Board approves $6.84 million plan to upgrade Rockwood Community Health Center

The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a FAC‑1 project plan that authorizes construction work and next steps for the Rockwood Community Health Center upgrade project.

County officials said the $6,840,000 project will replace aging building systems, remodel the lobby and entrance, add an electrical room and emergency generator, install vehicle charging stations and replace rooftop mechanical equipment. Construction documents were finalized in August, the county said, and the project was released for bid in September; officials estimated construction would take 12–14 months and include a planned six‑month closure for heavier work.

The county’s facilities and health center staff told the board the Rockwood clinic, purchased from CareOregon in 2023, serves roughly 6,700 clients a year and is heavily used by Spanish‑speaking residents. Anirudh, the interim executive director for the health center, said about 40% of Rockwood clients identify as Hispanic and one‑third list Spanish as their primary language.

Senior project staff described problems the project aims to fix: a single exterior door that allows outdoor conditions to affect the interior, aged rooftop mechanical equipment, limited electrical capacity and cramped circulation. “We’re looking to remodel the entrance lobby of the facility,” project manager Brett Tottey told commissioners, and to add an electrical room that will support upgraded electrical service and an emergency generator to preserve medical supplies in outages.

Debbie Powers, interim chief operating officer for the health center, outlined operational plans to maintain services during construction. She said the county will perform some work while the clinic remains partly occupied, then move most programs during a six‑month closure to the East County Health Center; dental services will be distributed between sites because chairs are harder to relocate. “We would be closing for 6 months and redistributing programming,” Powers said, and the Community Health Center Board reviewed closure options earlier this year.

Commissioners asked about property valuation and alternatives to renovation, such as building new facilities. Dan Zalco, facilities division director, said staff will provide a current valuation estimate and an after‑project valuation to the board. Project staff noted the county purchased the building at a favorable price and received a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant and capital improvement funding that together fully fund the current scope.

Public testimony included residents and community advocates who welcomed the project and urged the county to ensure transit access and contingency planning during closure. Charles Johnson, a community speaker, urged better public transit connections to the clinic and suggested contingency funding for patient transportation.

The board voted by roll call to adopt the resolution. Commissioner Moyer, Commissioner Singleton, Commissioner Grama Edwards, Commissioner Jones Dixon and Chair Megan Peterson voted in favor; the resolution passed. Project staff said the county will finalize the contractor and confirm an exact construction start date; the plan currently anticipates construction beginning late this calendar year or early next year with a six‑month full closure during construction.

Funding and schedule details provided to the board show $6,840,000 in total project budget, comprised of construction, soft costs and owner contingency, and staff said the project scope is fully funded through a mix of property sale carryover, HRSA grant funding and capital improvement funds.