Portland VOZ
Portland, Oregon | 2019

VOZ is the spanish word for "voice", and this new organizing and support center aims to support and amplify the voices of the "trabajadores" that are normally seen waiting for job opportunities along MLK Jr. Boulevard. Located in the Kerns EX Central Eastside commercial zone near the intersection of I-84 and MLK Jr. Boulevard, this 4,500 square foot, two level design has resulted from a participatory design process involving the community of workers, the staff and leadership of the existing organization. The new facility, dubbed the "MLK Jr. Worker Center", will provide a variety of gathering, organizing, educational, administration, restroom, storage and utility spaces as well as a permeable parking area for bicycles and autos. Prosper Portland provided a financial support grant for the process of user education and involvement, exploring a range of scaled development approaches for the project site. Three iterative rounds of participation and design refinement have resulted in this exciting design.

Project Credits:
O'Neill Construction Group provided input on constructability and cost during the design phase, and provided cost estimation of final designs.
Casa of Oregon Served a project coordination role, conducted operational financial feasibility analysis, identified potential capital sources, and produced the final report of the feasibility process and outcomes.
Civilis Consultants provided insight and support for the design process, financial feasibility, and overall development strategy.