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Dan Bramske, an architect with EMA Architecture, figured that like many dream projects explored by nonprofits, the Rotary Youth Center at Morrison would start with a nice conversation and then be forgotten.

That didn’t happen.

Morrison Child and Family Services forged ahead with a plan to build a 4,100-square-foot facility for children, many of whom have suffered from sexual abuse, or have drug or alcohol addictions.

The concept for the project started as a simple covered area for the organization’s clients to use for outdoor play to fulfill Portland Public Schools‘ physical education requirements. Morrison, in consultation with EMA Architecture, decided to dream bigger, and applied for a once-in-a-decade grant from the Rotary Club of Portland.

The youth center plan was chosen for the club’s Project 2020, which led to a $500,000 contribution toward the project’s $2.3 million budget.

EMA Architecture worked with Morrison and general contractor Joseph Hughes Construction to round up donors and subcontractors willing to reduce their rates.

鈥淭he fact that this has all come together, and has blossomed into a project that’s 100 percent donated, is amazing,鈥� Bramske said.

The project site is on a portion of Morrison’s property that was used for surface parking. The building will finally give the organization a purpose-built facility, Development Director Deanna Kavanaugh said.

鈥淢orrison has never built a building in its 73-year history, which is kind of amazing, and we serve over 8,200 clients a year,鈥� she said.

Completion of the building at 11025 N.E. Sandy Blvd., in Portland’s Parkrose neighborhood, is expected this summer. Morrison has scheduled a grand opening celebration for Sept. 4.

The project is on track to be net-zero energy, Bramske said. The facility may even end up producing more energy than it uses, he added.

Donors pushed the project toward higher environmental performance, Bramske said. A solar array and a green roof will be installed. The project team is considering proposals for solar installations of 40 to 57 kilowatts, Bramske said.

鈥淭hrough the design process, we realized the form and location of the building were ideal for solar and ideal for eco-roofs,鈥� he said.

High-performance insulation and glazing are being installed. A 2,500-gallon cistern will collect rainwater that will be used to irrigate a grass play field behind the building.

The project team brought in ecoREAL Solutions as a consultant. Participation in certification programs such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or Green Globes was considered, but determined to be too expensive, Bramske said. The LEED process, for example, was anticipated to cost $50,000, he said.

Instead, the project team is following Energy Trust of Oregon‘s Path to Net Zero program.

The front of the building is to be wrapped with a mural by a Portland artist who goes by the moniker Dominatah. The Regional Arts and Culture Council is evaluating the proposal.

Inside, the building is dominated by a large multipurpose room with a basketball court. A projector will be installed to show presentations or films. The room should be able to accommodate more than 100 people for events, Bramske said.

The building will be equipped with a 鈥渨arm kitchen鈥� 鈥� everything except a commercial stove 鈥� and bathrooms.

The building is envisioned to be used by youths in Morrison’s day treatment programs. It could host meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, and be used by foster families.

The design will be accessible to visitors with disabilities.

The project is close to fully funded, but is still accepting donations, Bramske said. Suppliers including Parr Lumber, Metallion Industries, Chown Hardware, James Hardie Siding, Sherwin-Williams, Thermal Supply and the Lake Oswego-based Home Builders Foundation have chipped in with in-kind donations. More are expected to arrive as the project wraps up.

As with all construction sites at this time, this one has adjusted to the coronavirus pandemic. During a May 27 site visit, workers (including those with subcontractors) were wearing masks. That’s a company-wide rule for Joseph Hughes Construction, said Scott Wigman, project manager for the Portland-based contractor.

鈥淚t’s definitely not easy, but for the most part we’re really coherent on it,鈥� he said.

Some final tasks remain. Bramske is still working to secure permits from the Oregon Department of Transportation, which oversees Sandy Boulevard, to widen the driveway. Also, work is continuing on an outdoor space that will be terraced and have grass planted to provide a play field.