Project Description
SERA Architects partnered with a nonprofit affordable housing developer and the local community to design and build this mixed-use affordable apartment building in the Jade District of Portland, Oregon.
Identified as a priority site for revitalization in the Jade District Visioning Plan, this four-story development features ground floor retail space and 48 units catering to young families, and thusly consists of a mix of one-, two- and three-bedrooms. A multicultural event space will be owned and managed by the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon.
The front plaza design and custom site furnishings create a flexible urban space that can accommodate a variety of events including markets, food vendors and community gatherings. The heaviness of the base contrasts the brightness and pop of the upper floors, fitting within the eclectic energy of the surrounding neighborhood. The interior design focuses on light-filled, garden-like spaces, creating a meditative and restorative environment.
This project tackles the issues of displacement, affordability, dangerous pedestrian conditions, and urban design to revitalize this suburban area. This project will also include bike parking and parking for car-sharing programs.
Targeting Earth Advantage Gold certification, the project also focuses on social sustainability, specifically equity, placemaking and anti-displacement. Throughout the project, from the funding application through design development, SERA led various community outreach events. The final site design reflects the thoughts and visions of the surrounding neighborhood as well as the input of the APANO and Rose Community Development to establish a meaningful presence and create community activities in the Jade District.