Westminster Preschools Portland

When The Portland Foundation set out to address the growing need for early childcare in Portland, they turned to BCV to help transform the closed 1950s elementary school, which had gone essentially unchanged since its opening, into a vibrant new home for Westminster Preschool. The project reimagined the former school as a nurturing environment for infants through preschool-aged children, bringing life back to a building that had sat vacant for several years.

With limited budgets and the constraints of an aging facility, collaboration was key. BCV worked closely with the Foundation and Westminster Preschool to make every design decision count—modernizing the building while keeping it functional, safe, and welcoming for the community’s youngest learners.

The renovation introduced age-appropriate classrooms with new restrooms, sinks, and cubbies, tailored to the specific needs of each age group. Existing spaces were thoughtfully repurposed: old restrooms became a community training room, the gym was refreshed as an indoor play space, and new offices now support family services. The result is a cheerful, adaptable center that supports early learning and strengthens community connection.