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Hello,
We hope everyone’s spring term is rolling along. In Smith, the critical maintenance project is expanding to include work on a third HVAC unit, the roof and the central elevators.
So, welcome to the 90-percent-construction-news May edition of the Smith Scoop.
There are several updates reviewed below, but here are the headlines:
- The Mezzanine elevator is operational again
- Elevator 6 is shut down through early July
- Roof replacement begins later this week and will impact the south breezeway
- HVAC systems in southeast Smith are now offline
- Work on the northeast HVAC systems is nearing completion
- Two other Smith HVAC systems are offline due to construction
- Work in the QPML should be finished in early June
And don't forget Smith will be closed Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day.
We appreciate everyone's patience with this necessary work on the student union's infrastructure.
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HELP TURN CAMPUS DREAMS INTO REALITY
Take part in the Placemaker Exchange on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in Smith. It's brings together students and community leaders for discussions on campus vibrancy and more. Learn more and register at PSU Sustainability's Placemaking webpage. Join the Dog Park Party after!
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Metal doors and interior, digital readout at the ground floor and modern mechanical guts are now part of the Mezzanine elevator. On the ground floor, it is located in the Broadway lobby of Smith.
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Critical Upgrades Continue to Impact the Student Union
Mezzanine elevator: The upgraded Mezzanine elevator is online again, restoring access to the basement and Mezzanine levels. The interior is currently covered to prevent damage during construction, but it is usable — most of the upgrades are behind the scenes. Until this month, the elevator was running on mechanical gear installed in the early 1960s. We’ll see if this iteration makes it to the 2090s.
Much of the critical maintenance project is supported by an $8.1 million bond approved by the Student Fee Committee. We thank ASPSU and the SFC for their continuing support.
Elevator 6: One of the two elevators in the central north-south hallway, is now offline for its upgrade. As with the Mezzanine elevator, this will result in new mechanical and electrical systems for the elevator. When the work is done, Elevator 6 will also open unto the loading dock for those with access.
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YOUR HELP IS NEEDED ... ONE STEP AT A TIME
We encourage everyone who can to use the stairs to do so when possible. With only Elevator 7 operating between the sub-basement and fourth floor, this will help reduce wait times for those who need a lift.
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Supply Fan 12 (southeast HVAC): The overhaul of Supply Fan 12 — the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that serves Student Media, the Helen Gordon Infant/Toddler Center, Smith's Place, La Casa Latina Student Cultural Center, the Pacific Islander, Asian and Asian American (PIAAA) Student Center, Multicultural Retention Services, south event spaces on the third floor, Campus AV office and the basement study space in the southeast corner of Smith — is underway.
The early portion of the project involves clearing out an access shaft on the east side of the building, so several spaces have already seen work done on their floors. Once that preparation is done, new ductwork and mechanics will be installed, and the 60-year-old system on the roof replaced. This project is slated to run through mid-September.
While the rest of the building will provide some environmental relief to the areas, there will be no heat or air conditioning service directly to these spaces. However, it is expected that the new SF-12 will provide improved air flow and temperature control for years to come.
More HVAC outages: SF-3 and SF-5, which serve portions of Mezzanine 1 and the Fourth Floor, are offline. Work on adjacent systems required them to be shut down. Now, certain replacement parts are needed to restart. They are expected to be back online in early to mid- June.
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Roof renovation begins this month: As early as this week, you will begin to notice additional construction support areas popping up alongside the building as a complete renovation of the Smith roof begins. This replacement roof is one of the final portions of this year's critical maintenance project.
Expect occasional sidewalk closures around the building during the lifting and removal of materials and increased construction foot traffic in the south stairwell. A fenced enclosure will be going up just outside the door to secure scaffolding and materials.
Unlike some of the HVAC work, very little of the roof work can be done at night. It will mean additional construction noise. The contractor is preparing a schedule of what sections will be worked on when, but the entire roof will be in use much of the summer.
Questions? Contact Smith building manager Mercedes Youngston, if you have immediate questions about the ongoing critical maintenance work.
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A peek at the work going on inside the Quiet Prayer and Meditation Lounge in the basement of Smith. Contractors expect the room to be back in use by mid-June.
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QPML Space Returning to Basement Soon
Extended work periods in SMSU 10 — the Quiet Prayer and Meditation Lounge — have delayed moving the QPML back to its permanent home. It is now planned for after finals.
This will give contractors time to restore the room, for a deep cleaning and for materials to be moved back from the QPML's temporary home on the fourth floor.
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Be Heard: Take the Annual Campus Public Safety Survey
Portland State researchers, in collaboration with Campus Public Safety (CPSO), are conducting the third annual survey to gather feedback from students, faculty, and staff about their experiences with PSU Campus Public Safety and safety on campus. Act now to participate before the survey closes on May 24th.
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The Emergency pylon, located in the breezeway between Smith and Cramer, is a one-button option for calling the Campus Public Safety Office.
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