Looking Glass Regional Crisis Center East
Adaptive Reuse for Youth Mental Health
Looking Glass Community Services provides residential, sub-acute mental health treatment for youth ages 12 to 18, offering a structured, therapeutic environment tailored to individual clinical needs. Their programs integrate on-site education, including language arts, math, health, and life skills, supporting continuity and stability during treatment.
Arbor South partnered with this nonprofit to deliver the Looking Glass Regional Crisis Center East, a 12,000-square-foot sub-acute residential treatment facility serving up to 21 youth. Funded by Oregon Department of Human Services and the Oregon Youth Authority, the project responded to an urgent community need for expanded mental health services.
Location — Eugene, OR
Year Completed — 2025
Classroom
This project is an adaptive reuse of an existing building. The design required an interior renovation to meet current Lane County codes, as well as the durability, safety, and operational requirements unique to behavioral health facilities.
All interior fixtures and most finishes were replaced to meet stringent safety standards, with an emphasis on durability and tamper resistance. Spaces were carefully reconfigured to support staff operations while creating a stable and supportive environment for residents.
Guided by trauma-informed design principles, the project balances safety with a sense of warmth and dignity. Ligature-resistant fixtures and hardware, tamper-resistant materials, and enhanced lighting systems were integrated with residential design elements. Materials such as wood-grain LVT flooring and thoughtfully composed color palettes were selected to support emotional regulation while maintaining long-term performance.
Looking Glass emphasized the importance of creating spaces that feel welcoming rather than institutional. In response, Arbor South prioritized material selection, color, and layout strategies that foster comfort, stability, and a sense of home within a highly regulated setting.
Conference Room
Site improvements included new pathways and secure fencing, allowing safe and controlled access to outdoor spaces, an essential component of therapeutic environments for youth.
With a strict timeline driven by urgent demand, Arbor South expedited design, permitting, and construction to deliver the project efficiently. Early, face-to-face coordination with agencies having jurisdiction ensured alignment throughout the process, allowing the team to successfully navigate complex regulatory requirements.
Outdoor Yard
Bedroom
This project reflects Arbor South’s commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations through thoughtful, technically rigorous design. By adapting existing buildings to meet critical needs, the firm helps communities expand access to essential services in a responsible and impactful way.
“Working with Arbor South has been wonderful. These aren’t typical buildings—we’re designing facilities where safety is everything, for youth with serious trauma histories. Bill and Brian were responsive, patient, and deeply committed to understanding what we needed. They didn’t just design for us—they helped us make the space safer, more healing, and ultimately more effective.”
— Chad Westphal, CEO, Looking Glass Community Services
