Portland, OR
Portland, OR
[This] is the most visionary and revolutionary strategy I have seen in a long time. The sheer fact you have these different partners collaborating around the concepts of social justice and equity in creating something with generational impact is a true example of building community.
The Young Black Professionals (YBP) Workforce Housing seeks to create opportunities for Black architecture/engineering/construction professionals to thrive in a world plagued by systemic racism and an AEC industry devoid of diversity.
In partnership with Self Enhancement Inc. (SEI) and HMS Development, Bora and Andersen Construction are collaborating using a design-build approach and Design Justice principles to create two affordable housing communities in Southeast Portland, each a modular build with metal framing five stories high. YBP Ankeny will include 41 studio apartments on an L-shaped site nestled among existing homes. YBP Holgate, in collaboration with Home Forward, will offer 72 studio apartments on a centrally located corner site. Proximal to transit and other urban conveniences, both housing initiatives will include shared amenities, a central hub for after-hours gatherings and neighborhood events, and ground-floor amenities to engage the streetscape.