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A recent renovation project in Eugene has transformed a former auto parts warehouse into a nonprofit’s new headquarters.

Crews from Eugene-based general contractor McKenzie Commercial wrapped up construction late last year on ShelterCare‘s Center for Programs and Services at 499 W. Fourth Ave. in Eugene’s Whiteaker neighborhood. Eugene-based PIVOT Architecture designed the $2.3 million project for ShelterCare, which provides programs and services for the homeless and people with mental illnesses and brain injuries.

The industrial building, built in the late 1930s, was well-suited for housing the nonprofit’s administrative offices and client services, PIVOT principal Larry Banks said.

鈥淚t was basically a big, 22,000-square-foot warehouse, but they saw the potential in that,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t had big timber columns and roof structure.鈥�

Work to transform the structure into office space involved tearing down a couple of poorly built additions as well as adding insulation and electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems, Banks said. Paint was stripped from Douglas fir columns, and the timber roof structure and the hardwood floors were refinished.

鈥淣ow, you have an amazing amount of warm wood,鈥� Banks said. 鈥淵ou can see all the scratch work on the floor, so you’re kind of aware of the history of the building.鈥�

The project helped consolidate ShelterCare’s services in one place and raise its profile in the community, he said.

鈥淭hey were able to take this dumpy, faceless warehouse in kind of a semi-industrial area and brighten it up,鈥� Banks said.