Project purpose
The Parkrose-Argay Development Study explored opportunities to create a complete and connected neighborhood on the 30-acre site at NE 122nd Avenue and NE Shaver Street. This effort resulted in a concept plan for a walkable, community-oriented development that serves the area. In the process, the project team and consultants considered market conditions, financial feasibility, community perspectives and public policy goals for equitable growth on this potential opportunity site. The development study looks at the area in a holistic way to help achieve greater benefits for the community and owners, if or when it is developed.
On Dec. 11, 2019, Portland City Council adopted a Resolution that accepted the Parkrose-Argay Development Study: Final Report and an Implementation Partnership Opportunities Memo. The Resolution directs the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability to continue to work with the property owners and other bureaus in the event the owners choose to proceed with development and wish to pursue a public-private development partnership. The Council action does not commit the owners or City to any immediate actions. View the project documents.
Project goals
The primary goals of the project are to create a plan for a complete, walkable community-oriented development that:
- Serves community needs and provides desired goods and services.
- Includes housing that serves a broad range of household types and income levels.
- Preserves iconic structures and acknowledges important site features and views.
- Supports and connects to living wage jobs in the area.
- Connects to nearby public services and amenities such as Parkrose High School, Parkrose Middle School, Shaver Elementary and Luuwit View Park.
- Furthers the legacy of partnerships and community-spirited actions by the owners.
Project background
One of the largest undeveloped properties in Portland, the study site has been owned and farmed by the Rossi, Guisto and Garre families for many decades and is home to the iconic red barn and adjacent farmland. It is close to many public assets and facilities, which makes it an ideal location for creating a complete and walkable neighborhood with commercial, residential and mixed-use development serving current and future Portlanders.
The site is located within a short walk to several schools: Shaver Elementary, Parkrose Middle School and Parkrose High School. It is also next to the newly developed Luuwit View Park and community garden. Recent changes to TriMet Line 73 on 122nd Avenue make it a “frequent service” line, which helps improve the site’s connection to jobs and other destinations through MAX and other bus lines. Planning for other improvements on 122nd Avenue is expected to bring future upgrades to pedestrian crosswalks, bicycle safety and transit travel times.
The development study is partially funded by a Metro Construction Excise Tax grant (aka the Rossi Farms Development Plan). It is a cooperative effort between the City of Portland, Metro and the property owner families. The project will explore possibilities for a legacy development that brings benefits to the community and helps to achieve City and regional goals for creating complete, healthy and connected communities.
Project steps and timeline
The following is a summary of key community engagement phases:
- Phase 1: Information sharing – Fall 2018
Contact neighborhood and other community groups to share information about project. - Phase 2: Community aspirations – Fall/Winter 2018
Hold “listening session(s)” to gather ideas and aspirations about desired development features. Work with other community organization(s) to gather broader community perspectives. - Phase 3: Concept development – Winter/Spring 2019
Hold workshops/charrettes during concept plan development process to gather public feedback on more detailed planning. - Phase 4: Evaluation and legislative process – Summer 2019 and beyond
Share information with the public on study results and any follow-up implementation steps that involve public actions.