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The Gresham-Barlow Student Health Center is a standalone 2,500-square-foot facility designed to provide behavioral, medical and dental care for Gresham-Barlow School District students.
Located at 330 W. Powell Blvd., the $2.4 million center was designed by SAJ Architecture and built by Bremik Construction. The facility includes three exam rooms, behavioral health treatment space, a laboratory, staff areas and a reception and waiting room. High ceilings create a sense of openness and calm in an otherwise compact building, reinforcing a noninstitutional environment. The careful balance between civic visibility and personal privacy distinguishes this project from typical school clinics or adapted interior spaces. A screened outdoor courtyard on the south side of the building is dedicated to behavioral health services, and there is a private exit separate from the main lobby.
The project required extensive coordination among a wide range of stakeholders, including the school district, Wallace Medical Concern – the nonprofit medical sponsor and clinic operator – the Oregon School Based Health Alliance, the City of Gresham and the Oregon Legislature.
The project team worked to align healthcare clinic standards and Oregon Health Authority requirements with school district material standards, operational expectations, and stringent local land use code requirements. The design met a variety of needs: the City of Gresham required a strong civic presence with a corner entry and large windows, while the school district sought standardized materials consistent with district specifications. Healthcare operators needed efficient clinic organization and specialized equipment to support all three service lines. Interior design balanced clinical durability with biophilic elements – including natural light, soothing colors and wood-inspired finishes – to reduce stress for students seeking care.
The structural engineer and general contractor collaborated to develop a simplified roof structure that reduced construction costs while giving the building a distinctive, recognizable form. Construction bids came in 10 percent below cost estimates.
Financing came through legislative requests and grant funding. Through proactive project development and stakeholder coordination, the design team helped the district secure an additional $1.5 million in state funding.
The project team collaborated with the contractor and school district to connect students with construction activities on site, reinforcing transparency and education throughout the process. The design team and owner also engaged students by providing an opportunity to create a wall mural in the lobby, embedding student identity directly into the building.