NUNM's Bold Move: A Debt-Free Campus to Heal Portland's Urban Core

PORTLAND, OR – December 08, 2025 – In a move that sends ripples through Portland’s beleaguered real estate market and the national healthcare landscape, the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) has finalized the purchase of the 182,000-square-foot Woolworth Building. But this is far more than a simple property transaction. It’s a calculated, debt-free investment that positions an institution dedicated to integrative health as a powerful new anchor in a downtown core desperate for revitalization, signaling a bold bet on the future of whole-person care.

While many commercial tenants are fleeing urban centers, NUNM is planting a flag. The acquisition, which will consolidate all of the university's academic, clinical, and research operations under one roof, stands in stark contrast to the prevailing narrative of urban decline. It represents a masterclass in long-term strategic planning and financial discipline, offering a compelling case study for how specialized institutions can thrive and drive growth even in uncertain times.

A Strategic Play in a Buyer's Market

NUNM's purchase of the property at 1621 SW First Avenue is a profoundly strategic maneuver. It comes as Portland’s commercial real estate market faces headwinds of historic proportions. By the end of 2023, the city’s office vacancy rate had soared to 30.2%, the highest in the nation. In such a climate, securing a major downtown building outright—entirely free of debt—is a remarkable feat of financial prudence.

This was made possible through meticulous long-range planning. The university sold its previous campus in 2022, using the proceeds to fund this acquisition after a comprehensive search for a permanent home. This decision was backed by a decade of consistent operational surpluses, a testament to the institution's sound fiscal management. By acquiring the property in a buyer's market, NUNM has not only secured its physical future but has also established itself as a stabilizing force in the local economy. The influx of students, faculty, and patients promises to bring consistent foot traffic and economic activity to a neighborhood that sorely needs it, potentially acting as a catalyst for further renewal.

"This acquisition represents far more than a new address for NUNM," said NUNM President Dr. Melanie Henriksen. "As healthcare systems grapple with rising costs and fragmented care, the need for whole-person practitioners has never been greater. This new campus strengthens our ability to educate clinicians who promote long-term wellness through integrative, relationship-centered care."

Betting on the Future of Whole-Person Care

The university's investment is not just in brick and mortar; it's a significant wager on the accelerating demand for integrative and natural medicine. The global integrative medicines market, valued at nearly $16 billion in 2024, is projected to surge to over $46 billion by 2030, growing at an explosive 20% compound annual rate. Job growth for naturopathic physicians and holistic health practitioners is similarly robust, with demand expected to climb by double digits over the next decade.

This growth is fueled by a profound shift in consumer and clinical attitudes. Faced with rising rates of chronic disease and the limitations of a conventional, often fragmented, healthcare system, patients are increasingly seeking personalized, preventive, and holistic approaches to wellness. NUNM, as North America's longest-standing accredited naturopathic medical school, is at the forefront of meeting this demand.

"As NUNM approaches its 70th anniversary, this leading-edge campus represents a promise to our future," noted Dr. Leah Hollon, Chair of the NUNM Board of Directors. "It gives us the room to grow, the stability to flourish, and the environment our students and faculty deserve." The expansion ensures that the pipeline of trained practitioners can keep pace with a market that is rapidly embracing the principles of whole-person health.

Designing the Future of Healthcare Education

The true innovation lies in what the new campus will enable. By bringing all its programs under one roof, NUNM is breaking down the silos that can hinder progress in both education and patient care. The relocation will occur in phases, with academic and administrative offices moving in mid-2026, ensuring clinical services continue uninterrupted at the current NUNM Health Center during the transition.

A more ambitious Phase 2, contingent on a $5 million capital campaign, will transform the facility into a cutting-edge hub for health innovation. Plans include a purpose-built integrative Health Center, a state-of-the-art Community Teaching Kitchen for culinary medicine, and a clinical simulation center for advanced physician training. This vision directly addresses the intersection of food, health, and technology.

The Community Teaching Kitchen, for example, is a physical manifestation of the 'Food as Medicine' philosophy. It will serve the university's nutrition programs and its well-regarded Food As Medicine Everyday community initiative, providing a practical, hands-on environment for learning how diet impacts health. The simulation center will allow students to hone their clinical skills in a controlled, safe setting, while an expanded Helfgott Research Institute will provide the capacity to conduct rigorous scientific inquiry into natural and integrative therapies, further building the evidence base for the field.

This consolidation is designed to foster a deeply collaborative environment where a student studying Chinese medicine can easily interact with a nutrition student, and a naturopathic medical intern can consult with researchers—all within the same building. This cross-pollination is critical for training practitioners who can think and practice integratively.

An Anchor for Community Health and Equity

Beyond its economic and educational impact, NUNM's new campus is poised to become a vital anchor for community health in Portland. The NUNM Health Centers are already recognized by the Oregon Health Authority as a Tier 3 Patient-Centered Primary Care Home, the highest level of recognition for delivering coordinated, patient-focused care. The new, purpose-built clinical facilities will enhance this mission.

The consolidation will improve operational efficiency and patient experience, making it easier for individuals to access a wide spectrum of services—from naturopathic primary care and Chinese medicine to clinical nutrition and hydrotherapy. This is particularly crucial in a city where community health assessments consistently point to the need for more accessible and affordable healthcare options.

NUNM's commitment to health equity is further demonstrated through programs like its medicinary, which accepts donations to provide natural medicine products to underserved patients through its community clinics. The expansion and centralization of these services will amplify the university's ability to serve diverse populations, ensuring that the benefits of integrative care reach those who need it most. By embedding itself in the heart of the city, NUNM is not just building a campus; it is deepening its commitment to the well-being of the entire Portland community.