Clarendon School (Portland, Oregon)

Title: Clarendon School (Portland, Oregon)
LC Subject: Architecture, American Architecture--United States
Alternative: Clarendon Primary School (Portland, Oregon)
Creator: Boone, Harold B. Drynan, Douglas H. Huffstutter, Wayne E.
Creator Display: Annand, Boone, Drynan & Huffstutter (architecture firm, 1964-1970) John Davis Annand, Sr. (architect, 1907-1994) Harold B. Boone (architect) Douglas H. Drynan (architect, 1917-1998) Wayne E. Huffstutter (architect, 1925- )
Description: This image is included in Building Oregon: Architecture of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, a digital collection which provides documentation about the architectural heritage of the Pacific Northwest. Oregon Historic Site Form. Prepared by Iris Eschen.
Provenance: University of Oregon Libraries
Work Type: architecture (object genre) built works views (visual works) exterior views public schools (buildings) rooms (interior spaces) architectural drawings (visual works) plans (orthographic projections) plans, floor
Location: Portland >> Multnomah County >> Oregon >> United States Multnomah County >> Oregon >> United States Oregon >> United States United States
Street Address: 9325 North Van Houghton Avenue
View Date: 2009 1900/2000
Identifier: OR_Multnomah_Portland_
Rights: In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
Type: Image
Format: application/pdf
Set: Building Oregon
Primary Set: Building Oregon
Institution: University of Oregon
Citation: PPS Historic Building Assessment 2009
Note: Oregon Historic Site Form Clarendon School 9325 Van Houghton Ave Portland, Multnomah County block nbr: lot nbr: tax lot nbr: township: range: section: 1/ 4: LOCATION AND PROPERTY NAME elig. evaluation: eligible/ significant primary orig use: School secondary orig use: primary style: Brutalism secondary style: primary siding: Standard Brick secondary siding: Concrete: Other/ Undefined plan type: School ( General) Portland historic name: Clarendon School primary constr date: 1970 secondary date: height (# stories): 1 total # ineligible resources: 0 ( optional-- use for major addns) current/ other names: Clarendon Primary School ( c.) ( c.) orig use comments: prim style comments: sec style comments: location descr: assoc addresses: vcnty address: ( remote sites) siding comments: PROPERTY CHARACTERISTICS farmstead/ cluster name: zip: total # eligible resources: 2 apprx. addrs resource type: Building NR status: RLS survey date: 6/ 12/ 2009 external site #: 150 ( ID# used in city/ agency database) survey project name or other grouping name comments/ notes: HRI Rank III. ILS survey date: 6/ 12/ 2009 Gen File date: SHPO INFO FOR THIS PROPERTY NR date listed: GROUPINGS / ASSOCIATIONS Optional Information 9325 N Van Houghton Ave Multnomah County ( former addresses, intersections, etc.) architect: Annand/ Boone/ Drynan/ Huffstutte builder: Todd Building Company NR date listed: ( indiv listed only; see Grouping for hist dist) 106 Project( s) PPS Historic Building Assessment 2009 Survey & Inventory Project North elevation Printed on: 10/ 14/ 2009 Page 1 of 4 Oregon Historic Site Form Clarendon School 9325 Van Houghton Ave Portland, Multnomah County ARCHITECTURAL / PROPERTY DESCRIPTION ( Include expanded description of the building/ property, setting, significant landscape features, outbuildings, and alterations) HISTORY ( Chronological, descriptive history of the property from its construction through at least the historic period [ preferably to the present]) Description Summary Clarendon Elementary School is located in north Portland in the Portsmouth neighborhood. The school complex consists of the 1970- 1971 main classroom building ( 150A) and a 1970- 1971 play shed ( 150B). The main classroom building is a single story poured concrete structure comprised of a series of interconnected hexagons. The primary cladding is red brick and horizontal tongue- and- groove siding. Each hexagonal building unit features a modestly pitched hexagonal roof capped by a hexagonal- shaped cupola glazed with multi- colored glass. The expressive use of poured concrete on the interior as the primary structure with little emphasis on hierarchical ornamentation is illustrative of the Brutalist style. Architectural Description The main building at Clarendon ( 150A) is situated at 9325 N Van Houten Street in the Portsmouth neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. The neighborhood largely consists of residences constructed 1940- 1970. The primary entrance to the facility is from N. Clarendon Avenue. Adjacent to residences to the north, east, and south, the 3.27 acre parcel is also adjoined by the broad open play fields of Northgate Park to the west. The school complex consists of the 1970- 1971 main classroom building ( 150A) and a 1970- 1971 play shed ( 150B). The main classroom building, approached from the south, consists of a series of eleven hexagonal forms or “ pods” arranged around a pair of central multi- purpose rooms. At each exterior corner a hexagonal- shaped concrete column serves as the primary support for wide overhanging eaves that shade the exterior walls. The exterior walls are sheathed with elongated bricks laid in an all stretcher bond. Immediately above the brick walls is a plain fascia consisting of horizontal tongue- and- groove boards. Each exterior wall is pierced with a pattern of openings consisting of a window and a louvered vent, a door, and a slender two part window. The exterior of the rear ( north) multi- purpose pod largely lacks openings. The principal entry, located on the south side of the building, is distinguished by the presence of a row of ten unadorned hexagonal columns. The columns support the overhanging roof and create a sheltered walkway and waiting area. Recessed between the intersection of two pods, the entrance consists of a paired set of metal doors flanked by a two part plate glass window. The hexagonal form facilitated the design of the school following an “ open classroom” concept without corridors or interior walls to separate classrooms from one another. Beyond the entry lobby, the main gathering spaces are contained within the three central pods. The most prominent of these spaces is the central pod which features a large concrete column with several arches that branch out to meet individual glulaminated ridge beams which in turn support the hexagonal pitched roof. A platform with a safety railing, accessed via a stair, encircles the concrete column. Several steps descend from the platform to the base of the concrete column. Globe lights, suspended from the ceiling, supplement the illumination provided by the glazing in the cupola Between the northernmost common area pod is a glass enclosed courtyard that features some original concrete playground forms as well vegetation. Immediately to the north of this courtyard is a large multi- purpose area/ gymnasium that features exposed concrete masonry unit walls. Six classrooms open directly off of the two central pods. Designed to hold up to approximately 90 students, each classroom is fairly spacious. The provision of each classroom with chalkboards and white boards, a large wash basin, low- lying cabinets and work counters, and women and men’s bathrooms enables each classroom to function independently. Alterations/ Modifications In 1988, new kitchen equipment was installed in a rear pod that also houses the boiler and storage spaces to accommodate the need for warm meals for both students and community users of the facility. No other significant modifications or alterations to character defining features of the school are evident. Printed on: 10/ 14/ 2009 Page 2 of 4 Oregon Historic Site Form Clarendon School 9325 Van Houghton Ave Portland, Multnomah County RESEARCH INFORMATION Title Records Sanborn Maps Obituaries City Directories Census Records Biographical Sources Newspapers Building Permits Property Tax Records SHPO Files State Archives State Library Local Histories Interviews Historic Photographs Local Library: Multnomah County Library University Library: Portland State University Library Historical Society: Oregon Historical Society Other Repository: PPS Archives ( Check all of the basic sources consulted and cite specific important sources) Significance Statement The Brutalist- styled Clarendon Primary School represents one of the most significant departures from conventional architectural forms utilized by Portland Public Schools during the mid to late twentieth century. One of last schools constructed in the district to alleviate crowding, Clarendon was actually paid for through sales of surplus property – an indication that other areas of the city was experiencing declining enrollment. At a cost of $ 1.1 million dollars, the school was designed by Harold Boone of Annand Boone Drynan and Hufstutter and built by the Todd Building Company in 1970- 1971. Planning for the school began in the 1960s, when the district purchased lots 2 through 40 of Block 11 in the College Place Addition between 1962 and 1968. Following the purchase of the lots several existing buildings on the property were demolished in 1964 and again in 1970. When the project received approval, North Clarendon Avenue was vacated and the site was graded and prepared for construction of the school building ( PPS School Chronology Binder). Unlike the earlier “ finger plan” schools constructed during the post- war period in Portland ( See Ogata 2008), the Clarendon Elementary School was based upon the hexagon as the organizational unit for each classroom and common space in the building. Each hexagon or “ pod” could house up to 90 students in an open classroom environment – an experimental shift in educational focus. When opened, Clarendon “ rejected grades in favor of performance groupings” ( PPS Staff Report 1971: 2). The advantage of this educational approach was to group students together regardless of age into groups with similar levels of understanding. Daily evaluations were made to determine whether students should shift groups depending upon their achievement ( PPS Staff Report 1971: 2). The design of the school was tailored to this method of teaching. The lack of walls, doors, and corridors, wide open classroom space, and use of bright colors such as oranges and yellows, smaller scale cabinets and sinks, as well as formed concrete columns that resembled tree trunks created unique interior experiences. The independence of each pod was further enhanced by having direct access to the exterior and neighboring Northgate Park thus minimizing potential distractions during recesses and increasing fire safety. The method in which the design for the school was chosen was also unique for Portland Public Schools. Typically, school designs in the mid-twentieth century were created through the district’s building facilities and management department and approved by the Superintendent and PPS Commissioners. For Clarendon, however, a decentralized facilities planning model was adopted where 29- 31 individuals consisting of area residents, teachers, and school administrators “ visited other schools, studied drawings and writings” and eventually chose the “ open style” ( Oregon Journal 11- 12- 1971). Then Superintendent of PPS Robert W. Blanchard noted that this was “ the first school construction program completed under the decentralized approach with substantially greater involvement of citizens and staff” ( PPS, Clarendon Elementary School: np). The utilization of a hexagon as a building form has an extensive history in the United States as hexagonal schools, churches, and meeting houses were erected as early as the eighteenth century in recognition of the hexagon’s geometric balance and harmony. From 1900- 1930, planners found the hexagon as a useful way of organizing complex urban and suburban developments that lent a degree of rationality to street patterns ( Ben- Joseph and Gordon 2000: 237- 265). From an educational perspective, the hexagon created the basis for “ unit” schools that were constructed during the 1950- 1970 period to facilitate the use of the “ open classroom” instructional philosophy ( Michigan SHPO 2003: 23). The firm chosen to design the school was probably familiar with the design conventions due to their experience in the design of other schools throughout Oregon. Founded in 1964, the architectural firm of Annand, Boone, Drynan, and Hufstutter grew out of a practice established by 1934 by J. D. Annand. The firm was renamed several times as other partners were added but J. D. Annand remained the principal until 1983. The firm designed numerous high schools and secondary schools in Oregon. Some examples included David Douglas High School, Parkrose Heights Jr. High School, Corvallis- West View Jr. High School, and the Oregon College of Education Student Center ( American Architects Directory of 1962). The Annand firm was also responsible for the design of the Theater building and portions of the School of Architecture buildings at the University of Oregon and the Student Center, Humanities, and Social Science Buildings at Western Oregon State University ( Ritz 2003: 13). While Clarendon does not meet the 50 year standard for National Register eligibility and is not considered exceptionally significant, the following eligibility determination is provided for future district planning purposes. Given the uniqueness of both the design and planning process used to arrive at the design choice, the Clarendon School is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria A and C. As the first Portland school planned in a decentralized and collaborative manner that involved citizens, school administrators, and teachers, Clarendon set an important precedent for community involvement. It is therefore associated with a significant historical pattern or trend in educational facilities planning and policy thus meeting the standard of National Register Criterion A. The building is also eligible under Criterion C, as a unique school building type in the City of Portland. No other hexagonal unit schools were constructed in Portland either before or since the Clarendon building was erected. The building retains much of its historical integrity on the exterior and interior. Printed on: 10/ 14/ 2009 Page 3 of 4 Oregon Historic Site Form Clarendon School 9325 Van Houghton Ave Portland, Multnomah County Bibliography: American Architects Directory of 1962. Ben- Joseph, Eran and David Gordon. “ Hexagonal Planning in Theory and Practice.” Journal of Urban Design. Vol. 5, No. 3: 237- 265. Michigan SHPO. “ An Honor and an Ornament: Public School Buildings in Michigan.” Lansing, MI: Michigan State Historic Preservation Office of the Michigan Historical Center, 2003. Ogata, Amy F. “ Building for Learning in Postwar American Elementary Schools.” Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians, Vol. 67, no. 4, December 2008: 562- 591. Oregon Journal. “ Something Different….. Educational Architecture’s ‘ Change of Pace’ See in Neighbor Planned Clarendon School.” 11- 12- 1971. Portland Public Schools. “ Clarendon Begins Era in Education.” PPS Staff Report. Vol 4, No. 1: 2 ( December 1971). _____. Clarendon Elementary School. 1972. _____. School Chronology Binder. Nd. Ritz, Richard. E. Architects of Oregon. A Biographical Dictionary of Architects Deceased – 19th and 20th Centuries. Portland: Lair Hill Publishing, 2003. Printed on: 10/ 14/ 2009 Page 4 of 4 Main building ( 150A), looking southeast. Main building ( 150A), looking south. Main building ( 150A), detail of columns near entrance ( at right), looking north. Play shed ( 150B), looking north from underneath play shed. Main building ( 150A) from underneath play shed, looking west. Clarendon School Exterior Photos ENTRIX, 2009 Main Building ( 150A), detail of entrance space and concrete column, looking north. Main Building ( 150A), classrooms “ b” and “ c”, looking west. Main Bulding ( 150A), all purpose room/ gymnasium, looking south. Main Building ( 150A), detail of cabinets and hand washing basin, looking west. Main Building ( 150A), detail of branched concrete column in classroom, looking east. Clarendon School Interior Photos ENTRIX, 2009 Clarendon School 9325 N Van Houten Ave, Portland OR, 97203 Building Periods 1. Main Building ( 150A), 1970 2. Play Shed ( 150B), 1970 N Fessenden St N Van Houten Ave N Clarendon Ave Section drawing showing interior concrete column, 1970. 2009 Photo of the Clarendon School View Site in Google Maps Aerial photo © 2009 Metro, Portland OR Imagery Date: July 12, 2007 Historical Significance and Building Integrity Contrib: High Significance Contrib: Moderate Signif. Non- Contributing 0’ 50’ 100’ 200’ N sandy Blvd powell Blvd 82nd ave MLK jr b lvd Lombard st 1 2