The Williams & Russell reparative development will breathe new life into the 1.7-acre site at North Russell Street and North Williams Avenue, which has remained vacant for over 50 years. This impactful project, supported in part by Portland Housing Bureau and Portland Housing Center, will provide 85 affordable one- to three-bedroom units, including a cultural-specific daycare on the first floor, 20 townhomes for ownership, and a 30,000-square-foot Business Hub to support entrepreneurs, workforce development and community organizations. 

The site is currently undergoing remediation to prepare the land for construction of 85 affordable one- to three-bedroom apartment units, 20 townhomes, and a 30,000-square-foot business hub and garden. This development will help restore the vibrant Black community that once thrived at the intersection of North Russell Street and North Williams Avenue, on a lot that was vacated over 50 years ago due to urban renewal and discriminatory redlining practices that disrupted the community. This project is supported by professional and community-focused construction and development organizations such as Colas Construction and Adre.

Remediation is a process designed to prepare the land for Williams & Russell's development of 85 affordable one- to three-bedroom housing units, 20 townhomes, and a 30,000-square-foot business hub and garden. This process will ensure the long-term sustainability, safety, and well-being of anyone who chooses to live or interact with this 1.7-acre site.

This site holds historical significance for the Black community, as it was once a vibrant economic hub before being vacated more than 50 years ago due to urban renewal and discriminatory redlining practices. The Williams & Russell development aims to restore this connection, providing a place for the community to return and thrive again. The project not only addresses the legacy of displacement but also creates spaces for economic growth, cultural preservation, and generational wealth-building for local residents and returning families

Williams & Russell plans to first focus on building the townhomes in the fall of 2025. The project, including all three structures, plans to be fully completed by early 2028. 

All home purchases in this project are through the City of Portland's N/NE Preference Policy program for homeownership. To learn more about the Preference Policy process through the Portland Housing Bureau, please visit the City’s website here.