Guide Dogs for the Blind Expands Oregon Campus With New State-of-the-art Client Residence and Community Hub
Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) plans to break ground this summer on a new, state-of-the art 30,000-square-foot client residence and community hub at its campus in Boring, OR. The project will more than double GDB’s capacity to serve clients in Oregon, with an inclusive complex that brings together GDB clients, staff, puppy raisers and other volunteers in one unified space. When completed, it will be the first of its kind in North America.
The inclusive indoor/outdoor structure will contain new client residence quarters with private suites, a community hub with a café and information center and an expansive outdoor green space with sensory gardens and dedicated spaces for dog training and special events. The new complex will be the first expansion of GDB’s beautiful, 28-acre Oregon campus since it opened in 1995.
To support the ambitious $28 million project, GDB has launched Building Brighter Futures, a public campaign that allows donors to contribute directly to the funding of the complex. GDB has already raised $15 million of the required funding. There will be naming and recognition opportunities for contributors at different levels.
“This state-of-the art expansion will not only help us substantially expand our capacity to train and support more clients each year, but it will also create a vibrant, centralized space where individuals can connect, collaborate and build lasting relationships,” said Christine Benninger, president and CEO of Guide Dogs for the Blind. “And we are thrilled to be launching our public campaign to support it, which allows our donors to play a pivotal role in bringing this cutting-edge project to life.”
The project is led by renowned architecture firm Studio Miers |Chou |Poon, which specializes in this area of focus. Notably, the architectural team includes architect Chris Downey, who is blind, providing a unique and inclusive perspective.
Additionally, GDB’s clients actively participated in focus groups throughout the planning process for the new complex, making it a truly client-driven endeavor informed by the experiences and needs of actual guide dog users and people who are blind or visually impaired. All details and decisions about the structure were made to help empower GDB clients to live more independently and to equip them with the skills, confidence and mobility to navigate the world with greater self-assurance.
For more information about the project or to contribute to the Building Brighter Futures campaign, visit Guide Dogs.