Update: A February 8th article covers new information on this project.
Over the last two decades, Argonaut Group purchased four lots along an unimproved segment of SE 89th Avenue north of SE Brooklyn Street. This month, the owners of the properties submitted an Early Assistance request to build a 40-unit residential building that would span three of those parcels totaling over an acre. The proposed courtyard housing complex at 2905 SE 89th Avenue would provide 32 on-site parking stalls and a ground-floor community space.
The Early Assistance request proposes a three-story tall building with a single loaded corridor providing access to the residences. This planning process gives builders insight into what the City will require to approve the development. Plans for the project will likely change, and the property owners could elect not to proceed with the project. Road and sidewalk construction costs for developments on unimproved gravel roads like SE 89th Avenue will often impact the project’s financial viability. It is unknown to what degree the developer will have to update the street as part of this work, but the City will likely require some improvements.
Housing density in this area has increased over the years. This section of East Portland is zoned Residential Multi-Dwelling 1 (RM1), and that designation supports low-scale multi-dwelling structures. Developments in this zone can support buildings up to three stories tall with frontage setbacks similar to residential neighborhoods. People often build duplexes, townhouses, courtyard housing, or small apartment buildings in the RM1 zones.
This project, if approved, would be an efficient use of land. In the place of two homes, the developer will provide 40 residences with on-site parking. Additionally, the site is within a few blocks of two frequent bus lines and Max light-rail service. If the property owners decide to proceed with this project after receiving the Early Assistance advice, they could apply for building permits sometime this year. However, construction could be over a year away.
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