SERA teamed with ROSE Community Development, Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO), Housing Development Center and O’Neill/Walsh Community Builders to design and build this mixed-use affordable apartment building in outer Southeast Portland. Identified as a priority site by the Jade District Visioning Plan, Orchards was designed to reflect the shared goals of the plan, as well as those of APANO, ROSE and the community, who voiced ideas at a series of SERA-led open houses. Those goals included new greenspace, community gathering space and a safer pedestrian environment.
Creating a bold landmark at one of city’s busiest intersections, the brilliant residential stories shine atop a masonry ground floor signifying strength and permanence. Large, operable windows fill the interiors with light.
Orchards features a mix of 48 one-, two- and three-bedroom units ideal for young families, and supports ROSE’s Baby Booster Initiative aimed at improving quality of life for children in their first 1,000 days. The ground floor is activated by a community lounge and learning space, as well as a multicultural event space owned and managed by APANO. The front-facing public plaza accommodates events such as the Jade District Night Market, and a south-facing courtyard features a playground.
This project was awarded funding by Oregon Housing and Community Services and the Portland Housing Bureau for tackling the issues of displacement, affordability, dangerous pedestrian conditions, and revitalizing suburban neighborhoods. Metro contributed the land and funding to this transit-oriented development.
With a holistic approach to sustainability, Orchards is targeting Earth Advantage Platinum certification.
