Children’s Institute Finds New Home at Crown Plaza
Children’s Institute, a social impact organization, has been working to improve the lives of Oregon children for 20 years. Founded in 2003, the organization focuses on building brighter futures for prenatal-through-grade-five children who may experience institutional or systemic barriers.
For the last 10 years, the Children’s Institute office has been located in Portland’s Goose Hollow neighborhood. However, their staff and leadership recently decided they wanted a change.
“Children’s Institute’s staff is deeply committed, engaged, and collaborative, so we wanted to find a place where we could build a hybrid working environment,” says Carole Shellhart, Children’s Institute CFO/COO. “It was really important for us to build an environment that expresses our core values of honor, equity, learning, innovation, and connectedness.”
Melvin Mark’s Crown Plaza building at SW 1st Ave & SW Market St turned out to be the perfect fit. Children’s Institute signed a lease for 6,500 square feet of office space on the 7th floor; Apex’s Wes Mallard represented the Tenant while Melvin Mark’s Paul Andrews represented the Landlord in the transaction.
“Melvin Mark built a great relationship with us,” says Shellhart. “They allowed us to tour multiple spaces in Crown Plaza, which helped us refine our needs and narrow down what we were looking for.”
“I am excited to welcome Children’s Institute to the Crown Plaza building,” says Andrews. “Their work helping children in our community is incredibly important, and I hope Crown Plaza’s high-quality office space, responsive property management, 24-hour security, and access to parking will help them do just that.”
Being the largest early childhood policy organization in Oregon requires dedication, focus, and an encouraging work environment in a lively neighborhood.
“We wanted our new offices to be light and bright, with high walkability and transit scores, and in the urban center,” says Shellhart.
Children’s Institute celebrated two decades of impact during their 20th Anniversary Champions for Children Luncheon in October. They continue to reimagine how children learn, interact, and thrive in Oregon through their many initiatives and strategies.
About Children’s Institute Children’s Institute was founded in 2003 with the vision of a “socially just and equitable Oregon where all children have the love, care, and education they need.” The organization utilizes policies, partnerships, projects, and elementary school programs to provide learning, support, and opportunity to children who experience institutional or systemic barriers. To learn more or donate, visit https://childinst.org/.
About Melvin Mark Companies Melvin Mark has owned, operated, and invested in meaningful commercial real estate projects throughout the Northwest since 1945. The locally owned company offers an umbrella of services via Melvin Mark Brokerage Company, Melvin Mark Capital Group, and Melvin Mark Investors, all of which aim to create shared success for both clients and the community.