A social service provider is now operating its day shelter and community center in a new home in Northwest Portland.

Rose Haven, according to its website, serves “women, children and gender nonconforming folks experiencing the trauma of abuse, loss of home and other disruptive life challenges.” In February 2021, the nonprofit secured a long-term lease for space at 1740 N.W. Glisan St., the website states. Gensler‘s Portland office then offered pro bono design services for a full interior renovation, which was constructed by Swinerton. The result is a 9,700-square-foot facility – three times the size of Rose Haven’s previous one.

Gensler’s design team facilitated visioning sessions with both Rose Haven’s team and its service recipients. These efforts focused on decision-making, providing an inclusive experience to ensure all voices were heard, engaging with diverse viewpoints, and community outreach. Guided by trauma-informed design principles, Gensler sought to create a space that embodies service recipients’ emotional connections to Rose Haven.

The new space is comprised of an intake and reception area, a guest services area, activity rooms, a prep-kitchen and pantry, a community dining room, a wellness area with showers, a laundry and medic room, an area where guests can select donated clothing items, and offices and work spaces for Rose Haven’s team of directors, advocates and volunteers. The design features natural, exposed wood beams that contrast with light walls and furniture.

Also, an 82-foot-long floral mural wraps around key service areas and features 35 colors that evoke a sense of calm and well-being. Rose Haven’s guests, volunteers and donors were invited to help paint the mural using a paint-by-numbers system.

To coincide with the grand opening of the new shelter space, Rose Haven also engaged Gensler to refresh its brand identity, including a new logo design, trauma-informed color palette and typography.

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