Tag: Jade District

Event, New Residence November 5, 2026November 5, 2026

SE 89th Ave Jade Apartments Open

On October 29th, officials and project leaders gathered to celebrate the opening of a 40-unit housing complex at 2909 SE 89th Avenue. Called The Jade Apartments, this joint venture between APANO and Gorman & Company transformed a 1.1-acre property into affordable family apartments in a dual-courtyard configuration. The developers endeavored to create a healthy, sustainable community, with solar panels providing most residential power and helping residents avoid most utility costs. The regulated affordable housing is reserved for households earning at or below 60% Area Median Income (AMI), with some units reserved for the 30% AMI level.

Three attendees sit together during a group event, with other people standing behind them. — *_{Sam Baraso, Quisha Light, and Khanh Pham at the Oct 29 event}*

Crews recently completed a half-street build along the site’s frontage, connecting a former gravel segment to the paved portions of SE 89th Avenue. The public improvements also added sidewalk on the western edge with a planting strip. This helps people walk to neighboring grocery stores like Fubonn or connect with frequent public transit on 82nd Avenue or SE Division Street. The ground floor offers accessible units for those with mobility concerns, and some of the 31 on-site parking stalls tuck under solar panels.

Newly paved residential street beside a modern multi-story apartment building, utility poles, and autumn trees. — *_{The Jade Apartments frontage improvements including sidewalk and half a paved road}*

Fifteen units in the new apartment building offer family-sized accommodations with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The developers also created 14 one-bedroom and 11 two-bedroom flats, each with a single bathroom. Residents can access various site amenities, including a bike room, package lockers, and resident services offices. People can also use a community room, two courtyards, and outdoor areas with a garden and play area for children. Larger apartments have in-unit washers and dryers. The building offers laundry rooms on each floor for the remaining residents.

Man in a suit and striped tie speaking at a Gorman & Company podium. — *_{Eric Jacobson with Gorman & Company}*

Eric Jacobson, Director of Real Estate Development at Gorman & Company, told event attendees it took nearly a decade to deliver the housing. “This project really originated back in 2018, and that’s a long time ago; it’s now 2026. It really started with a community effort looking at sustainability in the community and what the neighborhood needs,” recalled Jacobson. He explained how that early work highlighted disparities in how Portland invested in different parts of the city. “For example, there are still some gravel streets in this neighborhood, and this project is really intended to address some of those inequities and provide opportunities for people in this neighborhood,” said Jacobson.

State Senator Khanh Pham similarly reflected on the community visioning work that helped lead to this housing project. “Many years before I joined the legislature,” said Pham. “I was a community organizer, organizing all along 82nd Avenue—particularly in the Jade District—and this vision to see these two plots of land start to be filled with affordable housing and green space and renewable energy is just a testament to the determination of the community members who live here.” The new housing development is across the street from an Oregon Metro-owned property purchased in 2025 for Transit Oriented Development. Community groups have shown interest in seeing the 1.46-acre parcel at the intersection of SE 90th Place and SE 89th Avenue turned into a public park. Those efforts are ongoing but align with visioning work started a decade ago.

Smiling man in glasses and a plaid blazer speaking into a microphone indoors — *_{Metro Councilor Duncan Hwang}*

Metro Councilor Duncan Hwang, who also works as the Community Development Director at APANO, applauded the housing project, which joins other affordable housing APANO is involved with, including Legin Commons and Alyssa Daye Gardens. He cautioned that these accomplishments are encouraging but less than what the region needs to meet its housing demand. “In 2024, APANO projects were 20 percent of Portland’s apartment production,” said Hwang. “Which is impressive for this organization but very distressing for our city and region as a whole because that just means the denominator was so low. We only permitted 800 some housing units in the whole city that year, so something to celebrate here, but I think that speaks to the work that we have to do.”

Man in a black suit and glasses speaking into a microphone indoors — *_{Todd Struble with APANO}*

Adding housing stock to the market could drive down costs of older, naturally occurring affordable housing if inventory eases demand pressures. However, waiting for the market to adjust is not practical for household budgets already stretched by inflation, creating housing insecurity. “We need more deeply affordable housing,” remarked Quisha Light, the Interim Director of the Portland Housing Bureau. “There are five units here that are at least 30 percent or less; the others are 60 percent or less. That’s significant; those numbers matter because they make it possible for a family to be stable and not have to continue to move, make it possible for children to be in schools where they can make friendships,” said Light. People “can actually get connected in a community.”

Bright empty room with a large window, roller blind, ceiling light, and wall-mounted air conditioner — *_{Ductless heat pump in The Jade unit’s bedroom}*

Over the last few years, a growing perception is that 60 percent AMI-restricted units are not meeting the housing needs of lower-income renters in the Portland market. East of 82nd, they can sometimes cost more than older market-rate units while requiring applications to demonstrate they are below income limits. Based on current regulated affordable housing numbers—maximum rent and income limits adjust each year—a three-bedroom unit at The Jade costs $2,001 per month, and a four-person household would need to make under $76,980 per year to qualify. Bundled utilities help offset the price gap, and these units are newer, with better amenities and closer access to high-ridership transit lines.

Modern L-shaped kitchen with wood cabinets, black appliances, white countertops, and wood-look flooring

To build these units, with the environmental supporting features at current material and labor rates, required public-private cooperation. “The Jade is providing 40 homes that will be affordable for generations. Our new neighbors will be able to walk to the MAX Green Line or the FX2 bus rapid transit line on Division,” explained Hwang. “That’s why, in addition to the $4.4 million from Metro’s affordable housing bond, Metro chipped in a transit-oriented development grant to get the Jade built. People living here will have comfortable, climate-resilient homes and lower energy bills, thanks to our solar array, green building materials, 50-year roofs, and a high-energy-efficiency HVAC supported by the Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund.” He also noted that the project furthers the Greening of Jade project by adding more trees and green public spaces to the neighborhood.

Solar panel carport over a parking area beside landscaped grounds and residential buildings in autumn. — *_{Solar panels over parking}*

Even with that public support, developers say they are limited in how many deeply affordable units they can provide while still meeting lenders’ and for-profit partners’ financial requirements. Including 60 percent AMI units in an affordable housing development not only helps the specific project move forward but can also incentivize future projects to break ground. For Gorman & Company, this is just the beginning of their affordable housing plans for the region. “This is our first project here in Portland, but we’re not expecting it to be our last. We already have other projects in our pipeline, and we’re looking forward to more fruitful partnerships like this with all of our development partners and all of our funding partners,” remarked Jacobson.

White front-loading washing machine and dryer side by side in a laundry nook — *_{Energy Star appliances}*

Portland Clean Energy Fund Program Manager Sam Baraso stressed the value of this type of affordable housing, built for the long-term support it can provide to people facing rising power costs and a harsher climate. “We were fortunate, along with our partners, the Portland Housing Bureau, to invest about $1.4 million to bring a 207-kilowatt solar array to the building, heat pump water heaters, ductless heat pumps, Energy Star appliances, and EV charging stations,” listed Baraso. “What this all means is, yes, it’s important to get these buildings up to make sure that they’re affordable for folks, but we don’t care just about the first cost. We want to make sure these units are sustainable and that they help put money back in your pockets; our energy prices have gone up 60% in the past five years. In a building like this, you can turn on the heat in your building, you can close the windows and turn on the AC when there’s bad air, and you can do so without breaking the bank.”

Modern three-story apartment building with white and red siding, black-framed windows, balconies, and landscaped entrance

Todd Struble is the Real Estate Development Manager at APANO and played a significant role in bringing this project to the neighborhood. Additionally, he served as the Jade District Manager a decade ago when community visioning for the Jade apartments took form. “Housing affordability is something that I heard about when I was door knocking and talking with folks. And more than a decade later, it remains one of the major civic issues of our time. So to be part of creating and welcoming families to permanent affordable housing is extremely rewarding,” said Struble. Residents are moving in now, and area neighbors will soon see more activity at this family-oriented housing complex.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Montavilla News is supported by contributions from businesses like Catalyst Construction & Kitchen Remodeling, a top-rated general contractor specializing in kitchen, bathroom, basement, and garage remodeling, as well as ADU construction and home additions. We thank them for their support.

Event, New Business October 31, 2026October 31, 2026

LatTéa on SE Division Celebrates Opening

LatTéa at 8733 SE Division Street Unit 110 celebrated its grand opening on October 25th, five months after making the transformation from Ocha Tea and Coffee. Mark Asa and Hannah Lam took over the space from a previous owner to build their dream family coffee shop. Both new owners have an affinity for the surrounding Jade district community, having worked in neighboring businesses and spent their formative years along SE Division Street.

_{LatTéa owners Hannah Lam and Mark Asa at ribbon cutting}

The couple purchased Ocha in July 2025 and kept the location mostly the same, retaining as many of the original staff as they could. “We’ve always wanted to open up our own coffee shop, and Ocha seemed like a great stepping stone for us to learn that. When we first took over, we just left operations as is, learned the routine, learned the system, learned the environment,” recalled Asa. Then, the day after Mother’s Day 2026, they closed Ocha and began a multi-week rebranding effort. They welcomed customers back into the space the last week of May, but family and health issues pushed back the formal reopening celebration. LatTéa continued to serve customers in a multi-month soft-opening mode as Asa took care of himself. “So I have a great team, and while I was decommissioned, my wife was holding the fort down and taking care of our baby and handling our other business,” explained Asa.

A coffee shop counter with a menu displayed on screens above. A customer is interacting with a barista, who is wearing a cap. The countertop has various items such as cups, a menu, and decor, including a banner with traditional motifs. — *_{LatTéa owners Mark Asa and Hannah Lam at work}*

The location matters to the owners, who see their business as a community touchpoint and a permanent home. “I grew up walking up and down Division in the early 90s, so I don’t foresee us moving anywhere,” said Asa. He explained that his father had a long career in the restaurant breakfast industry, which influenced his desire to open a cafe. Asa explained that Hannah Lam has more direct food-service experience, with a business degree and work history as a hostess at Excellent Cuisine when it was called Wong’s King Seafood, located in the same complex as their shop.

A display case filled with various baked goods including pastries, donuts, and cinnamon rolls. The top shelf features a glazed donut, while the middle shelf showcases cinnamon rolls and fruit-filled pastries. The bottom shelf contains a basket with sweet treats and disposable containers. In the background, there are snack supplies and colorful decor. — *_{Pastry display box with some of the non drink menu items}*

With the new name, the owners adjusted the menu, keeping five main classic drinks from Ocha. They then developed new offerings, bringing in items they discovered in their travels. “We would go to San Francisco, China, Hong Kong, Philippines, and other big food areas,” said Asa. “We’ve always [appreciated] milk teas, coffees, lattes, and everything, and we remember those, thinking about what works best.” They determined ingredient quality and preparation most influenced the value people perceived in good cafe experiences. That led them to focus on vendor selection as a way to boost their business impact and earn the community’s patronage.

Cozy seating area featuring leather chairs and a wooden table, with a row of colorful vending machines in the background. — *_{Gachapon vending machines}*

Mark Asa also knows that a community store is more than just drinks, particularly near a school. “As a kid walking up and down these streets, I didn’t have a lot of money. Whenever I saved my money, I’d always go to either 7-Eleven or Canton Grill and get a soda from them.” Thinking back to those days prompted Asa to add gachapon vending machines to the shop. He says he works with vendors to source authentic products in the machines but at a relatively low price. “I keep them as low as possible,” said Asa, explaining the margins are essentially set to cover credit card fees but otherwise close to cost. “A lot of the kids, after school, save their allowance and they come here. So knowing that, I just try to keep everything as low as possible.”

LatTéa is open weekdays starting at 11 a.m. and open an hour earlier on weekends. They close most nights at 7 p.m. but stay open an hour later on Friday and Saturday. The company website, online ordering, and the company’s Instagram page have additional information about menu items and special events. They are also interested in partnering with the community for gatherings, having recently hosted a coffee with a District 3 City Councilor. They hope people will stop by to try their new drinks and rediscover the space.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Montavilla News is supported by contributions from businesses like Otter Wax, a neighborhood producer of small-batch specialty goods handcrafted in Portland. Using only natural ingredients, they make modern care products that are steeped in tradition. We thank them for their support.

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Construction, Infrastructure September 23, 2026September 22, 2026

New Half Paved SE 89th Segment

Heavy equipment is on-site at SE 89th Avenue, north of Brooklyn Street, grading the former gravel road ahead of crews laying asphalt. This segment of city street was never paved in its over 100 years of existence, connecting to SE 90th Place. Now a 40-unit complex at 2905 SE 89th Avenue is nearing completion, and contractors with that project will create a modern street on the west side of the road with a sidewalk buffered by a curbside planting strip. The new curb will channel rainwater toward a low spot on the hill, where a recently installed stormwater inlet will collect rainwater from the paved street section.

Construction site with heavy machinery on a gravel road, surrounded by newly built residential buildings and trees.

The Jade apartments broke ground in January 2025 as a joint venture between APANO and Gorman & Company on a 1.1-acre property. The nearly complete building at the SE 89th Avenue site will offer affordable family apartments in a dual-courtyard configuration. Development at this scale in Portland requires builders to create sidewalks, stormwater management, and a paved road to city standards. This work often only extends to the center line of the street along the property’s frontage. However, the work underway now will pave 20 feet from the new curb towards the center of the road and extend about 100 feet north and south, widening to connect with existing pavement. Eric Jacobson with Gorman & Co. explained that the improved street will flare out to the full road width where it connects with the paved SE 89th Avenue at SE Brooklyn Street and SE 90th Place.

A gravel road with potholes and puddles, flanked by green and blue trash bins, leading to a residential area in the background. — *_{SE 89th Avenue gravel road with potholes looking north from Brooklyn St in 2025}*

Oregon Metro owns the property along the east side of the street in this area. It purchased the 1.46-acre property in July 2025 for planned Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). Community advocates have long envisioned the large Metro-owned property as a neighborhood park. Organizers will hold an open house on October 1st about community interests, including public green space in that development. That site’s redevelopment will include street paving and sidewalk frontage improvements on the east side of SE 89th Avenue with new sidewalks that should wrap around the corner lot along its frontage on SE 90th Place, which is paved but lacks curbs and sidewalks in most places in this area.

Construction site with a dug-up road, yellow caution tape, a fire hydrant, and construction equipment in the background. — *_{West sidewalk on SE 89th Ave looking south from existing sidewalk towards new sidewalk path}*

This month, cement masons working on the new curbs and pedestrian infrastructure will add six-foot-wide sidewalks on the west side of the street, adjacent to the Jade Apartment development, connecting to the existing sidewalk to the north. They have also created four-and-a-half-foot-wide planting strips for trees, greenery, and utility poles. Through-traffic along the SE 89th Avenue is blocked between SE Brooklyn Street and SE 90th Place. When completed, this will reconnect the city street grid with a paved north-south route that poor road conditions and large potholes often blocked. Although the street is only partially paved, it should still be wide enough for people to drive, walk, or bike along the mostly paved sections.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Montavilla News is supported by contributions from businesses like Catalyst Construction & Kitchen Remodeling, a top-rated general contractor specializing in kitchen, bathroom

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

Montavilla August 26, 2026August 31, 2026

10th Jade International Night Market Aug 29

The 10th Jade International Night Market is this Saturday, August 29th, from 4 to 10 p.m. within the Portland Community College’s Southeast campus at 2305 SE 82nd Avenue. Since 2014, this evening event has offered food, entertainment, and vendor booths from area groups while providing a space for the community to gather and celebrate the people who make up the multicultural district.

A bustling night market scene with various tents and stalls illuminated by string lights, showing people walking and interacting as they explore the vendors. — *_{Jade International Night Market 2025}*

The one-day community gathering focuses its family-friendly events earlier in the afternoon, including a free plant-potting booth for youth sponsored by Portland Nursery. People ages 20 and younger can decorate a free pot and fill it with a selection of donated plants, while supplies last. Event organizers have added a scavenger hunt and brought back the Luminous Together’s Art Grove. “The Art Grove is back again and expanded. It’s put on by a former APANO staff member who offers forest bathing, therapy, and interactive art,” explained APANO Community Development Director and lead Jade Night Market organizer Alisa Kajikawa. The Grove will include a meditative arts workshop, exhibition tours, and the Our Little Free Diverse Library. People can find this part of the market west of the food vendors in the wooded area where the PCC Learning Garden is located.

A lively night market scene featuring a boba tea stall named 'bobablastic' with a red canopy. Several people are interacting at the booth, while food trucks and other vendor stalls are visible in the background under string lights. — *_{Jade International Night Market 2025}*

For the first time, attendees can participate in a Jade District-themed scavenger hunt. To win a prize, people need to find nine spots around the Night Market that feature placards highlighting the people and history of the Jade. The quest begins at the APANO booth where participants can get the details. Scavenger hunt materials are available in simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, and English. “There are questions about what they read, and they’ll just write down their answer. We’re not looking for the correct answer… but people need to write down what they think the answer is,” remarked Kajikawa. Completed forms are brought back to the booth for a reward.

A lively night market scene featuring numerous colorful tents and stalls, with people walking and socializing under string lights. — *_{Jade International Night Market 2025}*

Activities are optional, and many people attend specifically for the unique food and shopping experience. This year, 38 food vendors and drink specialists will sell tasty treats to attendees throughout the event. Over 90 other booths feature people selling arts, distinctive items, or offering information to the community. Scheduled speakers and performers will begin the entertainment on the main stage at 5 p.m., with a program that runs until 10 p.m.

5:00pm

Portland Taiko
PACC Dance Team
Cambodian Dance Troupe of Oregon
KOICO Vietnamese Fan Dance

6:00pm

Ballet Papalotl
McDaniel High School Cheer
Nattasinh Lao PDX

7:00pm

Summit Wushu
White Lotus on Jong

8:00pm

At the Edge of Chinatown
Hula Halau ‘Ohana Holo’oko’a

9:00pm

Rachel Wong
White Lotus Blacklight Dragon Dance

The performances are always free to watch; still, event organizers wanted to make sure everyone has access to the cuisine and products available at the Night Market. Last year, the event’s leaders launched a program called Jade Dollars to lower financial barriers by giving out vouchers for both food and retail. “Everyone belongs [at the Night Market], and we do this for the community. There are tons of things that you don’t need money for to enjoy. At the same time, it’s still about commerce, and it’s still about supporting our small business owners. So we’ll have five-dollar increments of Jade Dollars that we will give out to folks in two different ways,” said Kajikawa. People can receive $10 worth of food vendor vouchers at the market information booth by showing government benefits like SNAP, WIC, or OHP cards. They only need to show the cards or prove enrollment; no individual data is collected. People can also complete a demographic survey to receive a $5 voucher towards retail items and participating booths.

*_{Jade International Night Market 2024}*

Last year’s Jade International Night Market had an estimated 20,000 attendees, and they anticipate similar interest this year. The market will maintain last year’s layout, with food vendors along the west edge of the campus in the parking lot and booths lining the inner courtyard walkways. Unlike other fairs, Night Market organizers provide canopies, offering consistency and convenience to participants. “It looks nice because it’s all uniform with three different colors,” said Kajikawa. The main stage is north of the booths next to Tabor Hall.

A blue TriMet bus displaying route number 72, parked at a stop in the evening with wet roads and gray skies.

People interested in attending the Jade International Night Market should plan on large crowds and limited parking options. Organizers recommend people take public transit via the TriMet 72 bus line or the SE Division FX 2 bus rapid transit system. People who bike, walk, or ride transit to the Night Market could earn a $10 gift card from the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) by stopping by their booth to claim the reward. Visitors who rent a bike to get to the Night Market will have a $25 credit from BIKETOWN by using code JADENIGHTMKT26 for applicable rides that start or end at the PCC campus during the event. Late August often brings warm temperatures. The campus has many shade-providing trees, but anticipate significant sun exposure while walking around. The Night Market’s web page and social media offer current updates about the event schedule and other information.

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

Construction, Infrastructure January 28, 2026

Pavement Repairs on SE 85th Part of Sidewalk Infill

On January 27th, contractors working with the Portland Bureau of Transportation laid new asphalt along a segment of SE 85th Avenue behind the Fubonn Shopping Center, temporarily closing the street to through traffic. This work is part of the Jade and Montavilla Multimodal Improvements Project, which created sidewalks from SE Division Street to SE Powell Boulevard along SE 85th Avenue. This segment was previously only partially paved with a pot-hole-laden gravel shoulder. Now cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers have a consistently reliable north-south route away from the busy 82nd Avenue main street.

This repaving work between SE Clinton and Brooklyn Streets adds to previous work that created new sidewalks on SE Clinton Street from SE 84th to 87th Avenues, with crews converting the existing gravel road to a modern street surface from SE 84th Place to 87th Avenue. West of 82nd Avenue, SE Tibbetts Street is receiving sidewalk infill, with some blocks lacking consistent pedestrian pavement down to SE 78th Avenue. Most sidewalks in the project area will receive updated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant curb ramps.

Construction site featuring two multi-story buildings with yellow siding, blue tarps on the roof, and exposed windows. Heavy machinery and building materials are visible in the foreground, along with a red car parked nearby. — *_{40-unit Jade Apartments at 2905 SE 89th Avenue}*

The new street infrastructure connects to a secondary entrance to the Fubonn Shopping Center, which contractors constructed in April 2025, providing access to the east side of the grocery store and retail site from SE 85th Avenue. Designers located the new entrance on the northeastern corner of the shopping complex. These updates were part of a long-term plan to improve multimodal access in a section of Portland’s Jade District that has the capacity for significant housing development on large, underdeveloped properties. Crews are currently wrapping up external construction on the 40-unit Jade Apartments at 2905 SE 89th Avenue, and Oregon Metro recently purchased a 1.46-acre property at the intersection of SE 90th Place and SE 89th Avenue for housing development.

Construction workers operating heavy machinery on a street, with a large truck parked nearby and bare trees lining the sidewalk. — *_{Crews laying new pavement along SE 85th Ave connecting the roadway between new sidewalks}*

Other developers are similarly looking to increase housing density in the area as private and public projects create the infrastructure needed to support the new people walking, driving, and rolling through this area bordered by SE Division Street, SE 82nd Avenue, SE Powell Boulevard, and Interstate-205. Look for work to be completed on SE 85th Avenue in the coming weeks, along with increased usage as people discover this improved route in the Jade District.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Community, Entertainment October 12, 2025October 12, 2025

New Ocean Mural Brightens SE Division

A new mural by artist Jeremy Nichols adds an underwater view to the side of Ocean Blue Seafood on SE Division Street. This colorful presentation at 8335 SE Division Street transformed a blank and often tagged wall at the seafood distributor into a vibrant coral reef with aquatic life navigating the blue waters lapping at the top of the building’s parapet.

A vibrant mural featuring an underwater scene on the side of Ocean Blue Seafood, showcasing colorful coral, fish, and aquatic plants. — *_{Mural at at 8335 SE Division St. (Sara Sjol and Tiffany Conklin)}*

APANO commissioned this mural, capturing the underwater landscape through spray paint, with funding from a Venture Portland grant. The Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA) managed the project and supported the renowned Asian American artist, working under the name “Plastic Birdie.” The business owner, Bing Chan, is a longtime supporter of the Jade District and APANO’s efforts in the area. He is excited to have this artwork adorn his building, enhancing the streetscape along the busy roadway.

A vibrant underwater mural by artist Jeremy Nichols on the Ocean Blue Seafood building, featuring colorful coral and fish, with a worker applying finishing touches on scaffolding. — *_{Jeremy Nichols, “Plastic Birdie,” working on mural at at 8335 SE Division St. (Sara Sjol and Tiffany Conklin)}*

The Ocean Blue Seafood building is on the same block as the long-anticipated Jade Lofts development. Its project leaders anticipate the four-story multifamily apartment building will bring just under 150 units of housing to the area, driving increased activity along this section of SE Division Street. Creating an inviting pedestrian zone is an essential component to cultivating a safe space for patrons of local businesses, as well as future and current residents navigating the Jade District. APANO representatives believe this mural is a significant step toward creating a more walkable environment. The new mural is complete, and all users of SE Division Street can now enjoy the ocean view as they pass by the building.

Jacob Loeb

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Construction, Demolition, Infrastructure, New Residence September 22, 2025

Metro Acquires Over an Acre for Affordable Housing

In late July, Oregon Metro purchased a 1.46-acre property at the intersection of SE 90th Place and SE 89th Avenue. Crews recently installed a chainlink fence around the sloped lot and cut back the overgrown greenery that dominated this parcel. Over the next two years, Metro’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) team will collaborate with partner developers to introduce new affordable housing at the site, which will incorporate open neighborhood greenspace. In the coming months, deconstruction specialists will raze the dilapidated 1928-era home at 2815 SE 90th Place and demolish the metal-clad barn on the property. The next phase of pre-construction work will build on previous community engagement to guide the development team in meeting area residents’ needs.

Map showing the location of 2815 SE 90th Place, highlighting a proposed multi-family residential building with surrounding properties and streets. — *_{Portland Maps graphic with 2815 SE 90th Place outlined in blue}*

The nearly 100-year-old 720-square-foot building faces the curb-less SE 90th Place on the high point of the property. The small single-story home sits atop a daylight basement that opens up to the south of the property. Vehicles access the barn from a gravel road segment of SE 89th Avenue that currently extends along the property’s entire western frontage and 100 feet south. The City of Portland has not accepted this unimproved road into its maintenance network. However, work on The Jade apartments across the street will include paving on its half of the street and sidewalk installation along the new workforce-priced housing’s frontage. Andrea Pastor, Metro’s Senior Development Project Manager of Housing and TOD, explained that Metro is coordinating with Gorman & Company to extend the street paving work across the whole road width when they do their road construction for The Jade apartments. The asphalt surface will terminate at a new curb on the eastern edge of SE 87th Avenue near where the new fence line marks the property’s edge. This enhanced infrastructure will provide a more stable roadway constructed to city standards for people rolling or walking through this area. When completed, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) can then take over street maintenance, filling a long-disruptive gap in the street network previously made rough by potholes and wheel ruts.

A view of SE 89th Avenue looking towards a gravel road, with overgrown greenery and parked vehicles along the roadside. A fenced area is visible on the left, indicating an ongoing cleanup effort. — *_{SE 89th Avenue’s gravel road with potholes}*

A 2018 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funded study titled “Greening The Jade” identified the unimproved segment of SE 89th Avenue north of SE Brooklyn Street as a prime redevelopment opportunity for sustainable housing and a public park. Pastor said that this put the 2815 SE 90th Place property on Metro’s watch list for a future acquisition. “We saw it come up on the market and we were able to approach the seller pretty quickly, and they were open to it,” recalled Pastor. She explained that Metro fenced its property to keep people safe as they clean up the field from its former uses and to prevent individuals from entering the unsafe structures on the site. Redevelopment will take a few years as the TOD team plans for housing at the site and seeks development partners.

Pastor explained that Metro’s regional housing bond, approved by voters in 2018, successfully spent its $652.8 million budget delivering affordable housing in three counties. However, the region lacks a replacement for that program, and the Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) program funds are allocated through the middle of 2027, possibly delaying the construction for two years without some creativity. “We are left wondering about other resources. If you think about it in established funding routes, looking at a rental project that has to have tax credits and LIFT, we would be looking at maybe mid-2027 for groundbreaking,” said Pastor, noting that speedy housing development is critical to Metro’s goals. “We are definitely exploring options for moving faster than that because we know we’re in a housing emergency, and we need as much housing as quickly as possible. We’re interested in thinking about what are some alternative models we can pursue in terms of financing. Can we move quickly, prioritizing quality of course, but cost efficiency and speed?”

Dilapidated single-story home surrounded by overgrown foliage, with boarded windows and a sloped roof, situated on a sloped lot in Oregon. — *_{2815 SE 90th Place}*

Pastor explained 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. Our program focus has shifted in the last few years, but we’re really not doing anything that different from what Metro has been doing in this space for decades.”

A sloped lot with a chainlink fence surrounding an overgrown property, featuring a dilapidated small wooden house and piles of cut greenery.

As Metro adjusts its programs, the staff will look at ways to extend the useful life span of public investment. “In the past, we’ve typically just written down the value of the land and conveyed it to the developer if they’re doing affordable [housing]. The program has basically been trying to spur development, but now we are trying to make this idea sustainable. It’s simply not that sustainable for us to continue to give land away for free,” said Pastor. She explained that they are consulting development partners to explore how programs can deliver housing while potentially repaying public investment. Repayment could become part of the project lending structure, or developers could pay back Metro’s investment over a period of time. “It could be 15 years. It could be a ground lease. We’re open to structuring those deals in a number of different ways, but in a way that we can make this a revolving fund of money that is able to continually buy new properties along this corridor. The $5 million that we received is nowhere near enough to really meet the need for how much housing we really need,” Pastor said.

A cleared lot at the intersection of SE 90th Place and SE 89th Avenue, showing a green shed, overgrown greenery, and a road sign indicating a left turn.

Metro expects to work with a single developer on this new project in the Jade District. Still, it could offer a mix of multifamily or single-family units with affordable home ownership options. The sloped lot and land dedication to PBOT for the modern streets and sidewalks reduces the buildable land to around an acre. So the vast open lot will not support a large housing complex. They also anticipate providing some on-site parking to minimize the impact on neighbors from the increase in housing density. However, incorporating green space into the development is a key consideration. They are communicating with 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 incorporate green space on Metro’s land to extend into the City-owned land without compromising security.

Portlanders in the area can anticipate future Metro conversations about 2815 SE 90th Place as they determine the appropriate development path. They will also consider leasing the land to an organization with suitable insurance and liability coverage to use the site until construction begins. In the short term, neighbors will see the unsafe structures removed and eventually a new paved road on SE 89th Avenue. The construction phase relies on a yet-to-be-determined development partner’s ability to secure funding and deliver a proposal that meets Metro’s goals for affordable transit-oriented housing at this site.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

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Construction, New Residence September 16, 2025

Jade Apartments Progress on SE 89th

Framing crews have made significant progress on the 40-unit complex at 2905 SE 89th Avenue. This joint venture between APANO and Gorman & Company will transform a 1.1-acre property into affordable family apartments in a dual courtyard configuration. Construction will continue on The Jade apartments throughout the year, with an anticipated opening date in 2026. The developers intend to create a healthy and sustainable community with solar panels providing the bulk of residential power and families having ample access to green space.

Fifteen units in the new apartment building will offer family-sized accommodations with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The developers will also create 14 one-bedroom and 11 two-bedroom flats, each with a single bathroom. Residents can access various site amenities, including a bike room, package lockers, and resident services offices. People can also use a community room, two courtyards, and outdoor areas with a garden and play area for children. Larger apartments have in-unit washer and dryer appliances. The building offers laundry rooms on each floor for the rest of the residents.

Aerial view of a three-story apartment complex with a central courtyard, parking area, and solar panel canopy, surrounded by trees and residential neighborhood. — *_{Renderings courtesy Gorman & Co}*

The developers will reserve all units in the three-story building for people earning 80% or below the median family income (MFI) for Portland. That commitment keeps rents from exceeding levels set annually based on the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) calculations, but does not fit what people consider low-income housing. Based on 2023 numbers, one of the development’s three-bedroom apartments would cost up to $2,347 monthly. At those rates, these homes support the working families often priced out of modern apartments west of Interstate 205.

A 2018 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funded study of the Jade District identified the unimproved segment of SE 89th Avenue north of SE Brooklyn Street as a prime redevelopment opportunity for sustainable housing and a new public park. APANO is the fiscal sponsor of the Jade District Neighborhood Prosperity Network (NPN) and used the 2018 data with community input to pursue development opportunities in this area. With the help of Gorman & Company’s nearly 40 years of experience creating housing, APANO will begin work on what was envisioned for this part of the Jade District seven years ago.

Construction progress on a multi-unit apartment complex, showcasing wooden framing, several open windows, and exterior construction materials, with trees and a cloudy sky in the background. — *_{The Jade apartments Aug. 7th, 2025}*

This area contains a multitude of housing with buildings around the site ranging from farmhouses to multifamily buildings. The architect worked to create a design matching its environment while still providing the desired housing density. “The building will have a residential character, and we’ve subdivided the masses to be consistent with the other buildings in the neighborhood,” explained Kevin Kellogg, Gorman & Company’s Market President for the Pacific Northwest. People will access the apartment’s upper floors through a central stairway, and a courtyard facing an open-air walkway connects the units. “Each of the courtyards has a unique character. One of them, we call the living room courtyard, and the other one is the family room courtyard,” said Kellogg. The ground floor will house the site’s accessible units and its 32 on-site parking stalls, half of which are partially covered by solar panels.

Rendering of a modern three-story apartment complex with a combination of white and orange facade, surrounded by greenery and people walking along the sidewalk. — *_{Renderings courtesy Gorman & Co}*

The developers are targeting a Net Zero certification for the building, making it environmentally friendly and resilient to changing weather conditions. “Our goal is for it to be as low maintenance and energy efficient as possible,” said Kellogg. The environmental goals also align with APANO’s goals for the Jade District. “We’re working to build the most climate-friendly, transit-rich, and affordable neighborhood we can. We feel this complements our work at PCC, Canton Grill, and the Orchards,” explained Duncan Hwang, Community Development Director at APANO.

Two partially constructed apartment buildings with wooden frames and scaffolding, showcasing different exterior finishes. One building has a natural wood appearance, while the other is partially covered in yellow siding. A construction site with fencing and equipment is visible in the foreground. — *_{Framers comple 3rd floor framing including a covered exterior hallway looking into a courtyard Sept. 15, 2025}*

This apartment complex will become the fourth housing project in the Jade District for APANO. The organization is interested in having a mixed-income neighborhood, and this project fits the need for workforce-priced housing. Other projects built by the organization or in development support lower-income renters. APANO often partners with other organizations in creating and managing developments. In this case, Gorman & Company will provide asset management and compliance, with APANO providing resident services.

In addition to improving housing availability in the area, this project will create public right-of-way improvements. Towards the end of the project, crews will construct new sidewalks along the frontage and build a portion of the paved street. These infrastructure upgrades will move the area closer to completing a disconnected street and sidewalk network that inhibits travel along SE 89th Avenue. Walkable access is a primary feature of this building, which is blocks away from the Fubonn grocery store and frequent public transit. Look for continued improvements to this area as work progresses on The Jade apartments.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Portions of this article and quotes are from a 2024 interview.

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