PCC Willow Creek Center

Portland Community College's three-story, 97,000 sf Workforce Training Center, located at the Willow Creek Transit Center, is a public-private partnership with TriMet, our region's public transportation agency. The transit-oriented development brings with it community service opportunities of higher education, workforce training and continuing education.

The first floor houses the State of Oregon's Employment Department, WorkSource Oregon, and an array of classrooms and labs. The academic portions of the building are on the second and third levels. They offer GED testing, community education, computer education, as well as labs for medical, nurse and EMT training.

Funded by bond money, PCC Willow Creek Center had a set budget, which our project team met. Through innovative materials and design we exceeded the original LEED Silver target, delivering a highly sustainable LEED Platinum building. PCC Willow Creek Center was completed in December 2009.

Sustainable features include: 28% building materials contain recycled content; 37% energy cost savings due to roof-mounted solar photovoltaic panels; 94% of construction waste was diverted from landfill by being recycled or reused; Bicycle parking and changing facility onsite; Low VOC materials and FSC certified wood used; Readily accessible by public transport; Bicycle parking and changing facility onsite; 75% water savings compared to a typical building due to water efficient fixtures; and 56% reduction in potable water consumption compared to a typical building due to landscaping and irrigation systems.