Architect William Dann says many of the concrete slabs that frame Neuberger Hall will be removed and replaced with large glass walls, to let-in the natural light.
Kristian Foden-Vencil / OPB
One of Portland’s most brutal looking buildings is going to get a renovation, complete with a new art museum, thanks to a $5 million donation from philanthropist Jordan Schnitzer.
Neuberger Hall is one of Portland State University’s workhorse buildings. It’s a concrete bunker with 38 classrooms.
University president Wim Wiewel describes it as "a bit of a fortress, sort of urban brutalism.”
Schnitzer’s $5 million donation kick-starts a matching drive to place an art museum inside the PSU building.
“It’s our job to do our share," Schnitzer said at a press event Thursday, "roll up our sleeves, help improve the community and make it better than we found it.”
The museum should be open in about two and a half years. Admission will be free.
The University of Oregon and Washington State University have already built art museums with donations from Schnitzer.
He said he’s working on something similar with Oregon State University.