About Us
Williams & Russell CDC was created to honor the legacy of Portland’s historic Albina community and to build a thriving future on land that holds deep meaning. For decades, this 1.7-acre site sat vacant. Today, it is being transformed into a place where families can live, businesses can grow, and community can flourish.
Located in the heart of Albina’s Boise-Eliot neighborhood, Williams & Russell CDC is committed to creating opportunities that reflect community vision and leadership. Together, we are shaping a development that balances honoring the past with building a vibrant future.
About Us
Williams & Russell CDC was created to honor the legacy of Portland’s historic Albina community and to build a thriving future on land that holds deep meaning. For decades, this 1.7-acre site sat vacant. Today, it is being transformed into a place where families can live, businesses can grow, and community can flourish.
Located in the heart of Albina’s Boise-Eliot neighborhood, Williams & Russell CDC is committed to creating opportunities that reflect community vision and leadership. Together, we are shaping a development that balances honoring the past with building a vibrant future.
Our Mission
Williams & Russell CDC brings back land, power, and community control to Portland's historically Black neighborhood. We're repairing decades of harm through development that puts community leadership, community wealth, and healing first.
Our Vision
Our Three-Year One Destination Vision — where “We have a beautiful, vibrant, “fully occupied” business hub, apartments, and townhomes. Our location is a cornerstone of the community, with businesses and community partners enlivening and inspiring the neighborhood. Lastly, we have developed a model for restorative development that is inspiring other organizations around the country to adopt our framework.”
What We’re Building:
20 townhomes
(2BR & 3BR) for families earning decent wages who want to own their home
26000 sq ft business building
made from sustainable wood where community entrepreneurs can start companies
85 apartments
(1–3 bedrooms) for families who need affordable rent
100% reserved for families
who qualify for Portland's Preference Policy
Every step of the process is guided by community voices, from design to construction, ensuring the project reflects the people it serves.
Our Values - What Drives Us
Partners & Consultants
Why Williams & Russell CDC?
Williams & Russell CDC exists to ensure this site becomes a place of opportunity, belonging, and growth for the community.
Led by Community: Our board includes leaders with deep ties to Albina and a shared commitment to building a thriving future.
National Recognition: In 2024, we received two global awards for excellence in community-focused development.
Strong Partnerships: We collaborate with Adre, Prosper Portland, 1803 Fund, and many other partners to create a development that stands as a model for Portland and beyond.
This is more than a project—it’s a movement to create housing, economic opportunity, and a stronger neighborhood for all.
Funding Partners
Your Questions Answered
Housing Questions
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You have to qualify for Portland's Preference Policy, which prioritizes people displaced—or whose families were displaced—from North and Northeast Portland because of urban renewal.
Business Questions
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Email us at contact@williamsrussellcdc.org to learn about opportunities and next steps.
Community Questions
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Since 2017: Monthly meetings for 5 years, over 600 survey responses, public events, and design input sessions. Community members helped decide everything before construction started.
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The city ran a fair process that prioritized minority- and women-owned businesses. We picked developers based on skills and shared values.
Development and Design Partners
Architect
Lighting Designer
Structural Engineer
Affordable Apartments Partner
Homeownership Partner
Civil Engineer
Landscape Architect of Record
Contractor
Structural Engineer
Solar Contractor
MEP Engineer
Lead Landscape Architect
Environmental Engineer
Envelope Consultant
Acoustic Engineer
Accessibility Consultant
Developer
Consultant
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February 2025: Groundbreaking celebration!
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Now: Construction happening
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September 2026: Homes ready
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Early 2028: Business building opens
Stay Connected
Connect with the progress, join the community, shape the future.
Get updates on construction, community news, and ways to get involved in this historic project.