The Karl Miller Center, home to Portland State’s School of Business, is an iconic, world-class building unlike any other on Portland State’s campus.
Upon entry, visitors are greeted to a stunning five-story all-glass atrium. Global classrooms are equipped with multiple video cameras and large monitors set up to broadcast class to students worldwide and give access to remote presenters.
The sustainably designed building is certified LEED Platinum for modern construction that includes water conservation, occupancy sensors, sensor-controlled low-flow faucets, and five eco-terraces totaling 7,000 sq ft of stormwater/urban heat mitigation.
Completed in 2017, the major renovation and addition expanded total space from 52,000 square feet to 143,000 square feet, with 12 group study rooms, 15 conference rooms, a green room for collaboration and a family room that offers parents a quiet place to study with toys and games for their children.
The School of Business also is home to student-run advertising agency FIR Northwest, as well as three retail spaces — Best Baguette, Coco Donuts, Library Taphouse — providing the community with Portland staples like artisan sandwiches, doughnuts and craft brews.
Nestled in the atrium, the Center for Retail Leadership’s Pop-Up Program features a unique 500-square-foot-space where local businesses explore product development, messaging, and packaging with a diverse student consumer base.
KMC is named after Karl Miller, World War II veteran, firefighter, entrepreneur and grandfather of generous donor and PSU business alum, Rick Miller.
The building was designed by Behnisch Architekten and SRG with Skanska doing the project development and construction.
Rediscovering Campus is a weekly series that highlights the stories behind popular spaces at Portland State University, as we gear up for a return to in-person learning.