In 2018, a community working group began conceptualizing a plan to developed a plan to acquire the vacant block at N Williams Ave. and N Russell St. for development into an affordable housing complex and Black business hub. Purchased by Legacy Health in the 1970s, the Williams & Russell block was once known as the Hill Block, and for many years was the historic commercial center of the Black community in Albina. In 2021, the community group selected a development team led by Adre and Portland Community Reinvestment Initiative (PCRI). In alignment with a plan to honor and benefit the Black community through the return of the Williams & Russell block set in motion by the City in 2017, the new partnership will acquire the land, and begin construction in spring of 2025. The development will include 85 affordable rental units ranging from one to three-bedrooms, 20 two-to-three-bedroom affordable homes for sale, and a 30,000 square-foot Black Business Hub built sustainably from Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), with affordable office and retail space for Black-owned businesses and community partner organizations.
Five of the homes for sale will include Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and another five will be fulling ADA accessible. These homes will offer homeownership opportunities to families earning between 60 and 120% Area Median Income (AMI). The rental complex will focus on family-sized units at the 30-60% AMI level, and will include a community room, resident services, outdoor space, and a culturally-specific daycare. Both portions are subject to the N/NE Preference Policy.
This project is still in the conceptual phase, and details are subject to change.
For more information:
Building Profile
| Project Type | New Construction |
|---|---|
| Location | Eliot |
| Council District | District 2 |
| Regulated Units | 105 |
| PSH Units | 0 |
| Total Units | 105 |
| Status | Pre-Development |
| Bedroom Size | Units |
|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | 10 |
| 2-Bedroom | 80 |
| 3-Bedroom | 15 |
| Affordability | Units |
|---|---|
| 30% AMI | 14 (rental only, homeownership TBD) |
| 40% AMI | - |
| 50% AMI | - |
| 60% AMI | 71 (rental only, homeownership TBD) |
| 80% AMI | - |
| 120% AMI | - |
| Unrestricted | - |
AMI = Area Median Income
Estimated Development Cost
| Total | $67,100,000 |
|---|---|
| Portland Housing Bureau | $12,750,000 |
Development Team
- Williams & Russell CDC, Owner
- Adre, Developer/Sponsor
- Portland Community Reinvestment Initiative (PCRI), Developer/Owner
- Portland Housing Center, Service Partner
- Housing Development Center, Consultant
- LEVER Architecture, Architect
- Colas Construction, General Contractor