Our master plan for an 11-acre site in Northeast Portland, a collaboration with PLACE Studio, thoughtfully re-envisions a six-block apartment complex with the mission to end homelessness and support equitable affordable housing for Portlanders. We developed three different design schemes to be further decided upon by community members.

Our analysis examined the ecological and social impacts of redevelopment as we considered building scale in response to the site’s varied edges: a golf course to the north, condominiums and small businesses to the east, commercial businesses to the south, and single-family housing to the west. The diversity of these edges provided a unique opportunity to offer housing at different scales, ranging from townhomes to larger apartment buildings. 

The master plan’s goals include increased density with support for 340 affordable units, mixing rental and homeownership opportunities and providing one- to four-bedroom options. Design solutions prioritized thoughtful integration with the community, while amenities such as walking trails, garden beds, gathering areas, and play space maximize the site ecology and accommodate all ages and abilities. Tree canopies will be preserved wherever possible, informing the site design and reducing solar heat gain. Passive cooling strategies for resilience, as well as public transportation access and electric options, will promote overall health and long-term sustainability for residents in this vibrant, reimagined community.