The Beatrice Morrow is a unique and innovative project that demonstrates a strong commitment to the African-American community. It is the first affordable housing development to open under the City of Portland’s new preference policy, an innovative measure to counteract gentrification. The project is an integral part of Pathway 1000 — PCRI’s initiative to build 1,000 new affordable units in North and Northeast Portland over the next decade.

The former brownfield site received full remediation prior to construction and now brings a renewed sense of community and vibrancy to the neighborhood. This 80-unit multi-family apartment building along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard offers spacious studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments with priority given to historic residents of North and Northeast Portland who have experienced displacement as a result of urban renewal. These affordable units rent to households earning at or below 60% of the Area Median Income. The five-story development includes 2,500 square feet of amenities, with 112 bike parking spaces, ground floor commercial space, and a large community room for residents that doubles as event space. The central courtyard provides a play area for children.

The building is named after the civil rights advocate, Beatrice Morrow, who was active in Oregon during the first half of the 20th century. The art throughout the building (by local African-American artists) honors her legacy. Gerding Edlen served as developer, and costs were covered with funding from a mix of public and private sources. The project team (including architect, interior designer, and general contractor) was largely made up of minority-owned and emerging small businesses to further the project’s commitment to equity and diversity.