May 16, 2006

TriMet selects developer for Interstate MAX site

TriMet today announced that REACH Community Development will lead a team that will plan and execute redevelopment of property in the 5200 block of North Interstate Avenue. This site is currently home to the Crown Motel.

"REACH shares TriMet’s commitment to creating new housing in the Killingsworth MAX station area that will be an asset to the neighborhood and provide housing options for households affected by rising housing prices in North and Northeast Portland. We want all the exciting things happening around light rail to be accessible to everyone in our community," said TriMet General Manager Fred Hansen.

Since 1982, REACH has developed more than 1,000 units of affordable housing. Most recently, REACH completed Station Place Tower in the Pearl District, a 14-story building providing 176 units of mixed-income housing for elderly people.

"We are excited to have this opportunity to be part of the renaissance on Interstate Avenue," said Dee Walsh, REACH Executive Director. "The potential is enormous, so it’s critical to do the first projects well and set a high standard."

The redevelopment site is south of Patton Square Park and the Killingsworth MAX station. The Crown Motel currently occupies half the site. The remainder of the site is vacant. TriMet purchased the site with federal funds designated to stimulate station area development. The funds were made available when the Interstate MAX light rail project was completed under budget and ahead of schedule in May 2004.

SERA Architects and Walsh Construction Company will be part of the team led by REACH. SERA designed 8 NW 8th Ave, a 14-story building on the North Park Blocks completed in 2004. It also designed the Civic Redevelopment project, which is under construction on West Burnside at SW 19th Avenue. Walsh Construction Company completed $220 million in project volume in 2005.

The REACH team was selected based on qualifications, experience and proposed approach to the project. The project program and design-number of units, unit sizes, commercial components, height and style-will be developed in consultation with the surrounding community and in response to available resources.

The team hopes to complete the project by September 2008.