University of Portland, Portland, Oregon

The University of Portland Bell Tower stands at the spiritual and academic heart of the campus, situated next to the Pietro Belluschi-designed Chapel of Christ on the main academic quadrangle. Rising to a height of 95 feet and topped with a custom-designed brushed stainless-steel cross, the Bell Tower was created to visually complement the nearby campus buildings. Care was taken to ensure that the Tower’s cupola, crafted from glass fiber-reinforced concrete, mirrors the form of the Chapel of Christ’s lantern while respecting Belluschi’s original design without direct replication.

The Bell Tower is set within a plaza that serves as a gathering space for the University community and offers a contemplative area in the adjacent Marian Garden. The Tower houses 14 bronze bells that chime the hours and, during special events, ring out to bring students together in the plaza and invite them to the Chapel.

Soderstrom Architects – Architect of Record