FFA Architecture + Bremik Construction Teams
On Thursday, February 22, the Bremik Construction team joined the City of Portland, Portland Parks & Recreation (PPR), FFA Architects, and community members for the official groundbreaking of the Mt. Scott Community Center (MSCC) Seismic Retrofit and Expansion Project.
The community center, which occupies the north portion of Mt. Scott Park, consists of buildings dating from the 1920s through the 1990s. The expansion and upgrade project will bring the center to seismic compliance, improve ADA accessibility, and expand recreational programming. PPR Senior Community Engagement Coordinator Ken Rambaugh said, “the services we are going to be able to offer here at Mt. Scott Community Center are going to be incredible. I think the impact will be huge for Southeast Portland and Portland as a whole.” With estimated completion in 2025, the community at large is eager to embrace this new, state-of-the-art center that will include much-needed space for enhanced programming and community activities.
Bremik will lead the demolition of 20,000 square feet of the existing building, renovation of the remaining space, and an addition of approximately 31,000 square feet. Areas to be demolished include the original bathhouse, auditorium, offices, and fitness areas, while the pool, gym, and underground roller rink will remain. The addition will create expanded preschool space, multipurpose classrooms, a teen center, an event center, a fitness/aerobic studio, and administration and support spaces. The existing surface parking area will be replaced with a new 30-space parking area and a large loading space. As part of the selected demolition, many materials will be salvaged and reused, including glue laminated beams that will be transformed into bench seating. In addition, the project will integrate mass timber construction. Bremik Project Manager Casey Miller shared, “there is a unique mass timber component of this building that is different from a standard wood frame or concrete building. It will be integrated with the existing architecture to make the overall building feel cohesive. A lot of finesse is required, especially when expanding upon a 70-year-old building”. With the increase in new mass timber construction in the industry, Bremik is poised to be at the forefront of this movement. “I am excited to kick off this project and build a place that the community can get around”, said Miller.
This project is inspired by and dedicated to the surrounding community. Before closing the site for construction, community members signed the walls of the auditorium as a final ‘farewell’ to the well-loved space.
Throughout the construction process, “the MSCC staff will be working collaboratively with community groups and cultural organizations to gather information regarding the programs and activities that the communities they represent would like to lead and participate in.” according to Adam McGowan, Mt. Scott Community Center Building Supervisor.
The Mt. Scott Community Center aims to seamlessly blend historic architecture with new design and construction practices, all while fostering a sense of unity among the East Portland community.
Rendering by FFA Architecture and Interiors, LLC