas Hoffman team is unified in purpose, grounded in community, and designed to integrate seamlessly with PPS, Bora and LEVER's established collaborative culture. We’re not bringing two separate firms — we show up as one team, with shared systems, shared leadership, and shared responsibility. Every individual listed on the organization chart is not only highly qualified, but hand-selected for their proven ability to co-lead complex education projects, represent the values of inclusion and care, and build with, not just for, the Jefferson community.

In late 2019, after a series of public meetings over a four-month period, a Jefferson High School Conceptual Comprehensive Plan was completed as part of the planning effort for the 2020 Bond. This conceptual plan was used as the starting point for the new Jefferson Modernization Comprehensive Plan.

In November of 2020, the passage of the 2020 School Improvement Bond provided funding for both design and construction for the modernization of the historic school. What followed was a two-year planning process with extensive community engagement.

In December of 2022 the School Board approved Jefferson comprehensive plan that would extensively renovate the original 1909 building while adding new facilities around it. This $366 Million plan had students & staff staying on site during construction.

In Summer 2023 new construction cost analysis of the plan revealed that seismically upgrading the original 4 story unreinforced masonry building while keeping students on site would greatly exceed the project budget. PPS briefly looked at moving the students & staff to the Marshall campus during construction but many in the Jefferson community opposed this plan.

December 2023: Board Calls for Reassessment
In December 2023, the School Board called for a full reassessment of the Jefferson modernization plans with the following criteria: Keep students & staff largely on the Jefferson campus during construction. Include a targeted student enrollment of 1,700. Demolish the 1909 building and build a new building.

April 2, 2024: New Plan Presented
On April 2nd 2024 the Project Team presented the Board a new plan with an all new Jefferson High building to be constructed at the North end of the campus. This new plan would have cost $491 Million.

December 2024: Redesign Direction
In December, 2024 Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong asked the Office of School Modernization (OSM) to find a smarter, more cost-efficient approach to deliver high-quality learning environments for students for the high school modernizations at Cleveland, Jefferson, and Ida B Wells. The projects went on hold as project teams looked toward design changes that would fulfill that direction.

February 11, 2025: Design Restart Approved
On February 11 2025, the PPS Board of Education unanimously approved a plan to restart the design process on the Cleveland, Jefferson, and Ida B Wells high school modernizations focusing on right-sizing each school to maximize resources while maintaining strong programming.

April 22, 2025: Final Cost Reduction Update
On April 22 2025, the project team provided an update of the Jefferson Comprehensive Plan to the Board as the final update on cost reduction efforts. With the reductions mandated by the Board directives and efficiency adjustments made to the floor plan by the design team, the project is projected to save approximately $25M–$35M.