The Strong Family Apartments
Located at the prominent intersection of North Alberta Street and North Williams Avenue, The Strong Family Apartments will embody a visual and historical significance for long-time North and Northeast Portland residents.
Project Details
Location
Portland, OR
Client
Community Development Partners
Year Completed
Anticipated 2026
Project Size
82,000 sq. ft.
75 units
Certification
Targeting Earth Advantage Multifamily Platinum
Sustainability
The project is targeting Earth Advantage Multifamily Platinum Certification. To reduce energy and create a healthy and resilient building for residents, the project will include bike parking and storage on site, a reflective surfaced roof to reduce the heat-island effect, a tight building envelope including double-pane insulated windows, and more.
Land Recognition
We have a responsibility to not only acknowledge but also elevate Native communities and their needs. This project sits in the area currently known as Portland, which encompasses the traditional village sites of the Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin Kalapuya, Molalla, and many other tribes who made their homes along the Columbia River.
Educating ourselves is an important action. We encourage you to explore the stories of these communities through Native-led resources like David G. Lewis, PhD’s The Quartux Journal and Leading with Tradition.
Honoring the History of North Portland
The Strong Family Apartments aim to foster a vibrant new community with culturally tailored housing and services in the historically Black neighborhoods of N/NE Portland. A partnership between Community Development Partners (CDP) and Self Enhancement Inc. (SEI), the Alberta Alive initiative is a vision to provide accessible housing to low-income African American families in the area. As part of the initiative, The Strong Family Apartments will provide 75 units of affordable housing that will adhere to the City of Portland’s Preference policy, which prioritizes housing for families that have been displaced due to gentrification.
Family-Friendly Design & Amenities
The project will feature family-friendly amenities, including a large outdoor courtyard, private playground, laundry, and an indoor community room to foster community among residents. Designed to be versatile and support connection, the amenities provide indoor and outdoor spaces for residents to gather for community events, informal get-togethers, and recreation. The lobby serves as a connector, leading residents to the private courtyard and community rooms. It also acts an informal overflow space for guests, with multiple touchdown spaces for families to gather and an interactive peg wall for all ages to enjoy. The interior community spaces were designed with Candace Ullal Design, a certified women and minority-owned business based in Portland, Oregon that creates detail-rich interiors.
Access to Nature
The building is wrapped around a central courtyard with gathering places and a nature play area for residents.
Community Connections
The Strong Family Apartments is in a highly walkable community, with public transportation, bike routes, and other community resources nearby. On-site services will also be offered. SEI will support residents and do outreach, with an emphasis on supporting African American families earning 30% AMI or below.
