It is rare to get an opportunity that
positively impacts peoples’ lives and the environment, yet still makes good
business sense. That is exactly the outcome of Guardian’s newest affordable
housing development: Kah San Chako Haws, located in SE Portland’s Lents
Neighborhood.
Guardian Real Estate Services partnered with
the Native American Youth Association (NAYA) and the City of Portland to build the first
modularly constructed, multifamily, affordable housing project in the Pacific
Northwest. The goals were simple:
·
Decrease Cost: Lower per-unit
cost for affordable housing
·
Decrease Time: Deliver
affordable housing faster
·
Increase Quality: Improve
quality of affordable housing construction
·
Increase Unit Design: Make
inspiring, durable spaces that are replicable
·
Increase Sustainability:
Increase energy efficiency in affordable housing
In the
Chinook language, Kah San Chako Haws means "East House". The
nine-unit, three-story project consists of fifteen pre-manufactured modules
assembled on the site with a large crane. The modules were initially
constructed off-site at Blazer Industries in Aumsville, Oregon and trucked to
the site, where they were assembled in three days. The modules are fully
constructed units, with structural framing, complete plumbing, electrical and
HVAC systems, and full finishes including drywall, carpets, counters, cabinets,
and appliances. The project has achieved a LEED Gold rating by the U.S. GreenBuilding Council. Watch video from
KGW.com
Kah San Chako Haws welcomed its first residents
in early April 2013. The response from the residents was overwhelming.
"Vanije
has stage 4 cancer, her husband Chuck is blind, and their 17 year old
granddaughter Juanita lives with them. They haven't had a home for 8 years.
This is why what we do is so wonderful,” said Stewart Edmonds, project
architect, in reference to one of the community’s newest residents.
Exciting things happen when the right people
get together. This development and the
partnership between Guardian, NAYA and the City of Portland has received
national attention and will be a catalyst for changing the way people perceive and
develop affordable housing.
Congratulations to the development team, NAYA
and the City of Portland for this outstanding achievement!
Related articles:
No comments:
Post a Comment