The Canopy Apartments AT POWELL
Creating a safe, pocket neighborhood along SE Powell Blvd, The Canopy Apartments are designed for families to engage in community and experience a sense of home. Centrally located, this transit-oriented development provides 169 new units of affordable housing that are accessible to both Portland and Gresham. The Canopy is the first large-scale apartment building in the area, demonstrating the potential for the neighborhood to redevelop empty lots to support people as the need for stable, affordable housing continues to rise.
PROJECT CONTACT
LOCATION
Portland, OR
OWNER
Northwest Housing Alternatives
DEVELOPER
USA Properties
CONTRACTOR
Walsh Construction
SIZE
181,493 SF
COMPLETED
2023
SUSTAINABLE ELEMENTS
Earth Advantage Platinum
PHOTOGRAPHER
Carlos Rafael
DESIGNING AN ENGAGING SITE
The Canopy Apartments at Powell are made up of two buildings strategically placed to optimize community interactions and offer safe outdoor spaces. Each building surrounds a distinct courtyard, creating a unique identity for both spaces. The courtyards are thoughtfully designed with ample seating, barbecue areas, and landscaped surroundings that foster gathering and relaxation among residents.
A raised pedestrian platform connects the two buildings, promoting a car-free central area that enhances safety and encourages interaction. The west-facing courtyard, flanked by a community room and leasing offices, offers a bright, communal hub for residents. A covered arcade spans the courtyard, guiding residents from parking to shared spaces and naturally encouraging social interaction.
The west-facing courtyard takes advantage of the afternoon sun, ideal for kids to play.
The building wraps the north-facing courtyard to protect it from street noise and visibility. Lush plantings surround seating and picnic areas, and raised beds allow residents to garden, creating ample green space.
FOSTERING INCLUSIVITY AND CONNECTION
The Canopy Apartments are inclusive and encourage community. The community room boasts a large kitchen, a comfortable seating area, and computers for resident use. Adjacent to the community room, a food pantry is available to residents, reflecting this project’s value in supporting families in need.
A variety of apartment sizes ensures that families can grow within the community without the need to relocate, further promoting stability. Shared outdoor spaces, including a dog run and children’s play areas, invite residents to interact daily. The vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment, combined with the easy access to public transportation, makes The Canopy Apartments a model of a human-scaled, walkable community.
BUILDING FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE
Certified Earth Advantage Platinum, designers prioritized health and wellness for both residents and the environment. Solar panels cover the roofline at The Canopy Apartments, powering the common areas and reducing utility costs for residents. Additionally, solar energy can sustain common spaces during power outages, ensuring that residents have a safe place to gather in emergencies. With these features, The Canopy Apartments not only provide an affordable living solution but also enhance resilience to future environmental challenges.
Stormwater management was also carefully planned, infiltrated on-site with drywells for the buildings and planters to handle rainfall in the parking areas, alleviating strain on Portland’s crowded infrastructure systems.
