By Teresa Carson

A new office building for the Oregon Department of Human Services is planned in Gresham, to allow consolidation of several smaller facilities in east Multnomah County.

According to plans submitted by TVA Architects to Gresham’s Urban Design and Planning Department, the three-story building at the junction of Southeast 223rd Avenue and Stark Street would feature over 95,000 square feet of space. Plans also call for 288 parking spaces for motor vehicles.

The 5.51-acre site targeted for the development is comprised of three separate tax lots. Two existing single-story buildings are tentatively set to remain on the property. Currently, a lot line review is taking place to allow consolidation of the three tax lots into a single parcel.

Primary vehicle access would be via 223rd Avenue, with a secondary entrance via Stark Street. The main building entry would be on the south side, and the employee entry on the north side. Eight interior parking stalls on the ground floor would be reserved for child welfare staff vehicles.

The primary entrance would feature a two-story lobby with full-height glass facing south and a two-story glass opening facing 223rd Avenue. Doors would open to both the east and west.

Materials planned for the exterior include ribbed and flat metal panels as well as a high-density fiber cement panel system.

Construction is tentatively set to start in June 2020, according to submitted documents.

The project team has consulted with the Gresham Design Commission, and is awaiting a formal design review hearing.