Multnomah County will soon issue a request for proposals (RFP) from parties interested in partnering in its Walnut Park redevelopment project.

In 2018, the county began evaluating future options for the 74-year-old Walnut Park Complex it owns and operates on 1.7 acres at 5329 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The building houses the Northeast Health Center, a dental clinic, a Meals on Wheels dining center, and the Urban League of Portland‘s Multicultural Senior Center. It is also home to county offices and service centers, including the Department of County Human Services, its Aging, Disability and Veterans Services Division, and a Homeless Services Department shelter, a county press release states.

Four years later, JM Woolley & Associates, Black Investment Consortium for Economic Progress (BICEP), and Cascadia Partners led a redevelopment feasibility study. The conceptual plan included a mix of housing, ground-floor commercial space, office space, community space, and updated and expanded county service space, a Multnomah County staff report states. The intent of the project is to create space to serve the Black community and people of color. The development will be designed and programmed as a community healing and service center, the feasibility report states.

Since the study was completed, the county has explored cost and financing options for the project. A partnership with a developer will help Multnomah County manage the project’s impact on its finances and leverage outside funding.

Multnomah County purchasing manager Brian Smith said staff approached the Board of Commissioners earlier in the development process for approval to look at more options for project delivery and financing.

“I’m very confident that we will be able to – we’re working on the RFP right now – to get a developer on board who will work with us and be able to balance the fiscal responsibility with the equity concerns,” Smith said.

The draft RFP will be released within the next month, and a developer will be selected in the fall.

Starting in October, the chosen development partner will spend the next 12-18 months creating a proposal for redeveloping the Walnut Park Complex. The document will identify the financing plan and incorporate long-term planning and on-site program needs, as well as look at ownership trade-offs or leasing options. The proposal will then be presented to the Board of Commissioners for adoption.

Upon reception of the board’s approval, the project will move into the design phase. The board will receive quarterly written project updates as well as multiple opportunities to weigh in during each phase.

Last week the board unanimously approved an exemption from the design-bid-build delivery method for the project. For this procurement approach, the county will enter a contract with a developer with demonstrated experience in managing complex community-driven projects and an understanding of the historic and current significance of Walnut Park.

A project budget has not been established yet.

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Project name: The Hazel Ying Lee Apartments

Location: Portland

Completion: August 2024

Size: 125,890 square feet

Cost: $55,271,925

Owner/Developer: Home Forward

Architect: Holst Architecture

Engineers: ABHT Structural Engineers, KPFF, Samata Consulting Engineers

General Contractor: Colas Construction

Submitting Company: Colas Construction

Other Key Participants: Portland Housing Bureau

Subcontractors: Able Fence, Acousti-Level, Affordable Electric, All About Flagging, All Seasons Insulation, Architectural Metalcrafters, AT Publix, Authority Dock & Door, Building Material Specialties, Cascade Radon, Cascade Tower & Rigging, Compaction and Recycling, Cosco Fire Protection, CSL Structures, DDN Interior Supply, DE-EL Enterprises, DeWitt Construction, Eagle Striping Services, Eastside Paving, Elemental Energy, Exteriors Design, Grant Painting, Great Floors, Huntco Supply, Hunter-Davisson, Interior Technology, K&D Services of Oregon, Keywest Retaining Systems, Klinger Masonry, Lanz Cabinet Shop, M&M Construction Services, McCoy Millwork, McDonald & Wetle, MK Fall Protection, Mt. Hood Steel & Wood, Northwest Masonry, Northwest Scaffold Service, Oregon State Bridge, Outdoor Play & Amenities, Pacific Landscape Services, Paulson’s Floor Covering, River City Glass & Window, Ross Recreation Equipment, Santiago Concrete, Sawtooth Caulking, Schindler Elevator, Standard TV & Appliance, Superior Interiors, Tapani Plumbing, Timber Technologies, Ultra Star, VPI Quality Windows, WH Cress

The Hazel Ying Lee Apartments, a 206-unit affordable housing development in Southeast Portland’s Creston-Kenilworth neighborhood, has transformed a largely vacant lot into a community-centered living space that sets new standards for affordable housing design.

Designed by Holst Architecture and built by Colas Construction, the project features cost-effective wood-frame construction over a taller ground-floor podium that accommodates loft-style units and shared amenities. Named after the first Chinese American woman to fly for the U.S. military, the four-story complex features an innovative X-shaped layout that maximizes density while creating protected courtyards and pedestrian pathways. The distinctive design, which earned the Portland Design Commission’s Design Excellence Award in 2021, reflects the neighborhood’s character with multicolored brick and white fiber-cement panels. The overall aesthetic is eye-catching, with curved facades and colorful brick patterning giving it an almost sculpture-like quality.

The development serves households earning 30 percent to 60 percent of Area Median Income, including 30 units dedicated to families emerging from homelessness. Unlike typical affordable housing, it offers larger family-focused units and amenities including a playroom, playground, basketball court and computer lounge.

Construction posed significant engineering challenges, requiring more than 130 deep foundation piles driven 100 feet into Portland’s unstable soil. Colas Construction, a Black-owned firm, erected its first tower crane for this project, noting it is the first ever by a Black or brown contractor west of the Mississippi.

The apartments feature air conditioning and free Wi-Fi in common areas, with a large laundry room containing over 24 washers and dryers. With a Walk Score of 89, residents enjoy excellent access to public transit.

Sustainability was prioritized throughout development. The building achieved Earth Advantage Platinum certification and includes rooftop solar panels and all-electric systems supported by the Portland Clean Energy Fund.

In partnership with the Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization, the complex provides culturally specific services supporting immigrant, refugee and BIPOC families.

To honor the building’s namesake, Home Forward gave child residents two books: “The Fearless Flights of Hazel Ying Lee” by Julie Leung, connecting residents to Lee’s legacy as a Cleveland High School graduate who made history during World War II, and “A Kids Book About Construction” by Andrew Colas, reinforcing a legacy of inspiration and opportunity.

The project team achieved 45 percent workforce diversity on the project; the goal was 20 percent. Apprentices had a key role on the development, responsible for 18.5 percent of project work hours.

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Project name: Las Flores

Location: Oregon City

Completion: May 2024

Size: 175,887 square feet

Cost: $46,313,735

Owner/Developer: Community Development Partners in collaboration with Hacienda CDC

Architect: Salazar Architects

Interior Designer: Salazar Architects

Engineers: Valar Engineering, Jet Industries, Tradesmen Electric

General Contractor: LMC Construction

Submitting Company: LMC Construction

Other Key Associates: Center for Public Interest Design, Clackamas County Housing Authority, Oregon Housing and Community Services, Oregon Metro, PLACE

Subcontractors: ACME Scenic and Display, All Trades, Ambrose Glass, Bridgeport Interiors, Cash’s Drapery, Creators, DE-EL Commercial, DeaMor Associates, Frontier Metal Fabrication, Frontier Roofing, GE Appliances, Great Northwest Gutters, Halsey Design, J&S Masonry, JB Insulation, Jet Industries, KO Construction, Kodiak Pacific, Lanz Cabinets, LaRusso Concrete, Lauzon Contracting, LJP Construction, Medallion Industries, Merit Contractor of Oregon, Northwest Masonry, Outdoor Play and Amenities, Pacific Landscape Services, Patriot Fire Protection, RECORP, Tapani Plumbing, Time Frame, Topline Counters, Tradesmen Electric, Ultra Quiet Floors, Universal Flooring & Interiors, US Mailboxes, VPI, Zavala

When residents walk through Las Flores, they don’t just see an affordable housing development. They experience a thoughtfully designed community centered around connection and well-being.

The seven three-story apartment buildings form a circle around a central park, creating a cohesive environment where families can thrive. This intentional layout preserves clusters of mature trees, adding to the park-like setting that includes walking paths, children’s play areas and a community garden.

Las Flores, a collaboration between Community Development Partners and Hacienda CDC, offers 171 affordable housing units for individuals and families earning 30 percent to 60 percent of the area’s median income.

From the earliest conceptual plans, Las Flores focused on the social aspects of housing. The development features numerous gathering spaces, from wider breezeways with small tables to a barbecue area with picnic tables.

What sets Las Flores apart is its Asset-Based Community Development approach, empowering residents to actively shape their living environment rather than implementing traditional top-down housing models.

The project addresses specific community needs by setting aside units for agricultural workers, supported by Agriculture Workforce Housing Tax Credits. Nine units are dedicated to individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness, with support services provided by Northwest Housing Alternatives and Hacienda’s Youth and Family Services division.

At the heart of the development stands La Casa Rosa, the community building that hosts workshops and classes. Bilingual and bicultural staff offer services including translation, financial education and workforce development.

Las Flores emphasizes sustainability with Earth Advantage Platinum certification. The development is all-electric, eliminating fossil fuels in building operations, and includes EV charging stations. Solar panels are already installed on the community building, with apartment buildings wired for future installation.

Beyond physical structures, the project integrates public art throughout the property, fostering pride and belonging among residents.

The minority contracting goal for Las Flores was 20 percent, but LMC Construction achieved an impressive 35.84 percent. This included 15.30 percent participation from Minority Business Enterprises, 18.86 percent from Women Business Enterprises, and 1.69 percent from Emerging Small Businesses. In addition, 92 percent of the subcontractors were based in Oregon, with one-third of that total based in Clackamas County where Las Flores is located. LMC collaborated with LatinoBuilt, the National Association of Minority Contractors-Oregon and Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs, as well as other organizations, to identify and engage potential contractors.

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Project name: La Pine Water and Wastewater Systems Improvements (WWSI) Project

Location: La Pine

Completion: December 2024

Cost: $43,677,522

Owner/Developer: City of La Pine

Engineers: Anderson Perry & Associates, ELECTRO Tech Engineering

General Contractor: Taylor Northwest

Submitting Company: Taylor Northwest

Other Key Participants: BNSF, Bureau of Land Management, Business Oregon, McKenzie Cascade, Midstate Electric Cooperative, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, State Historic Preservation Office, The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, U.S. Forest Service, USDA Rural Development

Subcontractors: Abbas Pump, Anderson Erosion Control, Camp Creek Electric, Cascade Civil, McKenzie Cascade, Mike’s Fence, On The Fly Plumbing, Stadeli Boring & Tunneling, T Bailey, Tri County Paving

After nearly a decade of planning and construction, the city of La Pine has completed its largest infrastructure improvement project to date, addressing long-standing public health and environmental challenges.

The ambitious project replaced hundreds of aging septic systems with a centralized sewer system and modernized drinking water infrastructure across the community, where groundwater studies had revealed dangerous nitrate levels in residential wells. Without intervention, the problem would only worsen, threatening not only public health but also the long-term viability of the city’s drinking water supply.

The multifaceted initiative, completed through partnerships with Anderson Perry & Associates and Taylor Northwest, resulted in nearly 300 properties connecting to municipal sewer and water systems.

The project included three major components: improvements to the existing wastewater treatment facility with a new 20-acre effluent storage lagoon; construction of a 500,000-gallon welded steel water storage reservoir with upgraded well pump stations; and installation of extensive water and sewer lines in the Cagle and Glenwood Acres neighborhoods.

Project teams overcame significant challenges during implementation. When construction bids exceeded the original budget based on five-year-old estimates, Taylor Northwest agreed to extend their bid validity period while the U.S. Department of Agriculture reviewed additional funding requests.

Crews also maintained flexibility when cultural artifacts were discovered during excavation, implementing contingency plans to continue work in other areas while artifacts were recovered, keeping the project on schedule.

The flat topography of the La Pine area presented additional challenges, requiring special attention to proper grading to prevent future operational issues.

In total, workers installed approximately 110,000 linear feet of water lines, 289 water meters, 126 fire hydrants, and 100,000 linear feet of sewer lines. They also decommissioned 264 septic tanks and constructed four new wastewater lift stations.

Beyond addressing immediate health concerns, the infrastructure improvements unlock new economic opportunities for La Pine by removing barriers to development that previously existed due to wastewater system limitations.

The project received funding coordination through multiple agencies including USDA Rural Development, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Business Oregon.

The project manager and Taylor Northwest team were actively engaged in safety on the site, resulting in zero injuries. TNW worked closely with the Bend-La Pine School District and the fire department regarding the construction schedule, road closures and area access. Extra attention also was placed on working safely around the BNSF railroad.

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Project name: Crook County Justice Center

Location: Prineville

Completion: September 2024

Size: 67,850 square feet

Cost: $42 million

Owner/Developer: Crook County

Architect: Pinnacle Architecture, KMB Architects

Interior Designer: Pinnacle Architecture

Engineers: tk1sc, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis, PAE

General Contractor: Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company

Submitting Company: Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company

Other Associates/Key Consultants: LUMA Lighting Design

Subcontractors: Apollo Mechanical Contractors, Alpine Abatement Associates, Apollo Sheet Metal, Bell Hardware, Boles Brothers, Building Material Specialties, Carlson Testing, Center Pointe Signs, Central Oregon Garage Door, Consurco, Corebrace, Corona Steel, Corona Sud and Deck, Corrections Technology Group, Delta AV, Diversification, Eagle Roofing, Eder Flag Manufacturing, Environmental Controls, Fabulous Floors, Geopier Northwest, GH Surveying, Greenbar Excavation, Insulation Contractors, Interior Technology, J & R Fire, Johnson Bros. TV & Appliance, Lakeview Millworks Sales, LDC, Lets Construction Cleaning Services, Max Manufacturing, MC Interiors, Mike’s Fence Center, Morrison Hershfield, Mountain Sky, New Horizons Woodworks, North Rim Electric, Pacific Rim Microrem, Pence Kelly Concrete, Rasmussen Masonry, Safeguard Industries, Sauder Manufacturing, Schonert & Associates, SDB Contracting Services, Severson Fire Protection, Siemens Industry, Skyline Sheet Metal, Snider Landscaping, South Town Glass, Spacesaver Specialists, Steel Encounters, Systems West Engineers, The 4 Kids, The Harver Co., TK Elevator, TOMCO Electric, Tri County Paving, Tri-Star Detention, Van Nevel Concrete & Curb, Western Partitions, Western Protective Coating, WSP, York Bros. Excavation

After more than a century in an aging courthouse, Crook County departments have moved into a new 67,850-square-foot Justice Center that officials say will improve efficiency and public safety services.

The facility, approved by voters in November 2020, houses the Sheriff’s Office, Juvenile Services, Circuit Court and District Attorney’s Office under one roof in downtown Prineville.

The new Justice Center provides the community with a central facility for the entire county, rather than having the various departments operate out of separate buildings. The new building features a large lobby and staircase, jury assembly space, three courtrooms and associated offices for all departments. A community room is included for public events.

Pinnacle Architecture and KMB Architects designed the facility, while Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company (KNCC) built the steel and concrete structure.

Project leaders pointed to collaboration between the architects, contractor and county stakeholders as critical to success. The design team conducted early meetings with county officials and department heads to develop concepts accommodating multiple needs.

Once brought on board as the CM/GC partner, KNCC expanded on this by providing constructability and value engineering efforts to meet the overall intent of the project, according to the project submission form. This early involvement allowed the team to keep within the initial GMP budget.

Safety protocols were emphasized during construction in downtown Prineville. KNCC implemented perimeter fencing and signage to protect the public. The company held weekly on-site safety meetings with all workers. KNCC also reviewed current seasonal issues that posed a safety risk both on and off the jobsite.

The building’s design balances traditional and modern elements, incorporating architectural features that reference the historic courthouse building, including natural stone, concrete façade, traditional millwork and cornice roof.

While there were no minority contractor goals on the project, there was significant local participation, including trade partners from Prineville.

“The new Crook County Justice Center project reflects the success of a community coming together to build a facility to serve the entire county,” said Joe Waggoner, KNCC senior project manager, in the Top Projects submission form. “The building is a true representation of not only Crook County’s strong leadership, but the Prineville community’s support of that leadership. With this new facility, Crook County will be able to accommodate the needs of their citizens for another 100 years.”

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Construction of a 130-unit affordable housing development is under way in Hood River. Mariposa Village will consist of six wood-framed residential buildings, plus a community center. There will be a mix of townhouses and multistory multifamily buildings, including one specifically for seniors.

Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation and Community Development Partners are co-developing the project. Holst Architecture designed Mariposa Village and Walsh Construction is the general contractor. The team also includes civil engineer Klein and Associates of Hood River, structural engineer TM Rippey Consulting Engineers, MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) consultant Interface Engineering, and landscape architect PLACE.

After purchasing the 7.25-acre project site, at 780 Rand Road, in 2020 for $1.2 million, the city of Hood River donated it for development through an RFP process. The total development cost will be approximately $74.2 million.

Mariposa Village will include seven studios, 29 one-bedroom units, 48 two-bedroom units and 46 three-bedroom units; all will be for people earning up to 60 percent of area median income. Thirty-nine units will have project-based vouchers from the Mid-Columbia Housing Authority, Community Development Partners senior development manager Lucy Corbett said. The vouchers will go to households earning up to 30 percent of AMI.

“The design is intended to create community among residents,” Corbett said.

The community center will have offices for property management and resident services; the latter will be provided by Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation. There will also be a classroom/meeting space and an outdoor patio.

Other site amenities will include a park with a playground and community garden beds. A strong emphasis will be placed on the natural environment by also incorporating trails and protecting the on-site wetlands, Community Development Partners spokesperson Jena Green stated in an email. Two trails will be operated by the city of Hood River and Hood River Valley Parks + Recreation District and be accessible by both Mariposa Village residents and community members.

National Green Building Standard gold certification is being targeted for the project. The community center will be a net-zero energy building with solar panels on its roof. The project team will receive 45L tax credits, because the residential units will meet the Zero Energy Ready Home standard of the Oregon Department of Energy.

Most of the buildings will have fiber-cement siding and gable roofs.

Construction began in late April. A ceremony hailing the start of work is expected to take place late this month. Completion of the first phase is scheduled for July 2026, with the second and final phase to follow by January 2027.

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Vancouver Housing Authority (VHA) is committed to creating dynamic, sustainable communities through innovative housing solutions in Southwest Washington. With a mission to provide affordable, safe, and stable housing for low- and moderate-income families, VHA has become a driving force in transforming the region’s housing landscape.

VHA’s projects go beyond creating homes – they aim to foster entire communities. Through strategic development and revitalization, VHA develops not only affordable housing but also mixed-use spaces that enhance residents’ quality of life. A prime example is the Fourth Plain Community Commons, which includes flexible event spaces, commercial kitchen incubators, and office spaces, providing a hub for community engagement and services.

In addition to housing, VHA prioritizes community building by offering residents access to vital resources like job training, healthcare, and education. Its Council for the Homeless Housing Solutions Center connects individuals facing homelessness or at risk with essential programs and services. By taking a holistic approach to development, VHA creates lasting change, improving the well-being of the neighborhoods it serves.

With a focus on sustainability and inclusivity, VHA continues to lead in affordable housing development, enhancing lives and strengthening communities across Vancouver.

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Polk Community Development Corporation (Polk CDC) has been a key player in revitalizing communities across Polk County, with a focus on strategic and sustainable development. Established in 1989, the nonprofit is dedicated to providing affordable housing and supporting local businesses, fostering economic growth and stability in the region.

Polk CDC collaborates with residents, municipalities, and local organizations to identify and address community needs. It develops affordable rental housing for low- to moderate-income residents, including underserved populations such as working families, seniors, and people of color. The organization also offers low-interest housing rehabilitation loans and grants to assist homeowners with essential repairs.

Additionally, Polk CDC partners with Polk County and local municipalities to provide loan and grant programs aimed at improving rental properties and enhancing living conditions for families. Beyond housing, Polk CDC fosters economic development by promoting business expansion and job creation in key sectors such as agriculture and tourism. Through community-driven projects, the corporation helps transform underutilized properties into vibrant spaces supporting residential and commercial growth.

By combining thoughtful development with active community involvement, Polk CDC continues to create lasting opportunities, building a more resilient Polk County for future generations.

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Portland-based InkBuilt Design is an architecture firm rooted in sustainability and resilience. Specializing in residential, commercial, and community projects, the firm integrates Passive House principles and prefabrication to enhance energy efficiency and long-term durability.

InkBuilt’s portfolio includes projects like the Beaverton Shelter, which provides 24-hour, year-round emergency housing, and the Timber Ridge development, offering intergenerational affordable housing. The firm also played a key role in the renovation of Heartwood Commons, supportive housing that prioritizes community and sustainability.

Driven by the belief that architecture should serve both people and the environment, InkBuilt’s designs emphasize adaptability, affordability, and high performance. The firm’s deep expertise in sustainable building practices helps clients reduce energy consumption while creating spaces that remain functional and livable for generations.

InkBuilt collaborates with nonprofits and community groups to advocate for equitable housing and responsible development. Their work on the Josephine, a mixed-use residential building in a historic district, exemplifies their approach to balancing innovation with practicality.

As a woman-owned firm, InkBuilt emphasizes design-build collaboration, focusing on efficiency, affordability, and performance. Through projects like these, InkBuilt Design continues to explore new ways architecture can address housing challenges while promoting sustainability and community well-being.

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