Relief Nursery Renovation & Addition
Relief Nursery prevents the cycle of child abuse and neglect through early intervention that focuses on building successful and resilient children, strengthening parents, and preserving families. Arbor South designed a strategic remodel and modest addition to their Eugene facility that created new workspace and meeting areas for staff, allowing existing rooms to be repurposed for expanded preschool classrooms and parent education programs.
Location — Eugene, OR
Year Completed — 2026
Our commitment to project success began on day one with active listening so the leaders at Relief Nursery could make informed decisions and have clear expectations about the process.
The project required careful navigation of regulatory constraints, including an existing Conditional Use Permit within a residential neighborhood. Through early feasibility analysis and strong working relationships with City of Eugene staff, we identified a permitting path that allowed the project to proceed without triggering a full site review, saving the client significant time and money.
We also advocated for Relief Nursery during the permitting process by negotiating a practical solution to parking requirements. Because the project did not increase staff occupancy and bike parking already existed on site, we worked with the city to confirm that additional structured parking would not be required, avoiding unnecessary expense on a tight nonprofit budget.
Most importantly, construction was carefully planned to protect Relief Nursery’s day-to-day operations. By coordinating closely with the client and the contractor - Dorman Construction and sequencing site work within a narrow window, the most disruptive construction activities occurred when children were not present, allowing Relief Nursery to continue serving families throughout the project.
Before image of lobby desk (left), after image of lobby desk (right).
Support for nonprofits serving vulnerable populations, such as Relief Nursery, reflects our long-standing commitment to organizations doing essential work in our community.
"From the very first meeting, Arbor South listened. We came to them with a general concept, and they returned with a thoughtful design that just made sense. Throughout the process, they were responsive, transparent, and genuinely had our best interests at heart—explaining options, costs, and timelines so we could make informed decisions.
Their collaborative approach, from design through permitting to construction, has been seamless. They’ve kept safety and our daily operations front and center, all while managing communication with contractors so we could focus on our mission. Every change has been purposeful, and every detail handled with care.
We trust them completely. This project has not only given us a beautiful new space, it’s given us a lasting partnership with people who share our values and deliver on their promises."
- Kelly Sutherland, Executive Director, Relief Nursery
