Child Behavioral Health Building

the child behavioral health
building

A Transformational Investment in Oregon's Children and Families

The Child Behavioral Health Building will serve as an innovation hub housing the Ballmer Institute for Children's Behavioral Health and the Prevention Science Institute, combining education, research, and clinical services under one roof to expand Oregon's capacity for youth mental health care.

The facility will train a new generation of skilled behavioral health professionals, accelerate evidence-based research, and deliver services to children and families in Portland and across the state—representing a long-term investment in addressing Oregon's most urgent youth behavioral health needs.

Explore the Building

You're Invited

Groundbreaking Ceremony

Join us as we break ground on the Child Behavioral Health Building—a transformational facility that will shape the future of youth mental health care in Oregon and beyond. All are welcome.

RSVP

Date
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Time
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Location
2800 NE Liberty St
Portland, OR 97211

Construction Updates

building oregon's behavioral health future

The Child Behavioral Health Building is under construction on the University of Oregon's Portland campus. The 54,000-square-foot, two-story mass timber facility will include two flexible classrooms that can combine into a 4,000-square-foot auditorium, a 5,000-square-foot behavioral health clinic with private intervention rooms and a calming outdoor sensory pathway, and a 2,500-square-foot telehealth center supporting up to 48 students delivering care to underserved communities across Oregon.

See it Take Shape

Construction is led by Skanska and designed by ZGF Architects. The project website includes progress updates, campus logistics, and a live construction camera feed.

View Construction Updates

Live Camera Feed

  •  

    Spring 2026

    Demolition and Utility Relocations

    Demolition of Elizabeth Hall, Mary Neils Hall, and Weber Hall complete. Concrete crushed on site and reused as structural fill.

  •  

    Summer 2026

    Construction Begins

    Site work and foundation underway. Mass timber structure begins to take shape.

  •  

    Winter 2026–2027

    Construction Continues

    Building envelope and interior systems installed across the two-story, 54,000-square-foot facility.

  •  

    Early 2029

    Building Opens

    The Ballmer Institute and Prevention Science Institute welcome students, faculty, researchers, and community partners to their new home.

“It’s not just a building. It must be a home, a safe house, with educational facilities—all approachable. Unlike our other gifts, which enhanced careers, this one can save lives, sometimes before it’s too late.”


Ron and Chris Sauer, Class of 1980

Support the Building

Invest in the future of Children's Health

With $53 million in state funding already secured, we are raising the remaining $30 million through philanthropy to bring this $83 million project to life.

We are please to share a selection of naming opportunities that would both celebrate your generosity and inspire others to join in support.

Give Now

Questions? Contact Anna Mulcahy at amulcahy@uoregon.edu.

Rendering of clinicians and students interacting with children in a playful space

child behavioral health building News

Ron and Chris Sauer's lifetime of opening their home to kids in need has led to a leadership gift supporting the Ballmer Institute's new Child Behavioral Health Building on the UO Portland campus.
The two-story, 54,000-square-foot facility will consolidate the Ballmer Institute and Prevention Science Institute under one roof by spring 2029.
As reported by the Daily Emerald, the approved Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health and Prevention Science building marks a major milestone in the University of Oregon’s expansion and its investment in children’s behavioral health and prevention science.

Media Resources

Press & Media Kit

Press Contact
Molly Blancett
University Communications
blancett@uoregon.edu