The Strong Property

PORTLAND, OREGON

Goal: Advance the Alberta Alive vision by fostering a vibrant new community with culturally tailored housing and services, fortifying the historically Black neighborhoods of N/NE Portland.

Located at the prominent intersection of N Alberta and N Williams Avenue, within the N/NE Urban Renewal Area, the Strong Property is poised to transform into a vibrant community featuring 75 brand-new units. These residences will cater to households with incomes ranging from 30% to 60% AMI. The Strong Property is the third phase of the Alberta Alive initiative, a partnership between Self Enhancement Inc. and Community Development Partners with the shared vision to provide accessible housing to low-income African American families in North and Northeast Portland. All units within the development will adhere to the City’s Preference Policy, prioritizing families displaced due to past City-supported renewal and gentrification.  

In addition to the 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units the Strong Property offers, the project also provides a wide array of community features, including an expansive community room featuring a full kitchen and an open amenity area offering informal seating and gathering spaces. The ground level also hosts a leasing office, two service provider offices, a break room, bike parking, and a dog wash. Laundry facilities will be conveniently available on every floor.

Led by SEI, resident services and programming will be designed to ensure Strong Property residents find a home that is welcoming, safe, and responsive to their needs. Programming includes youth services, such as academic support, social programs, and after school activities, family and parenting support, physical fitness and lifestyle classes, employment services, and connection to SEI’s numerous community and family programs.

DEVELOPMENT

The Strong Property was awarded to CDP and SEI in 2023 as part of the Portland Housing Bureaus 2023 Metro Bond Offering. Funding for the project includes a 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) allocation, weatherization funds, and ITC Solar Tax Credit Equity. Additionally, the project received grants from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF). Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO) and the City of Portland’s Brownfield Program.

DATA
  • Number of units: 75
  • Lot size: 1 acre
  • Density: 77 units/acre
  • Unit size: 600-1,000 sf
  • Unit mix: 21 1BD, 32 2BD, 22 3BD
  • Parking Spaces: 30
  • Affordability: 30%-60% AMI
  • Sustainability: Energy Star
  • Total Cost: $42.6M
TEAM
  • Architect: Holst Architecture
  • Contractor: Colas Construction
  • Property Management: Guardian Management LLC
  • Nonprofit Partner: Self Enhancement Inc. (SEI)

PARTNERS

CDP is proud to partner with these organizations on our third phase of Alberta Alive, who are critical team members that share our vision for Alberta Alive – championing the revival of Black N/NE Portland, where residents can feel at home and connected with their neighbors, creating a strong community that will retain, attract, and grow generations of Black legacy.

Self Enhancement Inc.

Founded in 1981, Self Enhancement Inc. (SEI) is dedicated to guiding underserved youth to realize their full potential. Working with schools, families, and partner community organizations, SEI provides support, guidance, and opportunities to achieve personal and academic success. SEI brings hope to individual young people and enhances the quality of community life by being a comprehensive, one-stop resource for African-American youth and families and others living in poverty and seeking culturally responsive services. Today, SEI is Oregon’s largest African American-led nonprofit multi-service organization, and second-largest minority-operated employer. To learn more, please visit: https://www.selfenhancement.org/

Portland Housing Bureau (PHB)

The Strong Property received project support from PHB, a government organization dedicated to the vision of ensuring that all Portlanders can access affordable housing equitably. Their N/NE Preference Policy program addresses the harmful impacts of urban renewal by giving preference to housing applicants with generational ties to North/Northeast Portland. The Strong Property applies this preference to their leasing process. To learn more, please visit: portland.gov/phb/nnehousing/preference-policy.