Guide Dogs for the Blind will break ground this summer on a new 30,000-square-foot “client residence and community hub” at its Boring campus.
“The project will more than double GDB’s capacity to serve clients in Oregon, with an inclusive complex that brings together GDB clients, staff, puppy raisers, and other volunteers in one unified space,” the nonprofit announced in a news release. “When completed, it will be the first of its kind in North America.”
Guide Dogs for the Blind was founded in 1942 to help returning soldiers who had been blinded during World War II. Since then, the nonprofit has trained more than 16,000 guide dogs — not just for military veterans, but for anyone with a visual impairment.
Guide Dogs for the Blind has two locations: a headquarters in San Rafael, California, and its Boring location.
A wide view of the concept for the new Guide Dogs for the Blind campus in Boring.Studio Miers | Chou | Poon
The new complex will be the first expansion of the 28-acre Boring campus since it opened in 1995. About 150 dogs go through training there each year.
But the clients who receive the dogs receive training, too. They spend two weeks living on site at the Guide Dogs for the Blind campus and learning how to work with their dog. (All of this, including the dog, is provided at no cost to clients.)
The new two-story facility will expand the number of rooms for those visiting clients from six to 14, more than doubling the number of people able to be served at a time. In addition to private suites for clients, the new facility will include a cafe and information center.
Architecture firm Studio Miers |Chou |Poon is working on the project. The nonprofit noted that “the architectural team includes architect Chris Downey, who is blind, providing a unique and inclusive perspective.” Blind and visually impaired clients also provided input during the planning process.
A rendering of the interior of the new Guide Dogs for the Blind campus in Boring.Studio Miers | Chou | Poon
Guide Dogs for the Blind has so far raised $15 million for the $28 million project and is fundraising for the remainder. The nonprofit launched its Building Brighter Futures campaign to solicit contributions to the campaign.
The current Boring facility will be demolished after the new one is complete, with the hope of continuing to serve clients throughout construction.
The site of the old building will be turned into about 20,000 square feet of outdoor sensory gardens and dedicated spaces for dog training and special events.
The project is slated to be completed in the first half of 2027.
— Samantha Swindler covers features for The Oregonian/OregonLive and Here is Oregon. Reach her at sswindler@oregonian.com.
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