Historic Landmarks Commission Pushes Back Against Affordable Housing Project

The Daily Journal of Commerce reports that the Historic Landmarks Commission and neighborhood residents are pushing back against a project that would bring 116 workforce housing units and 49 affordable senior housing units to the Alphabet District in Northwest Portland. The Northwest Housing Alternatives project would preserve the 90-year-old Buck-Prager Building on NW 17th Avenue and Hoyt Street, and includes plans for seismic upgrades. Two additional buildings would also be constructed to the north and south of the historic building. Residents testified against the project, citing parking and height concerns, while Matthew Roman of the Historic Landmarks Commission expressed concerns over the compatibility of the two additional buildings. Portland is in its third year of a housing state of emergency, and rents in the Alphabet District are among the highest in the city. Read more.