Plambeck Gardens Affordable Housing to Break Ground in Tualatin

Plambeck Gardens will break ground tomorrow in Tualatin on a 4.66-acre lot, contributing 116 much-needed affordable housing units near the Basalt Creek natural area. The project, developed by Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH) with funds from Washington County’s allocation of the 2018 voter-approved Metro Affordable Housing Bond, will be celebrated with local leaders over light refreshments. Some of the speakers include Tualatin Mayor Frank Bubenik, Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington, Metro Councilor Gerritt Rosenthal, CPAH Executive Director Rachael Duke, and Carol Plambeck, Doug’s wife of 42 years.

Designed by Carleton Hart and under construction by LMC, the property allows for flexibility in space usage, incorporating trauma-informed and universal design concepts for residents to thrive. Features include spaces for education and family gatherings, and landscaping such as community gardens to bring residents together to connect with each other and nature. “CPAH doesn’t only renovate and build affordable housing; its special blend of thoughtful design and continuing services for residents sets it apart. Plambeck Gardens will be a blessing for some of Tualatin’s families and seniors who need a little help navigating today’s challenges,” shared Plambeck.

Of the 116 units, 47 are open to residents at 30% of Area Median Income (AMI) or below of which eight have project-based vouchers, and 69 to residents at 40-60% AMI or below. More than half of the units are two-bedroom or larger to offer options to Tualatin families. “Bringing affordable housing to Tualatin has been a goal for CPAH since its formation,” said Director Duke “We are so excited to be breaking ground and to know that we will soon have 116 affordable homes available for Tualatin residents. It is such an honor to name this building after Doug Plambeck, a founding board member, powerful advocate, and dedicated volunteer.”

The Housing Authority of Washington County and CPAH have worked with community organizations to understand housing needs in the area through a robust community engagement process. Based on this public input, larger family units and support for enterprise, employment, educational and health opportunities are prioritized. Partnerships with Community Action and Centro Cultural will ensure residents have access to supportive services, career coaching and business development as well. Other partners include Cascade AIDS Project, Lifeworks NW, Native American Rehabilitation Association, Neighborhood Health Center, and Unite Oregon.

“We must build a better future for our community by empowering our fellow neighbors, and that is what Plambeck Gardens embodies. It represents the only way we can progress, through collaboration, the key to a healthy and successful society. We are all in this together, the better our neighbors do, the better we do, the better off the whole community. This, is The Oregon Way,” stated County Chair Harrington.

ABOUT COMMUNITY PARTNERS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING: A non-profit community housing development organization who develops housing, provides resident services, and with the passage of the Supportive Housing Services measure, provides case management and rapid rehousing services. CPAH has 11 properties providing 526 homes to people with low incomes, with 277 more that will be completed over the next four years.

ABOUT HOUSING AUTHORITY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY: The HAWC has been providing and developing affordable housing opportunities for over 50 years. Today, the effort continues with the county’s Department of Housing Services, formed in 1992 to administer both its housing activities and programs and that of Washington County. The HAWC is a separate legal entity and contracts with the county to implement programs and services. Its mission is to provide a continuum of affordable housing options that promote community strength.