Mississippi HEIGHTS

DESIGN

The design is organized around a parti of two interlocking masses that float above a recessed pedestal. Together, the massing and shifting roofline create a clear transition between the urban scale of Mississippi and the quieter residential character of the Albina neighborhood, where even the street pattern and road names begin to shift. This transition is reinforced by a change in roof form, from a south-facing sloped shed roof suited for solar panels, to a flat roof that accommodates required mechanical equipment. At the ground floor, the entry is carved into the building mass at the point of transition. Warm toned materials and the setback of the pedestal further define and emphasize the entry at the base.

Material choices further articulate the building’s identity. The warmer, setback ground floor and entry create an inviting pedestrian experience, while box rib and flat metal panels above add texture and variation across the façade. The interplay of two blue tones strengthens the reading of the massing, while carefully proportioned window compositions lend the project a crisp, distinctly residential character. A disciplined window rhythm brings order and clarity to the façade, maximizing daylight and outward connectivity while activating the street corner and creating a welcoming community anchor. The composition remains simple and formal to suit the building’s scale, while subtle material shifts at the window openings introduce depth, texture, and visual interest.

STRATEGY

Policy

Housing capacity remained a primary driver throughout the process. Our team worked with SEI to use newly adopted provisions under Oregon State Senate Bill 1537 to maximize the unit count on the constrained site by strategically selecting key adjustments. As one of Portland’s first housing projects developed under the updated legislation, the project reflects a practical commitment to creating more homes while supporting long-term neighborhood stability.

Trauma-Informed Design

The interiors are designed through a trauma-informed lens to support residents’ dignity, stability, and overall well-being. A warm, nature-inspired materials palette creates spaces that feel welcoming and comfortable while still allowing for playful moments. Organization of the program and adjacencies considers safety and security by utilizing visual connections or privacy, and durable finishes allow for ease of maintenance and longevity. Shared community areas help to foster education and learning, cultural placemaking, and human investment by creating opportunities for connection, reflection, and community building. All of these elements and strategies come together to shape interiors that are calming, engaging, and responsive to the people who will call this home.

Sustainability

The project is targeting NGBS Gold certification and incorporates several strategies to support long-term sustainability and resilience. Solar is provided, and the community room is designed to serve as a resilience hub, offering backup power for a minimum of two days for lights and plug loads for the entire community room, offices, lounges, and laundry rooms, as well as the fire panel, server, ADA actuator, and access control. The building also includes space and infrastructure for future electric heat pump water heaters, allowing it to transition to a fully electric system over time. In addition, every unit is equipped with an ERV to support indoor air quality and energy efficiency.