CGS slows the renovation of newly acquired OCAC campus during virtual learning

By Ben Bockmann ‘21

As Catlin Gabel School (CGS) endures the struggles of remote learning, work on the newly acquired Oregon College of Art and Craft (OCAC) campus has slowed.

The OCAC campus was purchased by CGS in 2019, after the college closed its doors for the last time that year. Incorporating the new campus into the original CGS campus is both expensive and complicated: numerous buildings need to be demolished, and others need major repairs. 

Originally, the OCAC campus was set to open as early as 2023, according to a post on the CGS website. 

An aerial view of the OCAC campus, before being purchased by CGS. Courtesy of Oregon Arts Watch.

“We’ve slowed down, or paused, any additional investment in improving the [OCAC] campus during virtual learning,” said Head of School Tim Bazemore. 

Virtual learning brings additional costs, Bazemore added, as the school increasingly needs resources like IT, facilities, and extra staff members to meet students' needs. 

“We have completed a master plan to move the Middle School up there, and that’s going to be a pretty significant expense,” Bazemore said. 

However, Bazemore said it is only a matter of months before CGS receives approval from Washington County to host youth activities on the new campus. 

“Once we get that approval, we’ll be able to have student activities, other Catlin spillover activities, or unique activities in those spaces,” Bazemore clarified.