The unique design of the Churchill Memorial Bridge, which was supported by two cantilevers of pre-stressed plywood and covered with a thin canvas membrane, made it the only one of its kind in the world.

Replacement of the Churchill Memorial Bridge arose from the Campus Facilities Master Plan, adopted by the City of Portland in 1990.

From the designs offered by Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership (now known as ZGF Architects LLP), the Canyon Committee chose a concrete structure, benefits of which included a longer lifespan, lower maintenance costs and the least environmental damage to the canyon during construction.

[1][4] Replacement of the Arthur M. Churchill Memorial Bridge arose from the Campus Facilities Master Plan, adopted by the City of Portland in 1990.

[5] The schematic design process for a concrete bridge was further developed to include accessibility for people with disabilities, walkway alignment and environmental restoration.

[5] According to the "Schematic Design Submittal" prepared by ZGF, complete removal of the Churchill Memorial Bridge would take place first, including its concrete footings, stairs and walkways.

[6] The bridge would include metal guard rails and handrails with lighting fixtures built into the system.

An accessible concrete path would be built from the south end of the bridge to the circular drive located in front of the Vollum College Center.

[5] The "Schematic Design Submittal" required that Reed Lake and surrounding vegetation be protected during and restored following construction.

[3][4] For its opening, students created a "super-highway" appearance including a traffic divider; according to Reed, remnants still exist in the center of the bridge.

[10] The bridge has served as a meeting place and has been cited as a favorite location on campus by students and faculty.

[13] The bridge, along with other sites on the Reed College campus and throughout Portland, was featured in the films Feast of Love (2007) and Blue Like Jazz (2012).