The Nick Fish

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A joint development effort among Our Just Future (formerly Human Solutions), Edlen & Company, and Prosper Portland, The Nick Fish aims to capitalize on the potential of Portland’s Gateway Urban Renewal Area with a new standard for quality affordable housing. Its mixed-use program combines one bedroom, two bedroom, and studio apartments with office space for Our Just Future, ground floor retail, tenant amenities, and parking to create a vibrant community adjacent to the new Gateway Discovery Park. To support equity in the community, the 52 affordable and 23 market rate units are interspersed and designed to the same level of finish.

Refined in collaboration with the community, the design separates residential and commercial space into two distinct volumes offset from a one-story podium. The taller six-story mass along the park houses the 75 apartment units. A two-story office and retail volume lines Halsey Street. The positioning of the taller volume along the park minimizes visible bulk, fits better into its currently low-rise context, and enhances park security.

A pattern of silver metal panels and shimmering dark brick acts as a visual marker to the Gateway district and simulates movement across the southern, park-facing façade. The rain screen system’s color palette presents a neutral backdrop for the changing colors of the new park’s vegetation.

The Nick Fish

A distinct, bold silver panel treatment at the plaza and west end create a sense of arrival; mostly brick façade with wood accents creates a warm, pedestrian-friendly experience along Halsey.

The Nick Fish

From Halsey Street, a separate lobby with connecting stair leads to the Our Just Future offices. Exposed heavy timber beams span a mix of open office and glass-fronted interior private offices for 50 employees working to support Oregon’s homeless and low-income families.

The Nick Fish

For the residential tenants, a ground floor lounge with kitchenette provides space for formal and informal gatherings, including Our Just Future-sponsored classes.

The Nick Fish

Certified LEED Multifamily Midrise Gold, The Nick Fish was designed with energy efficiency as a priority. A high efficiency mechanical system delivers fresh air to each unit. Other features include an airtight building envelope, an extensive green roof, low-VOC finishes, and LED lighting. A City of Portland “% for Green” grant will supply green street improvements along Halsey.

Clients

Our Just Future
Edlen & Co.
Prosper Portland

Location

Portland, OR

Completion

2021

Size

86,400 sq. ft.
75 units

Certification

LEED Multifamily Midrise Gold

Awards

2023 AIA Oregon Merit Award

2022 AIA Northwest and Pacific Region Merit Award

2022 Daily Journal of Commerce Top Projects, 3rd Place, Affordable and Supportive Housing Category