PORTLAND, OR – August 19, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Families living in the Jeanne Anne apartments, located at 178th and Burnside in the Rockwood area of Gresham, will soon have the Housing Authority of Portland as a landlord. The agency recently purchased the 46-unit property from a private ownership group and plans to add the units to its public housing portfolio.
“The Jeanne Anne serves working households with larger family-size units,” said Steve Rudman, HAP’s executive director. “We’re able to achieve several important objectives with this purchase, including replacing scattered site units sold under our Public Housing Preservation Initiative. The conversion to public housing is good news for the property’s tenants, many of whom pay more for rent than they can afford. Once our operating subsidies are in place, we can make it more affordable to families living there.”
HAP’s Public Housing Preservation Initiative seeks a one-to-one replacement of public housing units lost through the sale of scattered site units, especially bedroom size units suitable for larger households. HAP also was looking to add public housing units in the Gresham area to better serve families living in East County. The project’s $4.5 million price tag includes the purchase price and renovation costs.
“The City of Gresham was supportive of the acquisition and our ability to better deliver services to families in this community,” continued Rudman. “We’re optimistic that our presence and the improvements we plan to make will have a positive influence on the surrounding neighborhood.”
Built in the late 1970s, the Jeanne Anne is in fairly good physical condition with a convenient location right on the light rail line. Its 46 units are located in six buildings surrounding two courtyards. Of these, 23 units feature three bedrooms and 20 are two bedroom units. An extensive rolling rehab will include interior renovations, ADA modifications to three units, exterior improvements and the addition of enhanced security features. One unit will be converted into a community space including offices for management and resident services activities, as well as space for resident meetings and events. An existing outdoor pool will be replaced with a playground and picnic tables for children and families. Under the rolling rehab strategy, no tenants will be displaced off-property during construction. The conversion to public housing is expected to take up to one year.
About Housing Authority of Portland
The Housing Authority of Portland is a public corporation serving all of Multnomah County. HAP provides housing and housing-related services to those who face barriers due to income, disability or special need. HAP’s housing and rent assistance programs serve 15,000 households throughout the county. A nine-member citizen commission with members recommended by the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and the City of Gresham and appointed by the Mayor of Portland governs HAP.
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