Friends of the Children

Gresham, OR
17,000 SF
1 Story Youth Center
Cost: $2.5 Million

To meet the needs of a growing youth mentoring program, The Friends of the Children looked to expand their well-established non-profit closer to the youth they are serving. Working very closely with their sponsors, partners and local community leaders, an existing city park provided the desired location with existing parking and gym building ready for upgrading to compliment the new youth center. The challenges centered around a low cost, energy efficient facility that would support the youth programs, staff and community outreach in a warm, inviting and nurturing atmosphere.

The resulting solution provides a design that carefully organizes the space for multi-functions, administration support and a true sense of a “home” for gathering, eating and individual interaction. The design utilizes exposed structure, tall clerestory, fireplace focal element and landscaped courtyard to embrace and support the diverse youth activities inside. Design supporting people is what it’s all about!