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Another school that forged a close partnership with the city government is Portland State University, which sits in downtown Portland, OR. In January, Portland State opened a $62 million, six-story rec center that also hosts Portland's city archives, classrooms for the school of social work, retail stores and restaurants. The partnership was a win-win for the school and city, says Scott Gallagher, director of communications at Portland State.

“The city heard we were building, and they were trying to put together money and heard we had some tenants planned,” he says. “They needed a new place to put city archives, so we combined efforts, and it made good sense to do it. The archives will be across the plaza from our school of urban design and public affairs. It was a perfect combination of need and opportunity. Having the city as a partner allowed us to do things we might not have been able to do without them.”

Investors have a condo-like agreement, in which each entity that paid to build space also owns that space. Shared costs include the building's foundation work, lobbies and HVAC system.

The new facility is the only dedicated student rec center on the campus of 29,000 students, says Alex Accetta, director of campus rec. Although the fitness facility won't be open to the entire community, university administrators are examining limited membership options.

“We're looking at different membership types for major tenants,” Accetta says. “Employees at the city archive and Oregon system chancellor's office will be able to get memberships. The rec center was built for students because they're footing the bill, so it's not open to the general community.”

The rec center features a large cardio and weight room; an aquatic complex that includes a lap pool, leisure pool and whirlpool spa; new locker rooms; a three-court gymnasium; a running track; a rock climbing and bouldering wall; and a two-court gymnasium.

The new facility is proving to be a social hub for the urban campus, Accetta says. “As an urban school, the rec center is a place that students can come and meet people around shared interests,” he says. “It's a social place. Students can exercise and go downstairs and eat, and we can link being healthy and being active so students do better in school.”

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