Oregon District Selects Builder for Multiple Renovation Projects

The David Douglas School District in Portland, Ore., recently selected Balfour Beatty company Howard S. Wright to deliver $15.7 million in renovations and repairs across multiple schools and facilities, according to a news release. The district also partnered with BBL Architects for the projects’ designs.

The projects are scheduled for West Powellhurst Elementary, Floyd Light Middle, and South Powellhurst. Project features include HVAC upgrades, fire alarm replacement, electrical and generator updates, a new security vestibule, and remodeling specialty areas. The contract marks Howard S. Wright’s first expansion into the K–12 education sector. Its previous experience includes higher education projects for the University of Oregon, as well as private and government work.

“We are excited to diversify Howard S. Wright’s project portfolio with the award to deliver K-12 renovations in the Portland area,” said Howard S. Wright senior vice president Ryan McGrew. “Our project team looks forward to leveraging its renovation expertise to provide essential upgrades to David Douglas District schools and enhance the learning environment for students and faculty.”

Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2025 and finish in September 2025, the news release reports.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Washington State District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    Cheney School District No. 360 in Spokane County, Wash., recently announced that construction has begun on a new elementary school, according to local news. The district held a groundbreaking ceremony on May 18 in Airway Heights for the yet-to-be-named school, which is scheduled to open in fall 2027.

  • University of Kansas Breaks Ground on Entrepreneurship Hub

    The University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new KU Entrepreneurship Hub, according to university news. The Hub is part of the university’s School of Business and will include spaces for experiential learning and programming.

  • Tomball ISD Opens New Tomball West High School

    Tomball Independent School District in Tomball, Texas, recently celebrated the official opening of Tomball West High School, the district's third comprehensive high school, with a community ribbon-cutting ceremony, according to a district news release.

  • RIT Saunders College of Business – Lowenthal Hall Addition

    RIT Saunders College of Business – Lowenthal Hall Addition

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. RIT Saunders College of Business's Lowenthal Hall Addition has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Project of Distinction award in the category of New Construction.