Today's Challenges
At the time Portland Adventist Academy was built no one foresaw the development of I-205, a popular interstate highway that parallels the school's property. It would be more than a decade later before that Interstate was completed. Just like the unanticipated development of a light rail system that runs directly in front of the school with a passenger station that's expected to be completed shortly.
Certainly, these transportation opportunities afford easy access to the school but they also present unique security and safety concerns.
From the roof and heating system to a litany of structural improvements that continue to grow, Portland Adventist Academy is faced with mounting challenges that are becoming unmanageable. Additionally, several upgrades are required inside and outside the facility to comply with the American Disability Act.
Only so many coats of paint and remodels will hide the years of wear and tear on this deteriorating facility. Having carefully weighed the options to remodel or rebuild, it's clear to Portland Adventist Academy's Board of Directors that to meet the educational and facility demands this requires a new building and a fresh start.
In addition to a new school will be the development of a new chapel. The school's existing chapel is used daily and is difficult to access and undersized for the school's enrollment. Capable of seating 500 people, the plans for a new chapel will encourage worship and make it the centerpiece of our institution.
With this will come the rewards of expanded student base, broader curriculum and facilities designed to house today's technology.
Much has changed these past hundred years except the indomitable spirit, values and pursuit of excellence that is the cornerstone of Portland Adventist Academy.
The Journey To Excellence Plan
Every 50 years Portland Adventist Academy, like a good many other private and public institutions, is ready and overdue for an overhaul. This growth and development plan will be our most ambitious yet. It's a plan that reflects all of the positive attributes of this fine school and fully leverages the spiritual and educational foundation that has been laid over the past 50 years.
We're excited to share our vision of Portland Adventist Academy.
First, significant funding of this project will be generated through commercial development that's planned on available campus acreage. With medical office buildings and office space targeted, this development will provide ongoing revenue for the maintenance and growth of Portland Adventist Academy. Clear stipulations are in place that require these businesses to agree and be respectful of Seventh Day Adventist beliefs. Including, restricting alcohol, tobacco, pornographic material and lottery sales as well as observing the Sabbath by closing businesses between the hours of sundown Friday night to sundown Saturday night.
Using this commercial development as a funding resource will provide a meaningful long-term income stream essential in moderating costs associated with tuition, facility management and maintenance.
Two phases are planned totaling $11,500,000. The first phase, $5,500,000 and the second phase expected to run $6,000,000.
Phase One construction is where the lion's share (70%) of the site prep work will be completed. Approximately, $1,800,000 is dedicated to site preparation. The chapel and auditorium, also a feature of phase one construction, is projected to cost $3,700,000.
Phase Two will complete the school with a new cafeteria and labs.
Funding of Phase One will rely on:
. $2.5M from Journey To Excellence donations.
. $3 from revenues achieved by commercial land development.
Funding of Phase Two will rely on:
. $3M from Journey To Excellence donations.
. $3M raised from commercial land development revenues.
Relying in-part on a funding model that's centuries old, Portland Adventist Academy has settled on a mix of funding opportunities for the new facility.
Half of the money needed will come from revenues generated from on-site commercial land development that's underway. Specifically, a combination of medical and office space on Portland Adventist Academy's property that will provide short and long-term revenue streams.
Called, "mission-based entreprenurialism", this funding mechanism was developed centuries ago as a way to fund faith-based missions and provides an on-going revenue source through income-producing opportunities. The office space development will follow this model with strict assurances that all-involved will adhere to Adventist beliefs and practices.