About Us | Notion

A Historic Foundation

Built in 1958 (south wing) and 1960 (north wing), the building was designed by architect Harry L. Percy, Jr. for the Dan Davis Corporation and was called the “Fifth Avenue Business Center.”

The Vision of Dan Davis

Dan Davis, the building’s developer, was a Portland native whose work helped shape the city’s commercial and institutional landscape.

Born January 30, 1921, in Portland, Oregon
Attended Grant High School in the Irvington neighborhood
Began his career in the family’s burlap bag manufacturing business before transitioning to real estate development after his military service in 1946
Among the first developers to house architects, engineers, and contractors within a single company
Led the development of industrial centers across the Pacific Northwest
Served on the building committee for St. Vincent Hospital and developed Portland State University’s primary residence hall and bookstore complex

From Business Hub to Academic Center

Portland State University purchased the building in 2002 and renamed it the Science and Education Center in 2007. Over the years, the building has housed:

Classrooms and faculty offices for the Department of Art and the Institute for Natural Resources
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) office from 2007 to 2023

Modern Renovation and Sustainability

In 2023 and 2024, the Science and Education Center underwent a major renovation, aligning with the Advance Portland Plan to enhance sustainability and community engagement. Supported by $2 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds from Prosper Portland, the upgrades included:

LEED certification for sustainability