PORTLAND, Ore. — A new addition has come to Portland's Old Town district.
The Multnomah County Health Department has moved its headquarters from Southwest Harvey Milk Street to Northwest 6th Avenue, right across the street from Union Station.
County officials say the building is state of the art.
It has taken about two years of construction to complete the brand new Gladys McCoy Multnomah County Health building.
It's a step up for employees and the community that depends on county health services. For staff, there are open spaces, a lot of natural light, and a view of three volcanoes. The improvements address wellness in the workplace.
For the community, there are gender neutral bathrooms, a lab and a pharmacy.
“We have three specialty clinics including an HIV clinic, an STD clinic, and an immunization and TB (tuberculosis) clinic,” said Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury.
Kafoury said the new building is a huge upgrade.
"Our health department has been located in an old 1923 former department store in downtown Portland and the building is literally falling apart,” she said.
The new spot may also help revitalize Old Town. The move, which will begin April 5, is bringing 500 staff to the area.
“These employees will be walking the streets. They'll be eating in the restaurants and shopping the stores. So, we really hope we're a net benefit to the community,” Kafoury said.
The building is named after Gladys McCoy, the first African-American elected to office in Oregon and former county chair.