Columbia Hall 150

University of Oregon

Columbia 150 is one of the largest lecture halls on the University of Oregon campus. The 5,500 sf, 500-capacity room was built in 1960 as an extension of the science building now known as Pacific Hall. With the only major upgrade to the space in 1986, the lecture hall was in great need of a renovation. Not only did it violate life safety codes and have very limited accessibility, Columbia 150 also needed technology upgrades and an overall interior refresh.

The renovation transformed the lecture hall into a modern, 450-seat, fully accessible, inviting space. The completed renovation strategically modified a mid-level aisle to provide distributed accessibility and clearer circulation. Interior and exterior ramps were added to establish a route to the previously inaccessible lecture level. New audio visual systems, furniture, and finishes dramatically upgraded and reinvigorated the space.

Ken Doxsee, Professor Emeritus and former Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, said of the project, “Columbia 150 was one of the least desirable teaching spaces on campus. When it was done I actually got requests from faculty to teach in the space. Your team was great to work with, and both Straub and Colombia 150 are at the top of my pride list.”