Julia West House

PORTLAND, OREGON

Goal: Julia West House interweaves affordable housing with comprehensive services for houseless elders, providing residents with the support and stability they need to thrive.

Located in Downtown Portland, Julia West House provides 90 units of permanent supportive housing, featuring both studio and one-bedroom floor plans. The community is dedicated to serving houseless elders and BIPOC individuals earning 30% or less AMI and providing robust resident services tailored to household needs. Residents can enjoy a wide array of amenities, including a community room, communal kitchen, rooftop patio, laundry facilities, and secure bike parking. Additionally, offices for property management, resident services, and case management are located onsite.

Residents at Julia West will benefit from comprehensive permanent supportive services provided by Northwest Pilot Project (NWPP) and the Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA), along with resident services facilitated by Community for Positive Aging (CfPA). These organizations will collaborate with Multnomah County’s Joint Office of Homeless Services (JOHS) and the Coordinated Access system to identify and transition future residents into the building.

Julia West House is a 12-story, high rise project featuring a cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure, making it the tallest of its kind in Oregon. Designed with sustainability in mind, this project will achieve National Green Building Standard and Energy Star certifications, ensuring eco-conscious living for its residents.

DEVELOPMENT

CDP purchased the site from First Presbyterian Church, who had been holding it for a suitable future development that aligned with their values of community service. Funding for the project includes a 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) allocation with equity investment by Aegon; rental assistance from OHCS and the JOHS; and Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) grant. Construction financing is being provided by Bank of America and permanent financing is being provided by Citibank.

DATA
  • Number of units: 90
  • Lot size: 0.11 acres
  • Density: 782.5 units/acre
  • Unit size: 270 - 482 ft2
  • Unit mix: 60 Studios, 30 1BD
  • Affordability: 30% AMI
  • Sustainability: National Green Building Standard, Energy Star Certified
  • Total Cost: $58.3M
TEAM
  • Architect: Holst Architecture
  • Contractor: Walsh Construction Co.
  • Property Management: Guardian Management
  • Non-Profit Partner: NWPP, NARA, CfPA

PARTNERS

CDP takes great pride in collaborating with these organizations, serving as indispensable allies in our shared commitment to elevating the well-being of the community we serve.

Northwest Pilot Project

NWPP helps connect low-income and very low-income seniors (55 and over) in Multnomah County who are capable of independent living with rental housing that is safe, permanent, and affordable to them. NWPP leverages their 50 years of relationships with landlords, property managers, and community development partners to secure housing for those who are most vulnerable. What began as a volunteer group became the leading advocate for low-income seniors in Multnomah County seeking housing stability. Each year, NWPP helps stabilize the housing of about 600 seniors.

Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest (NARA)

Founded in 1970 in Portland, NARA is an Indian-owned, Indian-operated non-profit agency. NARA’s wide array of culturally specific and integrated clinical services include residential and outpatient substance abuse treatment; mental health treatment for children, youth, families and adults; primary healthcare services along with women’s specialty care and diabetes specialty care; dental services; and a youth residential substance abuse treatment program scheduled to open in April, 2017. NARA also offers multiple supportive services (including rent assistance, scattered site supportive housing, veterans’ services, vocational services, elders’ services, and street outreach) to assist our community to achieve and maintain wellness of spirit, body, mind, and culture. All NARA services are designed with cultural and spiritual needs in mind, with an emphasis on promoting strong connections to community.

Community for Positive Aging

Community for Positive Aging was founded as Hollywood Senior Center in 1973 and is a non-profit age-positive hub that offers a multitude of no cost donation-based services, a devoted team enhanced by peer run programs, and resources that empower you to learn, connect, and grow as you age.

Community for Positive Aging is a caring and healthy organization that encourages intergenerational relationships, recognizes the wisdom and experience of its elders, and demonstrates awareness and respect for the aging process.