New complex designed for low income and intergenerational families
LONDON: A new community designed for low income and intergenerational families is now being planned.
A $53.6 million twin four-story affordable housing development has officially broken ground in the Metzger area near Washington Square Mall.
The planned project is the 144-unit Terrace Glen Apartments, a complex that will offer affordable housing with an “intergenerational” design catering to low- and very low-income families and seniors.
Related Northwest is developing the apartments in a public-private partnership with the Washington County Housing Authority.
Terrace Glen is located on a 2.88-acre parcel off of Southwest Greenburg Road, on land formerly occupied by Gethsemane Lutheran Church and a single-family rental.
“The development will be comprised of two four-story buildings formed around an inner courtyard with a communal area with playground and barbecue area,” said the Washington County Housing Services Department in a news release describing the apartments. “The buildings will consist of studio, one, two, three and four-bedroom units. Rents will range from $483-$1,408 per month.”
The complex will include on-site services provided by the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization. In addition, EngAGE, a local nonprofit that provides arts, wellness and learning programs, will provide arts education to that multi-generational population. HomePlate Youth Services, which provides homeless services for youth between ages 18 and 24 years old, will be accessible as well.
“The development is an integral piece of the neighborhood revitalization effort spearheaded by the Washington County Housing Authority,” the news release stated. “This public-private partnership is the largest of four Metro-bond funded developments to break ground in Washington County.”
This is Related Northwest’s first Metro bond-related endeavor in the county.
The Metro affordable housing bond, passed by voters in 2018, is providing 32.6% of funding for the Terrace Glen Apartments, county housing officials say. Construction is expected to be completed by June 2023.
“The city is thrilled to have a new affordable housing development located in the Washington Square Regional Center, which is well served by proximity to stores, services, and transit,” said Kenny Asher, Tigard’s community development director. “Terrace Glen will help our city achieve our goal to expand access to housing for everyone. Renters in the regional center are under pressure from rising housing costs, and new housing that offers a chance for residents to stay in place is very welcome.”
Interviews conducted on behalf of the Tigard city government with residents living in the Metzger and Washington Square areas found that residents generally like living in their community, but they want more affordable or family housing options, according to the Washington Square Regional Center plan.
Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington said that Terrace Glen will “alleviate the burden of housing instability and increasing rent costs for our community members,”
“Terrace Glen is going to make a big difference in the lives of 144 families,” she said. “That’s the goal we keep striving for, knowing families are going to have greater financial security and stability living in safe, clean, and affordable housing.”
Ann Silverbert, Related Northwest’s chief executive officer, said her company is proud to be able to “bring such an integral development to the community of Tigard,” noting there is a lack of affordable housing in the area.
“This development is symbolic of what can be achieved when all stakeholders work toward a common goal of bringing affordable housing to Tigard, a city that has significant housing needs,” stated Stef Kondor, vice president of development at Related Northwest.
The Metro affordable housing bond that passed in 2018 will include 15 projects in Washington County.
Of those, two have been completed, three are under construction and 10 are in the pipeline. When completed, the county will boast 1,472 total units.
Other Washington County projects funded by that Metro bond include the Viewfinder in Tigard, which began leasing 81 units in December 2021.
Hillsboro has one project and Beaverton has three in the pipeline, according to the Washington County Housing Authority.
