From the Housing Authority of Washington County, OR's press release:
On Nov. 9, 2023, from 10-11:30 a.m., local representatives such as Congresswoman Andrea Salinas’s spokesperson, Metro Councilor Gerritt Rosenthal, Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington and Tigard Council President Yi-Kang Hu, will celebrate the grand opening of Alongside Senior Apartments. Situated on City of Tigard land next to Tigard Senior Center and Fanno Creek natural area, Alongside is a state-of-the-art housing community that will provide 57 affordable homes to seniors. It dedicates 40% of its units to serving extremely low-income residents, income at 30% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI) with federal project based rental assistance. The remaining 60% will serve very low-income residents, earning less than 60% of AMI, with an additional rent buydown by using a state tax credit.
The project, developed by Northwest Housing Alternatives (NHA) and designed by SERA Architects, was constructed by Walsh Construction with a sustainable Earth Advantage Multifamily Certification. Built with a focus on walkability and public transportation, it is located within walking distance of TriMet, Tigard Public Library and Universal Plaza. The development includes amenities such as fully equipped kitchens, walk-in closets, air conditioning, and community features like outdoor spaces, meeting rooms and laundry facilities. Financial contributors include Washington County through their allocation of the voter-approved Metro Affordable Housing Bond, City of Tigard, Metro’s Transit-Oriented Development program, Oregon Housing and Community Services, Enterprise Community Partners, and Umpqua Bank.
In anticipation of the grand opening event, Vitoria Rae, an NHA Board Member and resident, shared that “As an older adult, having safe and affordable housing is critical to my overall well-being. Seniors face many challenges as they age, including finding affordable places to live on a fixed income. Alongside Senior Apartments not only takes away the burden of expensive housing for seniors, but also breaks down barriers to isolation that many seniors face through being located next to the Tigard Senior Center, which offers an entire array of community services for elders."
County Chair Harrington meanwhile stated that, “Everyone deserves a place to call home, especially seniors, who are particularly affected by the regional housing crisis. That is why I am proud to be part of such a diverse collective coming together, in honor of “The Oregon Way”, to build affordable homes like Alongside. With its many amenities and services, we are making housing more affordable, while also building a stronger community that will help our seniors live their golden years gracefully.”