St. Michael the Archangel Youth Center

This ground-up youth center construction in Corbett, Oregon marks our second major project for CYO/Camp Howard. This initiative is part of a broader modernization effort at CYO/Camp Howard, which also encompasses the Elsie Franz Finley Welcome Center, completed previously on the same site.

The multi-use youth center serves as the spiritual and communal hub of the Catholic Youth Organization’s Camp Howard. Built to support CYO’s Catholic Outdoor Education (CODE) program, the facility features a NanaWall glass door system that opens to a custom-poured 40-foot labyrinth plaza, blending indoor and outdoor space for Mass, performances, and gatherings. Modeled after the famed Chartres Cathedral’s labyrinth in France, the exterior cast concrete plaza offers a serene space for reflection and contemplation.

The youth center was constructed using green Douglas fir lumber milled onsite from fallen trees, emphasizing sustainability and precision craftsmanship. Successfully navigating logistical and weather-related challenges, O’Brien’s team delivered a complex, timber-framed structure through strong coordination and innovative field solutions. A standout example of faith-based, community-driven construction, this project reflects O’Brien’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and lasting impact.