ORCHARDS OF 82nd

Orchards of 82nd is a 48-unit affordable housing development led by non-profit ROSE CDC. Multiple neighborhood visioning sessions community partners and city leaders contributed to a design centered around safe and accessible community spaces.

Because this project is located on one of Portland’s busiest intersections, the main building entry is held back from the street edge, creating a public plaza ideal for Jade District and APANO (Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon) events. A rear courtyard contains an all-ages playground that is protected by the building. APANO office space and a community room anchor both ends of the ground floor.

A golden bar resting above the ground floor contains 48 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments focused on young families. Large picture windows are placed in the living rooms to provide daylight and views of the region’s mountains. While bedroom windows are smaller, providing privacy from outside traffic. The landmark color of the golden facade glows against Portland’s cloudy skies.

This project was completed as part of Molly Culbertson’s work at SERA Architects.