Preservationists vs. School District

The Riverdale Grade School was designed by architect A.E. Doyle, Portland's most famous architect.

"But the district has outgrown the building, and residents passed a $21.5 million bond measure earlier this month to renovate or replace the school and build nearby additions. The school board has endorsed the idea of designing a replacement for the historic structure, and Mahlum Architects was hired before the bond measure passed to begin redesigning its replacement.

The school board may make a final decision on whether to demolish or renovate the school at its meeting on Monday. The board could also elect to study further the issue of renovating.

“Saving the Doyle is the thread running through every person in this room,” said LeRoy Landers of Mahlum, speaking to a crowd of several hundred. Landers led the design of the two-story replacement of the Doyle school."