The renovation of the 100 year old Estate Hotel preserves a unique landmark in the Old Town/Chinatown neighborhood as well as enhances and creates affordable housing for low income residents. Purchased by Central City Concern (CCC) in 1982, CCC faced an interesting challenge—how to upgrade the building to meet ADA requirements and seismic codes at an affordable per unit cost. SERA was retained to determine if a vertical expansion would be feasible and allow the project to be self-financing. The recommendation to add two floors achieved the financial goal. The result increases available housing units in a neighborhood that is in need of low income housing and at the same time helps to preserve the Historic Old Town Chinatown neighborhood. SERA’s design retains the historic character of the building and improves its overall appearance. The additional stories add over 15,000 SF to the existing structure.
The Oregon Housing and Community Services Department has committed Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Oregon Affordable Housing Tax Credits and other grants to help fund the project.
