‘Affordable housing’ project breaks ground at edge of Jade District

Take a look at this new apartment project, located in outer East Portland in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood …

On this vacant lot, developers have plans to build a new “responsive affordable housing community for families and others in the Jade District”, they say. Google Maps image

By David F. Ashton

Near the boundaries of the Jade District Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative district, in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood, officials and project representatives gathered on Wednesday, February 26, to break ground for a new apartment development.

According to information from Metro, a partner in the project, it’s called The Jade Apartments. This housing project will provide a total of 40 income-limited in 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom unit configurations.

Here’s how The Jade Apartments will look, when completed. Courtesy SERA architects

“The Jade Apartments will set a new standard for equitable, sustainable housing in Portland,” Kevin Kellogg, Pacific Northwest Market President, Gorman & Company, promised. “The Jade Apartments embody our commitment to creating affordable, high-quality homes that honor the cultural and economic diversity of the Jade District. We are honored to partner with APANO, and grateful for the opportunity to build a community in which residents can thrive.”

At the groundbreaking ceremony, these posters illustrate how the completed project will look. Courtesy Metro

Housing at the complex will be offered to households earning less than 60% of the area’s median income, with five homes set aside for those earning less than 30%. The nonprofit Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO) will offer residents services that include financial literacy and job training, food pantry and transportation access, and health programs such as yoga, as well as a community garden.

“APANO and the Jade District are thrilled to partner with Gorman & Company to realize a community vision created in 2018 – for this site to be developed into safe affordable housing for families, improve local infrastructure, and provide more green space,” Metro Councilor Duncan Hwang, also Community Development Director for APANO, announced.

Tossing symbolic dirt at the ground breaking are Gary Gorman, Founder & Chairman of the Board of Directors, Gorman & Company; Metro Councilor Duncan Hwang; Helmi A. Hisserich, Portland Housing Bureau Director; and Kevin Kellogg, Pacific Northwest Market President of Gorman & Company. Courtesy Metro

Construction of this $23,420,450 project is partly funded by $4.4 million from the voter-approved Metro affordable housing bond, awarded by Portland Housing Bureau.

Also assisting is a $190,000 grant from Metro’s Transit-Oriented Development Program, which supports affordable housing projects located near high-frequency public transit. The project is located 0.3 miles south TriMet’s FX2-Division bus rapid transit along Division Street, and 0.4 miles from the TriMet MAX Green Line.

The Jade Apartments are expected to be ready for occupancy in 2026.

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