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Substantial upgrades are in the works for a workforce development center geared to serve teens and young adults in Central Oregon.

Heart of Oregon Corps (HOC), a Bend-based nonprofit, is preparing to improve and expand the training facility it operates at 835 E. Highway 126 in Redmond. The project includes construction of a 9,000-square-foot building as well as remodels of both a 14,000-square-foot warehouse building and 10,000-square-foot covered equipment bays.

HOC is pursuing the project in partnership with landlord Opportunity Foundation of Central Oregon and planning to lease the property for the long term. BBT Architects designed the campus for HOC. R&H Construction is the general contractor/construction manager.

The project is in the design development phase. Trauma-informed design elements include an emphasis on providing daylight and outdoor air, clear navigation, quiet meeting spaces, and recreational spaces, HOC Executive Director Laura Handy said.

A central courtyard will connect all elements of the four-acre campus, Handy said. The courtyard will feature art, a small space for outdoor programs, and small spaces for class gatherings.

Construction of a centralized campus will result in efficiencies in travel, equipment usage, staffing, enhance current services through youth job skills training, educational activities and youth leadership, and expand services by partnering with other groups to offer trainings/classes, HOC states on the project website.

The Redmond training center offers job skills training, education and leadership development for Central Oregon youth and young adults. HOC operates six programs that follow a work-earn-learn model.

鈥淲hat鈥檚 unique about us is at the conservation core, we not only provide services to young people, but our young people are part of the solution for communities,鈥� Handy said. 鈥淥ur young people are a vibrant part of their community that help solve problems in their community.鈥�

The youth receive hands-on training by building affordable housing, restoring and maintaining public lands and sites, participating in child care, and more.

The upgraded campus will provide program participants with not only a quality, stable environment in which to receive training but also space to address basic needs, Handy said. In addition to recreational space, there will be showers, laundry facilities, kitchen/cafeteria space, and space for trainees to take breaks and tend to personal care.

After Redmond-based Hayden Homes last week presented a $100,000 check to HOC, it鈥檚 now 45 percent of the way to its $8 million fundraising goal. Other contributors include federal, state and county public sources, private foundations, corporations, and individuals.

HOC is planning to launch a community campaign next year. People interested in getting involved or supporting the campaign can learn more at .

The project team is hoping to break ground in December and wrap up construction in February 2025.