Nesika Illahee

CLIENT:

Community Development Partners

CERTIFICATION:

Earth Advantage Platinum

Nesika Illahe, a name that means “Our Place” in Chinook, incorporates on-site services available to residents. Private “Wellness Rooms” are available for counseling sessions as part of NARA’s rehabilitation programs. Other amenities include a community garden, community room with kitchen, and exterior plaza. Art plays an important role in this project, from the exterior mural and basalt carvings to the lobby’s mural and works by Native American artists scattered throughout the building. Motifs of salmon gills, sturgeon back, and friendship band can be seen throughout the project, in singage and detailing.

Nesika Illahee helps mitigate a rapidly increasing need for affordable housing within Portland’s Urban Growth Boundary. Through a partnership between Community Development Partners (CDP), Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest (NARA), and Siletz Tribes the project prioritizes the needs of the Native American community with 20 of its 59 units reserved for members of federally-recognized tribes. This project marks the first time Tribal housing block funds have been used for off-reservation housing.

Other innovations include panelized walls, which reduce construction time and reduce construction waste because they are built in a controlled environment so there is less excess material. Additionally, the building anticipates for residents’ future needs with wall construction that allows for connecting doors between units to be easily added should extended family want to move in or expand a studio unit.