Alongside Apartments Welcome Tigard Seniors to Grand Opening

On Nov. 9, 2023, from 10-11:30 a.m., local representatives such as Congresswoman Andrea Salinas’s spokesperson, Metro Councilor Gerritt Rosenthal, Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington and Tigard Council President Yi-Kang Hu, will celebrate the grand opening of Alongside Senior Apartments. Situated on City of Tigard land next to Tigard Senior Center and Fanno Creek natural area, Alongside is a brand-new housing community that will provide 57 affordable homes to seniors. It dedicates 40% of its units to serving extremely low-income residents, income at 30% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI) with federal project based rental assistance. The remaining 60% will serve very low-income residents, earning less than 60% of AMI, with an additional rent buydown by using a state tax credit. Five units in total will be dedicated to housing and providing supportive services to veterans.

The project, developed by Northwest Housing Alternatives (NHA) and designed by SERA Architects, was constructed by Walsh Construction with a sustainable Earth Advantage Multifamily Certification. Built with a focus on walkability and public transportation, it is located within walking distance of TriMet, Tigard Public Library and Universal Plaza. Alongside also uses universal design principles: units and common spaces meet ADA accessibility standards, a subset of units have auditory and visual accommodations, and additional units can be easily adapted. Financial contributors include Washington County through their allocation of the voter-approved Metro Affordable Housing Bond, City of Tigard, Metro’s Transit-Oriented Development program, Oregon Housing and Community Services, Enterprise Community Partners, and Umpqua Bank.

In anticipation of the grand opening event, Vitoria Rae, an NHA Board Member and resident, shared that “As an older adult, having safe and affordable housing is critical to my overall well-being. Seniors face many challenges as they age, including finding affordable places to live on a fixed income. Alongside Senior Apartments not only takes away the burden of expensive housing for seniors, but also breaks down barriers to isolation that many seniors face through being located next to the Tigard Senior Center, which offers an entire array of community services for elders.”

County Chair Harrington meanwhile stated that, “Everyone deserves a place to call home, especially seniors, who are particularly affected by the regional housing crisis. That is why I am proud to be part of such a diverse collective coming together, in honor of “The Oregon Way”, to build affordable homes like Alongside. With its many amenities and services, we are making housing more affordable, while also building a stronger community that will help our seniors live their golden years gracefully.”

ABOUT NORTHWEST HOUSING ALTERNATIVES: Northwest Housing Alternatives is a leading non-profit developer of affordable housing in Oregon, providing safe, dignified, and affordable homes to approximately 3,000 people in over 2,000 apartment homes across 17 Oregon counties.

ABOUT HOUSING AUTHORITY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY: The Housing Authority of Washington County 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. Its mission is to provide a continuum of affordable housing options that promote community strength.