Lane County cut the ribbon on its newest facility with the grand opening of the Developmental Disabilities Services building, designed by the PIVOT Architecture team.
The DDS department, once housed in the basement of the Public Service Building, now occupies a natural light filled new facility that Lane County Commissioner and Board Chair Pat Farr called a beacon of the community.
“How many dreams have gone into this?” he asked rhetorically. “The design of this building is remarkable. The way the offices are arranged, the use of color, and natural light is so well thought out and intentional.”
“This building is welcoming and client focused,” said Health and Human Services Director Eve Gray. “It is a calming and quiet space that is a tangible commitment to our community.”
The team used trauma-informed design as a guiding principle to create a facility to serve a vulnerable population. The healthy and sustainable facility that was created with durable materials has flexibility for future growth and was designed to LEED Silver standards.
The 26,000-SF facility was built by Essex General Construction.
“This facility represents so much more than a building,” said Carla Tazumal, DDS division manager. “It serves a venerable section of the community.”
DDS supports about 1,700 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities helping them lead fulfilling lives by coordinating self-directed support services, encouraging independence, and finding personal and meaningful relationships.
“I’m proud to be part of building that means so much to me and so many others,” said Stephen, a DDS client and advisory board member. “LCDDS helps me to be stable. Accessing a building can be challenging that others might not understand. The way this building is designed will help lead to more positive outcomes and more stable lives for the clients as well as their friends and families.”
“I’ve watched people succeed and achieve as a result from work with LCDDS,” said Lisa D, an adult foster care provider more than 60 people. “They provide an amazing and vital service to thousands in the community. This building is intentional in its design and it means easier access with fewer stresses to the DDS clients and their care providers.”