Oncology Care, Reimagined Through Adaptive Reuse
Compass Oncology transformed a former 40,000 square foot big box retail building into a comprehensive cancer center in East Portland, expanding access to oncology services in a growing community. Clark Kjos Architects led the adaptive reuse strategy, converting an existing shell into a high performing healthcare environment that supports patient centered care, operational efficiency, and long-term flexibility. The plan establishes clear zoning between public, clinical, and staff areas, with intuitive circulation and integrated care team workspaces that improve collaboration and streamline daily operations. Infusion and treatment areas are designed to balance patient privacy with access to daylight and exterior views.
Biophilic design is central to the project, incorporating natural materials, wood ceilings, and soft geometries to create a calming, non-institutional healthcare setting. These elements are part of a cohesive design approach that supports patient comfort, reduces stress, and enhances the overall care experience. The building is oriented to capture views of an existing oak grove, with large windows and strategically placed infusion bays that maintain a visual connection to nature during extended treatments. Skylights and interior glazing bring natural light deeper into the plan, supporting circadian rhythms and improving interior quality.
Wayfinding is embedded within the architecture using daylight, material transitions, and nature-based cues, reducing reliance on signage and improving patient navigation. Daylit filled nodes and visual landmarks provide moments of pause and help patients and visitors move through the space with confidence.
Exterior improvements, including new window openings and a refreshed façade, signal the building’s transformation from retail to healthcare. The result is a modern oncology clinic that demonstrates how adaptive reuse can deliver high quality cancer care environments while making efficient use of existing structures.
