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Repurposed for a Second Life: Renovated Reuse Case Study

The original 24’x64’ building was built by Modern Building Systems in 1996 to serve as daycare facility for the Northwest Regional Educational Service District (ESD) in Forest Grove, Oregon. In 2016 the building was no longer needed and donated to the local Habitat for Humanity chapter by Modern Building Systems. They purchased and removed the building at no cost to the ESD. It then was transformed into a beautiful newly renovated daycare facility for Family Nurturing Center to expand services as a satellite campus in Phoenix, Oregon. The building now houses daycare services for 28 children and families.

The newly renovated daycare space is comprised of two classrooms, men’s and women’s restrooms, an office space, and kitchen. Modern worked with Family Nurturing Center board member and architect, Brian Westerhout to redesign the building to fit the needs and desires of the daycare. Additional walls were installed near the restroom and hallway area between the classrooms was widened to allow for greater accessibility. Old windows were replaced by large 8/0 x 6/0 premium vinyl windows to bring in more sunlight into the room. While the upgrades of marmoleum flooring and casework adds additional visual appeal throughout the building. The new exterior features include: bright custom colors of fiber cement siding and trims. Roofing and welded hollow metal doors were upgraded as well.

Materials from the original builder were used whenever possible. By utilizing the original structure as much as possible, the result was less construction and demolition waste in the landfill. Basically, the client recycled a whole modular building. A brand new high-efficient gas Bard mechanical unit was installed on the building to upgrade the building.

The Family Nurturing Center is a nonprofit that is part of Oregon’s innovative and comprehensive response to support children and families in crisis and therefore operates on razor thin budgets. Modern, long with local contractors, gave discounts and donations to help make this project a reality. By utilizing a used building and renovating it, the client saved thousands of dollars compared to a new building to the same design and specifications.

This article originally appeared in the Modular Advantage Magazine - Fourth Quarter 2018 released in November 2018.

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