Category: New Residence

Community, New Residence September 11, 2026September 11, 2026

Legin Commons Opens with 124 Affordable Homes

On September 10th, the public and private organizations responsible for creating the Legin Commons apartment building at 7755 SE Division Street celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Soon, new residents will begin moving into 124 new regulated affordable homes on Portland Community College’s (PCC) Southeast campus, prioritizing families with children and low-income households.

A group of individuals participating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside a building, smiling and holding a large golden ribbon.

The new four-story building sits on the site of a former Kaiser Permanente one-story medical clinic built in 1964. PCC acquired the land several years before Kaiser’s closure and demolished the building in 2015, using the land as an auxiliary parking lot with a large grassy spot where the building once stood. PCC had always planned to repurpose the space for more effective uses than parking. In 2021, College leadership worked to develop a twenty-year facilities plan for the educational institution’s properties. During that evaluation, PCC determined that portions of the school grounds should support low-income affordable housing. Instead of student-only dormitories, they opted to focus on attainable housing open to the community. From internal student surveys, PCC staff learned that housing insecurity is a significant concern. They also observed that students often spread their education out over many years with inconsistent enrollment. As a result, PCC determined that tying housing programs to school affiliation would not alleviate housing insecurity among the student population, so planners opened this housing to all who qualify.

Exhibition poster for Legin Restaurant, highlighting its history and cultural significance in Portland's Jade District.

A previous PCC campus expansion razed the former site of the Legin Restaurant, a beloved Chinese eatery and community hub. Housing developers APANO, Our Just Future, and Edlen & Co. chose to honor the area restaurant by naming the building Legin Commons and incorporating central gathering amenities to match its namesake’s role as a community hub. Located in the Jade District and the Montavilla neighborhood, blocks from SE 82nd Avenue, it offers access to some of Portland’s most active transit lines and walkable destinations. The building also offers secured on-site parking for some residents with dedicated EV charging stalls.

A black gated entrance with a sidewalk leads to a modern building with green and gray exterior. The building has multiple large windows, and there are rectangular concrete pads on the ground. — *_{Security gate leading to resident onsite parking with EV charging stalls to the left}*

The Portland Housing Bureau awarded this development $3.78 million from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) to install a solar array and high-efficiency heating and cooling split systems. Other public funding came through a $1.67 million allotment from the voter-approved Metro Affordable Housing Bond and a Metro-awarded $250,000 Transit-Oriented Development grant. Legin Commons residents also enjoy natural cooling from a mature tree canopy on its eastern edge and new greenery planted around the property to help replace the shade once provided by older trees removed during construction.

A rooftop view featuring multiple solar panels and several air conditioning units against a backdrop of trees. — *_{Rooftop mounted mini-split heat pump condenser units and solar array}*

PCEF Program Manager Sam Baraso explained during the Thursday event that green investments in this building benefit residents and the environment by reducing off-property energy consumption and lowering costs. “We invested in 294 in-unit mini-split heat pumps and 22 common-area mini-split heat pumps, three high-efficiency whole-building ventilation systems, 33 energy recovery ventilators, which means we can bring in fresh air into the building constantly, make sure folks are breathing clean, fresh air and do so in a way that actually uses the outgoing air to cool or warm [incoming air].” On the roof is a 180-kilowatt solar array that further reduces the energy demands of these residences on the grid. Claire Parisa with the nonprofit Enterprise Housing Credit Investments, which provided funding support for this project, highlighted the unique support for environmental construction in Portland. “There’s always a goal to make buildings green, but not necessarily the funding to go with it. And we’re so lucky to have PCEF in the city to make those dreams a reality.”

An outdoor playground with wooden swings and climbing structures, surrounded by colorful blue play equipment and orange safety ground cover, in front of a modern green and gray building. — *_{Outdoor play area and resident courtyard}*

Lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air are just a few of the key features of this complex. Designers used the natural amenities to create significant outdoor space for residents, including an outdoor play area off a large community room. On-site laundry and bike storage are available on multiple floors. Private meeting rooms throughout the building provide secluded workspace or an area for private conversations away from home. Elevators offer seating in an adjacent lobby on each floor so people with mobility considerations can navigate the property with less impact on their comfort. A ground-floor classroom can also host community meetings or events, as long as it remains open to all residents in the building. APANO will provide resident services, leveraging its headquarters’ proximity to the site to be an integrated partner in the building’s supportive services.

Interior view of a modern meeting room featuring a large TV screen, a whiteboard on a stand, and a wooden table with green chairs. — *_{Ground-floor classroom}*

For over a decade, APANO has looked for opportunities to increase housing in the district, making good on a community-driven concept for the area. “Our vision for Jade is for it to be Portland’s most transit-rich, most affordable, and most climate-resilient part of town. We have Legion Commons opening today, we have Jade Apartments opening next month, and we’re in pre-development at Canton Grill,” explained Metro Councilor Duncan Hwang, who also works for APANO. “Part of the housing piece is our work around anti-displacement. We have some time right now to really build up these community assets to make sure we can stay in place.”

A woman speaking at a podium outdoors, surrounded by trees and greenery. — *_{Quisha Light, interim director of the Portland Housing Bureau}*

Quisha Light, interim director of the Portland Housing Bureau, celebrated the addition of these new housing units but noted it is just an early step in a larger effort to meet the community’s needs. “According to the city’s housing needs analysis, Portland must add about 28,000 homes that are affordable to families in that 0 to 60% of AMI (Area Median Income) range by 2045. So we still have a lot of work to do. It’s a big lift, but I have lived here for 20 years now, and I’ve seen Portlanders step up and really accept the big challenges. So I know all of us standing here today can make that happen. Legin Commons makes stability real. With 124 new affordable homes, including 20 deeply affordable homes at 30% AMI, and more than half of all units sized for families, this development reflects the community it serves,” said Light.

A woman speaking at a podium outdoors, with a smiling woman seated beside her in front of a backdrop of trees. — *_{Katy Ho Interim President PCC and Councilor Tiffany Koyama Lane}*

Speakers at the ceremony noted the importance of creating high-quality affordable housing in an area that has historically supported generations of the city’s minority populations. “This stretch in the Jade District and the 82nd Avenue corridor in particular has long been home to one of our most diverse communities in the city. Immigrant families, refugees, students, working people who bring so much to Portland,” said Portland Councilor for District 3, Tiffany Koyama Lane. “This is a place where we can hear more than 140 languages spoken, where we can find our culturally specific food and markets that reflect our beautiful diversity. This neighborhood was built by people. The character comes from families who have been here for generations, and also from folks who crossed oceans and borders to get here.”

A man and a woman share a warm moment at a podium during an outdoor event, while another woman sitting nearby smiles and claps in appreciation. — *_{Metro Councilor Duncan Hwang, Lynn Fuchigami Parks, and Councilor Tiffany Koyama Lane}*

Koyama Lane explained how preserving communities through anti-displacement and naming is a significant step for a city whose past leaders excluded many non-white voices. In 2024, Sameer Kanalwe and Koyama Lane became the first two Asian Americans ever elected to Portland City Council. Beyond naming the building after a community gathering space, residents will use the Minoru Yasui community room. “Legin Restaurant was more than just a great restaurant. It was a center of community life, and today, Legin Commons carries that spirit forward as a place where people can gather, connect, celebrate, and build community. This is especially meaningful that the community room bears the name of Minoru Yasui,” said Lynn Fuchigami Parks, Executive Director Emeritus of the Japanese American Museum of Oregon. “The night of March 28th in 1942, Minoru, who was only a 26-year-old attorney at the time, walked the streets of downtown Portland to deliberately violate the military curfew imposed on people of Japanese ancestry. He did so to challenge the constitutionality of that order. That’s the order that led to the unjust incarceration of over 120,000 men, women, and children, the majority of whom were American citizens.” The plaque that will be in the community room touches on Yasui’s story and adds to the sense of place created in the building.

Modern seating area featuring wooden benches and acoustic panels, with pendant lighting, in a well-lit space. — PCEF Program Manager Sam Baraso

Modern kitchen with light wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a long countertop, accompanied by green stools and a large TV in a communal space. — PCEF Program Manager Sam Baraso

Residents will start moving into Legin Commons soon, with the 30% AMI units mostly committed to people. Many 60% AMI-priced units are still available for qualifying renters. Those homes are restricted to households whose annual income does not exceed $53,940 for one person, $61,620 for two, and upward based on the number of residents. Homes restricted to 60% of AMI earners are currently rented at near-market rates. Still, this new building offers far more amenities than other multifamily buildings in the area, and the protected rental rate can help provide housing stability when market rates rise faster than median income. Consequently, the building should fill to capacity slowly, allowing a gradual influx of new neighbors to the residential area around the new apartment building.

Article and Photos by

Jacob Loeb

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Construction, New Residence August 14, 2026August 14, 2026

Nine Homes Join Existing House on SE 90th Pl

Work is underway on a housing development at 3128 SE 90th Place, where a local builder will create nine new homes behind the existing 1927-era house. It features four duplex structures and one detached home, accessed from a long private roadway along the northern edge of the lot. Each of the around 1,700-square-foot homes will stand three stories tall to allow space for attached garages and four bedrooms. Developer Ken Yu updated this project from an apartment concept to better match the street’s existing design context and balance housing with tree canopy.

Yu, a longtime developer of commercial and residential projects focused in East Portland, explained he looks for projects that integrate with the existing neighborhood while making space for new members of the community. He also said he likes to balance buildings and nature. “I’m a Chinese-American, and I grew up with the idea of the yin and yang balance,” explained Yu. “I don’t like too much building or too much landscaping. I think we need to strike the balance between the two. When you walk into a neighborhood with tall buildings and concrete, all that without any green space or natural landscape, it doesn’t feel right.” His personal discomfort in overbuilt spaces encourages his use of planted natural landscape while preserving existing trees. “Those big trees, we really love them,” remarked Yu. “That’s why we went out of our way to try to retain them [at this site].” The new development will provide a dedicated communal recreation area in the southeast corner of the property, with play equipment surrounded by greenery.

Site map showing layout of residential properties, including an existing house, new driveway, and designated outdoor areas, with labeled units and landscaping details. — *_{3128 SE 90th SE Pl site map, courtesy Ken Yu}*

When Yu first looked at this project, he imagined the site could hold three apartment buildings containing six units each for a total of 18 units. “We actually started the permit processing and submitted plans for permits,” recalled Yu. However, his team reevaluated the scale of that initial project, feeling it would not fit in with the existing housing in the area. So they decided to take a different approach focused on homeownership instead of rentals. “We had to cancel that permit and go with the four duplexes and one single detached home because we really think that this will work a lot better with the area, match the neighborhood, and also we want it to be more family-oriented,” said Yu.

The new three-level houses will have two and a half bathrooms. In addition to vehicle storage, the ground floor supports a bedroom with an ensuite bathroom at the back of the house. Yu explained this is a nice feature for multi-generation families or for people with mobility considerations. “If the family has older people that don’t want to go up the stairs, they can live in the ground floor bedrooms. making it more accessible for them.” The second floor supports a kitchen and living room along with a powder room/half-bathroom. The top level has three bedrooms and one shared bathroom.

Close-up of a brick-patterned pedestrian walkway with yellow curbs, situated alongside a busy road with vehicles in the background. — *_{Example of stamped concrete finish on an 82nd Ave raised median}*

The rescaled project took longer than expected to obtain approved building permits due to a required land use review. City code 33.120.206 says if the site is more than 160 feet deep, new dwelling units are prohibited unless the site has at least 90 feet of frontage on a street or meets certain exceptions. Yu said this 250-foot-deep site was only a few feet short of the frontage requirement, prompting a review. “They said the land use review takes six months, but it actually took a year, over a year,” recalled Yu. He said the permitting process went well with only one notable change to the proposed plans. The city requested that the shared private access road use a stamped concrete finish. That process utilizes rubber pads with a design pressed into the drying concrete to create patterns that mimic stone or brickwork. Several newly created raised medians on 82nd Avenue used this process to create a red brick appearance, while still keeping installation costs lower than using bricks.

City standards required the development to create curbs and sidewalks in front of the property as the street did not already have them. Yu was required to remove the existing driveway used by the original home to create the new curb cut leading to the private lane. Many developers install the sidewalk at the end of the project to prevent damage by construction vehicles and allow easy access as they dig up the property for utility lines. Yu likes to install the frontage improvements early on in the process when possible. “We try to do those first because we try to improve the scenery for the neighbors, shortening the disturbance as much as possible. We think that this will benefit our neighbors.” Pedestrians walking in the area can now use the less than 100 feet of new sidewalk. It will likely take over a decade for this infrastructure to connect to other sidewalks on this street, but it sets a framework for the future streetscape planned for the neighborhood. That could come from other infill projects like this one or public investment similar to the 2025 work done on SE Clinton Street.

A sidewalk under construction in front of a house, with traffic cones and barriers indicating a work zone. — *_{New sidewalk, planting strip, and curb along 3128 SE 90th Pl frontage}*

The developer expects these homes will appeal to a range of families, as they will use sturdy materials like water-resistant luxury vinyl plank flooring and granite countertops. “I think it’s a great location, conveniently close to a shopping center and the light rail. Our vision is that these would be a great home for working families and also new immigrants that rely on public transportation or bicycle rather than having to drive a long way to get to a shopping area,” explained Yu. “This is within walking distance to Eastport Plaza and all the Asian shopping centers. So it’s a really convenient location.”

Work is underway now but tucked behind the newly updated street frontage and the existing house. Ken Yu hopes the months of construction work will not be overly disruptive to the neighborhood and that people will appreciate the project’s adjusted scale. When completed, the homes will sell under a condominium model, similar to other developments in the area that share a private access roadway.

Article and Photos by

Jacob Loeb

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Construction, Demolition, New Residence August 7, 2026August 7, 2026

Fire-Damaged SE 87th Site Cleared for 10 Townhouse Development

Crews recently cleared an overgrown parcel where a fire-damaged house at 2826 SE 87th Avenue had caused years of concern for neighbors who witnessed repeated illegal dumping on the property. The 95-by-180-foot lot is slated to support 10 new townhomes, offering future residents just under 1,000 square feet of living space across two floors. This development abuts the back of the three-story Jade apartments, nearing completion at 2905 SE 89th Avenue.

Aerial map of a residential area showing streets, houses, and a construction site outlined in red and a nearby green space highlighted in blue. — *_{Portland Maps image with MV News illustration showing the The Jade apartments in red, right of 2826 SE 87th Ave}*

This area is zoned Residential Multi-Dwelling 1 (RM1), allowing low-scale multi-dwelling construction, generally two or three stories tall, with a 1:1 Floor Area Ratio (FAR). That provision would allow a single-story building to cover the entire property or two floors to occupy 50% of the land. Affordable housing can trigger a density bonus increasing FAR to 2:1. The zone also has a Minimum Density requirement for new housing of 1 unit per 2,500 square feet of site area. For this site, it is around a 6-unit minimum, but that can be adjusted based on site conditions.

The recent site activity cleared several mature trees and the remaining debris from the lot, which had sat vacant for years. A 2017 fire damaged the house owned by the Baker family for decades. The property was later sold, but suffered a catastrophic fire in 2021, which firefighters allowed to burn due to unsafe conditions inside the residence. In 2023, the city began foreclosure proceedings on nine distressed properties, including the one on SE 87th Avenue. Later, it failed to find a buyer at a foreclosure auction in January 2025 after a previous failed attempt in late 2024. According to Multnomah County records, Community Revitalization LLC acquired the property in March 2025 and sold it to its current owner a year ago for $265,000.

A view of a collapsed and burned-down building surrounded by overgrown grass and trees. — *_{Site condition on September 12, 2022}*

The redevelopment work will provide ten new homes and replace a longstanding problem property. The units will not have attached garages. However, site development permits indicate it will offer some on-site parking for cars and bicycles, along with an outdoor common space and a shared trash enclosure. Building permits are still Under Review and could take several months before contractors can begin work. The recent clearing of the property should help alleviate area residents’ concerns about dumping, now that the site is visible from all angles, including from the back of the property, where a 40-unit complex will soon start welcoming new residents, providing additional eyes on 2826 SE 87th Avenue.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Construction, Demolition, New Residence July 30, 2026July 30, 2026

Four-story Affordable Housing Near SE 89th and Powell Blvd

Construction fencing surrounds a 1962-era single-story home at 3326 SE 89th Avenue ahead of demolition that makes way for a new 31-unit affordable housing project called Alyssa Daye Gardens. The 32,500-square-foot, four-story wood-framed structure will offer affordable housing with ground-floor common spaces and support services. The project is led by the Mental Health and Addiction Association of Oregon, working under the name The Peer Company, which operates its Portland Recovery Campus next door to the site at 8935 SE Powell Boulevard.

_{The Peer Company’, which operates its’s Portland Recovery Campus at 8935 SE Powell Blvd}

The project originally intended to offer 38 housing units, but further development refinements reduced that number. The main floor includes a lobby, community room, offices, private courtyard, and four of the 31 homes. The project will improve pedestrian infrastructure along SE 89th by connecting two sidewalk segments split by the soon-to-be redeveloped property. Infill housing development from 2001 created a 90-foot-long disconnected sidewalk to the north of the site, which can now connect to the existing sidewalk that connects to SE Powell Boulevard.

Blueprint for a proposed building at 3326 SE 89th Ave, Portland, showing a 4-story structure with a ground floor featuring 4 units and communal spaces. Notes on zoning RM1/CE and absence of onsite parking. — *_{Posted site plan on the property}*

The Peer Company trains and coordinates people with lived experience of addiction and mental health issues to assist others in their recovery process. The Alyssa Daye Gardens will provide permanent supportive housing units for previously homeless families affected by mental health or substance abuse disorders. The regulated affordable housing is for people earning at or below 30 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), with 20 one-bedroom units and 11 two-bedroom apartments. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) calculates that a single person’s 2026 30% AMI in Portland is $26,950 per year.

Aerial view of a modern building complex featuring a multi-story structure combined with a single-story section, surrounded by parking spaces and greenery. — *_{Alyssa Daye Gardens rendering from the Oct 3, 2025, OHCS meeting packet – Holst Architecture 2024}*

This project includes rooftop solar power and received support from the Oregon Multifamily Energy Program (OR-MEP), which supports energy-efficient design of new and existing affordable multifamily rental properties. The Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)—Oregon’s agency that provides financial and program support to create and preserve affordable housing—is also providing funds for this development, which has an estimated cost of $666,748 per unit. The project will remain affordable for at least 30 years as part of its public funding request.

The Alyssa Daye Gardens is designed for chronically homeless families with children, where at least one of the household residents has a mental health or substance abuse disorder. Project documents explain that designers used wood-look finishes, warmer colors, and large windows to improve daylight and views as part of the building’s trauma-informed design. It also features accessibility considerations for those with mobility challenges. A resident services team works one-on-one with resident families to establish personalized goals while offering resources and skill-building support for successful residency and long-term housing security. Additional resources in the adjacent Peer Company’s Recovery Campus offer peer support, community-based recovery groups, employment connections, and other program offerings.

A detailed architectural site plan showing an existing property line, building layout, and various marked features including parking spaces, utilities, and boundaries. — *_{Alyssa Daye Gardens demolition plan Appeal 35120}* *_{– Holst Architecture}*

The demolition permit for the existing 762-square-foot structure is still under review, but it has passed its 35-day hold period. When crews remove that building, they will fill the basement and prepare the site for the on-slab construction. People can anticipate increased construction activity in the area and eventually a more connected pedestrian space. The Peer Company’s campus offers on-site parking with several stalls adjacent to the new housing development.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Construction, New Residence June 30, 2026June 29, 2026

Cottage Cluster at SE 75th and Pine

G&G Development Group, working under the name Timberline Development, recently received partial approval for zoning code compliance adjustments requested for its cottage cluster project at 305 SE 75th Avenue. The developer will add a pair of detached two-level homes behind the existing 1950-era single-story house. Demolition crews will raze a detached garage connected to the original house by a breezeway to make room for one of the two new units facing SE Pine Street.

*_{Demolition crews will raze 305 SE 75th Ave’s garage facing SE Pine St to make room for a new home}*

The current owner bought the modest 600-square-foot house surrounded by mature greenery in May with plans to create more housing. The corner lot is slightly smaller than the required size for this type of infill housing, prompting the design team to seek some adjustments to build the additional units. On June 4th, Portland Permitting & Development approved the developer’s request to reduce the minimum lot size for a cottage cluster from 5,000 square feet to 4,994 square feet, but denied the request to reduce the minimum width of an outdoor common area from 15 feet to 13.5 feet.

*_{Site plan from Land Use Decision LU 26-035176 AD, the developer is working on updates}*

The project planner allowed for a shared green space between the original home and the adjacent new structure. However, it was 1.5 feet short on one side but exceeded the minimum total area. The outdoor common area is part of the cottage-cluster style of middle housing land division (MHLD), which allows yard space to be shared among the homes, increasing buildable land. A Timberline Development representative explained that this denial will not change their plans to add two homes on the site, but they will need to adjust the layout. “We’re working through minor adjustments to the site plan with our designer to meet the common area standard.”

The new two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom homes’ front doors will each open directly onto SE Pine Street’s sidewalk. This corner configuration has regularly allowed more homes on a single residential lot without the need for a shared walkway, even before MHLD code updates. The extra street frontage on two sides provides added curbside parking space for future residents. The project is currently in its design and permitting phase, with construction expected to begin after permit approval.

Jacob Loeb

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Construction, Demolition, New Residence May 11, 2026May 11, 2026

Fire Damaged Home on SE 87th Razed for New Development

Deconstruction crews will remove the burned remnants of a dilapidated 1926-era home at 3015 SE 87th Avenue to make way for a housing development. The former single-story structure suffered multiple fires over several years, rendering the property uninhabitable. Dez Development and partners purchased the 182-foot-deep property in December 2025 and will work with designers to build multiple single-family homes.

Abandoned house with significant damage, including a partially collapsed roof and debris. Overgrown shrubs surround the property, and a speed limit sign is visible nearby. — *_{3015 SE 87th Ave November 2024}*

The building at the site sustained damage from people living there without permission and minor burns from an adjacent fire. However, on July 17th, 2025, a significant fire damaged the property, necessitating its removal for safety reasons. This month, the developer submitted applications to deconstruct the structure, remove the concrete slab, and cap the sewer. The driveway curb-cut will remain for this phase of development. There is a mandatory 35-day demolition delay for this work.

Map showing residential properties with a highlighted area for property number 3015, located between SE 87th Ave and SE Brooklyn St. — *_{3015 SE 87th Ave Portland Maps}*

While waiting to clear the site, Dez Development owner Slavik Dezhnyuk explained that they are working with their design team to determine the best way to increase housing density on the 8,736-square-foot site while matching the single-family home footprint of the surrounding properties. “We hope to develop this property with several detached cottage homes,” remarked Dezhnyuk. Design and permitting will take months to complete. However, neighbors can anticipate the dilapidated building’s removal as soon as feasible.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Construction, New Residence May 4, 2026May 4, 2026

Eight Off-82nd Townhomes on NE Holladay

Work is underway on eight attached townhomes on NE Holladay Street with views of NE 82nd Avenue across the Don Pedro restaurant’s parking lot. This housing project dates back to 2022, when Riverside Carpentry purchased 8225 NE Holladay Street and demolished the 100-year-old single-family residence and detached garage. Most of the new two-story units will provide around 904 square feet, with one unit offering 1003 square feet of living space.

Construction site with a fenced area, featuring concrete foundations and construction materials, surrounded by trees and blue sky. — *_{View of project from NE Holladay St}*

In 2023, the land’s owner transferred the property several times from his Riverside Carpentry business before it was transferred to his Kalen Development company in 2024. In April 2026, crews completed the foundation for the new homes on the 114-by-67-foot parcel. The land is zoned Commercial Mixed Use 2 (CM2), which has a minimum density requirement. Title 33 of Portland’s Planning and Zoning code states the Minimum Density for CM2 is 1 unit per 1,450 square feet, requiring at least 5 units here. The added homes exceed the required density but do not come close to the maximum allowed for this property within the 82nd Avenue commercial corridor.

A construction site featuring a concrete foundation with walls partially built, surrounded by a fenced area and a residential house in the background. — *_{Concrete foundation showing doorway indents and drainage pipe around the footing.}*

The developer will need to close an existing driveway approach that once led to the now-demolished detached garage. Future residents of the one sidewalk-adjacent townhome will have a door opening onto NE Holladay Street, and the seven back units will share a paved path on the western edge of the property that leads to their front doors. Work has taken years to break ground after the initial removal of the old house, but crews should increase work activity at the site in the coming months. When completed, the site will have walkable access to the area’s highest ridership bus line and a MAX light rail station.

8223 NE Holladay Street
8225 NE Holladay Street
8227 NE Holladay Street
8229 NE Holladay Street

8231 NE Holladay Street
8233 NE Holladay Street
8235 NE Holladay Street
8237 NE Holladay Street

Article and photo by

Jacob Loeb

Community, New Residence April 14, 2026April 15, 2026

Harrison Community Village Shelter Preview April 24

On Friday, April 24th, Multnomah County’s Homeless Service Department (HSD) and site operator Do Good Multnomah invite the public to preview Harrison Community Village Shelter from 2 to 4 p.m. The newly completed sober-shelter site at 1818 SE 82nd Avenue will soon host 38 shed-style sleeping quarters for adult residents.

Event flyer for the Harrison Community Village Sneak Peek event on April 24, detailing location, time, and QR code for RSVP. — *_{April 24th Harrison Community Village Shelter “Sneak Peak” invite courtesy Multnomah County}*

Multnomah County purchased the former recreational vehicle dealership at 1818 SE 82nd Avenue in December 2022 for $2 million. This 34,000-square-foot parcel was the second Montavilla location the County bought that year for temporary shelter services. The other shelter, Oak Street Village at 333 SE 82nd Avenue, opened in February 2025 and is currently operating at full capacity. The Joint Office of Homeless Services—now renamed the Homeless Services Department—has held several community meetings, including one in February where the nonprofit Do Good Multnomah staff elaborated on the site’s sober shelter model that aims for people to stay onsite from 90 days to three months as they work towards stable housing in a recovery supportive environment. Presenters explained that residents and staff are subject to drug testing, and policy strictly prohibits the possession of non-prescribed intoxicants on the property. Selecting a sober format meets community desires for the county-owned site, which is near two Portland Public Schools. Do Good Multnomah will conduct background checks on potential residents looking for past criminal history, and those with a record of abuse of vulnerable populations are directed to another, more appropriate shelter or resource. The site is also a weapons-free zone.

A row of metal temporary housing units with windows and air conditioning units, set along a pathway on a sunny day.

Interior view of a small, modern room featuring a black mattress on a wooden platform, a window showing an outdoor view, and an air conditioning unit mounted on the wall. — *_{Inside LIT Homes 8 by 10.5-foot sleeping pod}*

HSD will contract with the operator to staff the alternative shelter site at all hours of the day. The residents will receive a private sleeping pod made by Portland-based LIT Homes, each offering an 8 by 10.5-foot room with heating and cooling. Six converted shipping container units will provide office space for staff, participant services, hygiene facilities, kitchenette amenities, and laundry facilities. Residents and their pets will have on-site access to a modest green space. The site will receive upgraded fencing with privacy inserts on all street sides and a wood fence between the adjacent residential property to the east. The site intends to offer more than short-term shelter. People in the program will have access to dedicated housing case management and abstinence-based recovery services to help with long-term substance use recovery and housing stability.

A modern kitchen space featuring two refrigerators, one silver and one black, along with a shelf equipped with several microwave ovens and a countertop in the background. — *_{Kitchenette with refrigerators, microwaves, and a sink}*

A freshly installed patch of artificial grass bordered by wooden framing, surrounded by a black privacy fence on a sunny day. — *_{Pet relief area for residents with dogs}*

People staying at Harrison Community Village will have access to a kitchenette with refrigerators, microwaves, and a sink, along with dining space. The site offers a pet relief area for residents with dogs, and residents are expected to keep their animals on leash in public spaces. However, not every person can have a pet. The site operator tries to limit the shelter to a total of five dogs and five cats. People can seek outdoor leisure away from the elements in a covered carport-style outdoor seating area. There are laundry facilities, shower rooms, and bathrooms in separate structures. All shared amenities are accessible to people with special mobility requirements, and select units are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)- compliant, with ramps and platforms, providing no-step entry.

Close-up view of overlapping metallic panels with a black wire securing them. — *_{Enhanced privacy slats installed in the fence}*

The site is completely fenced, with a new chainlink barrier on three sides of the property using enhanced privacy slats installed in the fence. Unlike some other installations, these plastic inserts have wings on the side that better fill the gaps where the wire links connect, providing significant visual obstruction. Site designers also planted greenery along the SE Mill Street frontage to provide additional buffer between the newly updated sidewalk and the shelter space. The eastern edge of the property, abutting a residential lot, was fenced with wood. That neighbor had previously expressed concern because the County’s southern fence only follows the property line, leaving a gap between existing fences. The construction crews received permission from adjoining landowners to work beyond the property line and filled that gap.

A narrow pathway between two fences; on the left, a tall black wrought iron fence alongside a grassy area, and on the right, a wooden fence enclosure with a gate, surrounded by lush vegetation. — *_{Gap between fences beyond the county’s property line filled at neighbor’s request}*

HSD estimates it will cost $107 per night to house and provide supportive services to each resident. This number includes utilities and staff time. This location is opening at a time when the City of Portland and Multnomah County are looking to reduce shelter space due to budget concerns. The two Montavilla shelters along SE 82nd Avenue are not under threat of closure, but other smaller shelters in the County are concerned about possible closure.

A sidewalk lined with newly planted trees and mulch, viewed along a street with parked cars, under a clear blue sky. — *^{Planting buffer alon SE Mill St}*

The Harrison Community Village Shelter Preview may be the only opportunity some residents will have to see inside the shelter, thanks to the enhanced privacy fence. It is one of many public outreach efforts by HSD to involve the community, including a Good Neighbor Agreement that was crafted with input from Do Good Multnomah, the 82nd Avenue Business Association, African Youth & Community Organization, APANO, and the Montavilla Neighborhood Association. People wishing to attend the April 24th event should complete an online RSVP form.

View of several modular housing units lined up in a row, with clear blue skies overhead.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Business Relocating, Construction, New Residence April 6, 2026April 4, 2026

Affordable Housing Rising Above Methodist Church

Recently, the members of Montavilla United Methodist Church voted to demolish all their buildings at 232 SE 80th Avenue to create three stories of affordable housing above a new ground-level worship space that will also share resources with support organization Rahab’s Sisters. Reverend Heather Riggs explained that this site transformation will embrace the faith-based group’s efforts to provide resources it sees needed in the community while reducing its operational burden of maintaining an aging building. The project is in pre-development with a target completion date of 2030. Until the city approves permits, parishioners and users of the midcentury building will continue to gather there.

Riggs said they plan to maximize housing options on the site while respecting the neighborhood’s scale and preserving on-site parking for the gathering space. The 0.88-acre property occupies nearly a full block and is shared with only one single-family residence. The Residential Multi-Dwelling 2 zoning of the site allows up to four stories and has a three-to-one Floor Area Ratio through bonus provisions for affordable housing.

Interior of a church decorated for Christmas, featuring a large cross, Christmas trees, and festive lights. — *_{Montavilla United Methodist Church December 2024}*

Riggs explained they are in a pre-development phase and working to formalize a relationship with a prospective developer who will take ownership of the property and rent back the ground floor to the congregation at a discounted rate. The agreement will target an Area Median Income (AMI) restriction for future residents of 30 to 60 percent for the anticipated 72 units of regulated affordable housing. The Methodist Church wants the property to remain affordable for at least 60 years. “We would like to be in the 30 [AMI] range because that’s what’s affordable for our local baristas and for our local restaurant workers,” said Riggs. “This is not free housing. This is housing for people who work, who cannot afford to live in the city where they work.”

The final configuration of units and income targets depends on the funding available at the time of construction. Riggs noted that affordable housing projects require specialized skill sets to fund and manage. That is why the congregation and regional Methodist leadership are planning to transfer the land to another group rather than keeping it under church control. “Honestly, one of our priorities has been to get out of the business of building management so that we can focus on ministry,” said Riggs. The older property, built between the 1940s and 1950s, takes considerable funds to maintain. The building also sits empty more often than it is occupied, attracting unwanted attention and vandalism. Church leadership feels that having people living above the worship space will make the property more active and safer for the surrounding community.

Exterior view of a brick church with a tall, green steeple, featuring a welcoming sign detailing community values of peace, prayer, and learning, surrounded by trees and grass.

Demolishing the building could seem like a loss of history, but Riggs explained it is part of the site’s tradition to adapt to changing needs. Initially, a large wooden structure painted white served as a place of worship at this site. That was torn down to make way for the larger facility that accommodated a growing congregation in the 1950s. Now the faith community sees the mission changing again. The city needs housing, and the younger members of the church started the conversation around adapting the site’s use to address both faith and service to Portland’s needs.

A committee of knowledgeable members will take on preservation work, identifying the precious items that need to become part of the new facility. “We have plans to incorporate a lot of things into the new building. We want to incorporate some of the stained glass into the new building, but we’re thinking of placing it on interior walls, lighting hallways,” said Riggs. “We would like to preserve at least one of the upside-down boat arches in our worship space, and we’d like to preserve the bell, creating a small bell tower.” The “Precious Team” will work right up to demolition, preserving everything that matters to the congregation’s history. “We will be going through that process of honoring the history of those who came before us and celebrating that history,” remarked Riggs. Part of that celebration will be the opening of a time capsule on the front of the building.

Map showing buildings and structures with numbered addresses in a grid layout, highlighting a specific area outlined in blue. — *_{Portland Maps image showing 232 SE 80th Ave}*

During the demolition and construction phases, church members will share space with the Tabor Heights United Methodist Church, less than a mile away at 6161 SE Stark Street. Before work begins, the design team will hold public meetings to gather community feedback on the project’s design. Riggs wants this site to meet the faith organization’s goals of serving those most in need while still playing a positive role in the wider community. As a community advisory committee member for the nearby Oak Street Village shelter, Riggs feels it is important for working people transitioning back into stable housing to have a place to move into. The church members also know this property is central to the neighborhood and asked the developer to include a garden and green space to keep it an attractive element of Montavilla’s historic downtown.

Reverend Heather Riggs hopes to speak to the Montavilla Neighborhood Association about the project at a future meeting. When the developer is formally secured for the housing, the design phases will begin, and community members can expect to learn more and provide input. Riggs wants people to know these changes will create a safer, more secure site that remains a useful resource for Rahab’s Sisters to build on its over 20 years of community support, and for the church to add to its 100-year history.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Community, Government, New Residence March 29, 2026March 30, 2026

Advocating for a Jade District Park

In July 2025, Oregon Metro purchased a 1.46-acre property at the intersection of SE 90th Place and SE 89th Avenue for planned Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). For over a decade, community advocates have envisioned the large, sloped property as a neighborhood park and are now seeking support for that project ahead of Metro’s RFP (Request for Proposals) this summer. Residents and interested parties can complete an Online Form to endorse a call for the City to purchase the lot from Metro and to direct Portland Parks and Recreation to create public green space for the expanding community in this area.

A vibrant community park scene featuring people riding bicycles, walking, and playing. In the background, families enjoy a picnic on the grass, while others engage in games. The landscape includes greenery, seating areas, and informational signage. — *_{Park Rendering from the 2018 EPA Greening The Jade project document}*

Metro’s TOD team plans to introduce new affordable housing at the site with help from partner developers. The early concepts included open neighborhood greenspace, but not at the scale documented in the 2014 Jade District community visioning plan or the 2018 EPA Greening the Jade project. The community outreach recorded in those documents showed a desire and expressed need for green space across all groups in the neighborhood. The Metro-owned property at 2815 SE 90th Place is in the center of a community surrounded by busy city roadways, a State highway, and a freeway. Harrison Park is the closest park to this location, at over half a mile away, and often serves as an extension of the adjoining school’s campus rather than a neighborhood park.

A fenced lot with a grassy area and several structures, including a green shed and nearby houses, under a clear blue sky. — *_{2815 SE 90th Place}* *_{property with fence}*

Andrea Pastor, Metro’s Senior Development Project Manager of Housing and TOD, explained in a September 2025 interview that Metro purchased the land along SE 89th Avenue using an allocation provided by the Oregon State legislature for a revolving acquisition fund around 82nd Avenue. “With all of the improvements happening on 82nd, including the planning of the new transit, we wanted to prioritize the area. So we made a specific legislative ask back in 2023 for some funds to buy land near 82nd,” said Pastor. “We have been basically looking and making offers on properties in the area for the last couple of years.” She notes that Metro has often owned land around transit with the intention of developing it. “We are trying to think of ourselves as a regional land bank specifically aimed at building affordable housing near transit.”

A construction site featuring two multi-story buildings with yellow exteriors, in various stages of development. In the foreground, a red car is parked beside a fenced area containing construction materials and tools. A caution sign indicates a roadway that is not improved. The sky is cloudy. — *_{The Jade apartments under construction}*

The Jade District advocacy organizers seeking support for the park say Metro TOD is willing to sell the parcel, but City of Portland support must be secured before Metro releases an RFP to potential developers in August or September 2026. The park space is across from The Jade apartments, which are currently under construction and will offer 15 units with family-sized accommodations, including three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The workforce housing development will also create 14 one-bedroom and 11 two-bedroom flats. The expanded pool of families on this street would benefit from a new city park with a safe crossing to a play area. The site can also amplify existing green space that is not publicly accessible but protected by Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services, which owns the lot to the south of this property. It serves as a natural stormwater detention area where plants and soil help absorb the area’s rainwater. It also contains a sewer pump facility that requires 24-hour security for community safety and asset protection. Depending on the City’s flexibility, designers could extend park space into some of the stormwater detention area land without compromising security.

Map of a park featuring various amenities including an air quality monitoring installation, a terraced amphitheater, a multi-purpose paved pad, a nature play area, and a park loop trail. It also shows locations for public art installations and potential housing. — *_{Image from the 2018 EPA Greening The Jade project document}*

Park designs and amenities presented in the visioning materials are illustrative only and do not constitute final design options. If the idea receives community support through the Online Form and city officials adopt the property for a new park, future community outreach from park planners will drive the development of the green space. Whether the land serves as a public park or affordable housing, this large, underdeveloped property will become a needed community resource as housing density brings more people into the Jade District.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

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