Block 49
Take a Look!
See the Block 49 real-time construction cam
- Pictures from the groundbreaking ceremony
Quick Project Facts
“Block 49” will contain 209 housing units in the South Waterfront neighborhood affordable to households earning 50% of Median Family Income ($25,000 for a single-person household). Forty two (42) of the apartments are targeted to low income veterans who have been homeless within the past two years.
The Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) and REACH CDC are partnering to develop the first affordable rental housing development in the emerging South Waterfront neighborhood. The project will utilize bond financing and tax credit equity, along with tax increment funds from the North Macadam Urban Renewal Area. The Portland Housing Bureau selected REACH to develop and own the project through an open, competitive “Request for Qualifications” process.
“REACH emerged on top among a very strong group of nonprofit developers. REACH has a strong track record of delivering affordable housing in Portland, and is a strong partner and ally for PHB,” said Margaret van Vliet, PHB Director. “REACH is currently securing the private financing needed for the project, and has received considerable interest from local and national investors.”
The six-story building will have 209 apartments over ground-floor commercial space. REACH will purchase 12,000 square feet of the ground floor for our administrative offices. The location is close to public transit options, providing easy access to Oregon Health & Sciences University, the Veterans Administration Medical Center and other community services. Support services and rent assistance for residents will be provided by the Veterans Administration and the Housing Authority of Portland, and will focus on serving veterans experiencing homelessness. Completion of the project is scheduled for December 2012.
“REACH is very excited to have been selected as the developer on this important mixed-use housing project. The addition of 209 units of affordable housing close to downtown and next to the streetcar and new light rail lines means that families and individuals with modest incomes will enjoy a quality living environment at an affordable price. Our 28 years of housing development and management experience, as well as our decision to purchase space for our administrative offices, will help ensure that the project is a positive addition to the community,” says Dee Walsh, REACH’s Executive Director.
Economic Stimulus
The “Block 49” project will constitute an important economic stimulus for the City of Portalnd, and will focus on:
- A strong emphasis on Portland Development Commission’s Business and Workforce Equity Policy, adopted by the Portland Housing Bureau
- Targeting more than 20% of total project cost for contracting opportunities with businesses owned by women and people of color
- Living-wage jobs and apprenticeship opportunities
- Achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver “green” building standards
Other Questions?
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions about “Block 49” or download the Block 49 Project Overview
Maples I & II Apartment, the Fir Grove Apartments
51 units, acquisition/preservation
In 2010 REACH acquired The Maples I & II Apartments, two projects that provide housing for low-income senior citizens in Hillsboro Oregon. Under REACH’s ownership, the properties will retain their rent subsidies for decades to come. REACH will begin renovation work on the buildings and site in fall 2011. Work will be complete in spring 2012.
Orenco Station
100+ units, new construction
REACH has completed a purchase agreement for a 6.2 parcel near the Orenco MAX light rail station in HIllsboro, OR. This is sufficient to support the phased development of approximately 160 units of housing. Work is underway to design and secure financing for the first phase, a 60 unit, transit-oriented housing project for lower-wage workers in the Orenco neighborhood.
Glisan Commons
120 Units/Mixed Use; joint venture; new construction
In February 2011, the Portland Housing Bureau announced that a team including REACH CDC has been selected to develop a City-owned site in the Gateway Urban Renewal District, using $6 million in City funding. REACH and its partners, Human Solutions and Ride Connection, will co-develop a mixed-use, phased project with 120 units of housing and 16,000 sq feet of office space. Phase 1 will include Ride Connection offices with a Human Solutions workforce housing project above; Phase 2 is planned for development in 2013, and will consist of 60 units of senior housing.
