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High Desert Christian Academy proposes to convert old hospital into education and childcare hub in Prineville
Summary
Presenters from High Desert Christian Academy told the Crook County board about plans to transform the former Hospital Hill property into a multiuse educational hub with childcare, K–12 dual enrollment, CTE/trades space, gym and fields; presenters said they had community and agency support and will return with a grant proposal.
At the Oct. 2, 2024 Crook County commission meeting, representatives of High Desert Christian Academy outlined a plan to repurpose the former hospital site at 1201 NE Elm Street (often called "Hospital Hill") into a multiuse educational hub.
Mandy Puckett, community relations director for High Desert Christian Academy, said the proposal would add childcare and early education capacity, K–12 dual‑enrollment options, trade and career training space, extracurricular facilities (including a gym and ballfields), and leasable classroom or clinic space. The presenters said they have letters of support from the city council, the county commission and the school district and nearly 200 community signatures.
The academy provided an aerial map of the property and described how different wings could be repurposed: early learning on the east side, an elementary/middle/high school wing through the center and leasable clinic/office space in former operating-room and clinic areas. The presenters discussed capacity constraints in existing childcare programs, the county’s need for CTE and workforce training, and possibilities for short‑term workforce housing in former hospice rooms to help staff childcare and training programs.
Commissioners and staff asked clarifying questions about partnerships, CTE pathways and next steps. Presenters said they are preparing a grant proposal and would return with more detailed funding requests and agreements with community partners.
Next steps: presenters will finish a grant proposal and return to the city and county with funding requests and partner commitments; the county will consider how local agencies can provide in‑kind or cash support to improve grant competitiveness.
