The Starlight

The Starlight is a 100-unit deeply affordable, permanent supportive housing project located in Old Town - one of Portland’s oldest neighborhoods with a large percentage of the city’s homeless population. Local non-profit developer, Central City Concern (CCC), acquired the existing property in a state of disrepair. Previously known as the Westwind Apartments, the site sits at a prominent street corner along the public transportation rail line and within close proximity to a variety of community resources. Its location provides the opportunity to demonstrate how affordable housing can and should be an active and vibrant participant in the landscape of a city.

Building design and function were the result of a highly collaborative relationship between CCC and the architectural team driven by a shared vision for a building meaningfully integrated into place. Programming decisions were further informed by local stakeholders and neighborhood associations through a series of outreach meetings. Collectively The Starlight was designed to not only serve the surrounding community, but also create a sense of community within it. The project team's vision was to demonstrate healing as a programmatic organization and architectural expression.

Each level was designed to increase resident and staff well-being through engagement with nature in Starlight’s dense, urban environment. The ground floor is organized around a central, sunken garden. Its glass walls allow natural light and greenery to be seen from many of CCC’s support spaces and meeting rooms surrounding it. Plants and trees will grow up to the second floor, where the garden is overlooked by a common outdoor courtyard filled with other local plantings and trees. A connected community gathering space with a full kitchen and large windows looks out on the terrace providing a tranquil setting for events and community activities. Each additional level features resident common rooms with large windows and external planter boxes that offer interior views of plantings. From the building’s exterior, these areas resemble interlocking hands – representing the interweaving of resources, caring, and support provided within.

The residential floors are comprised of either SROs or Studio units, with fully equipped private bathroom facilities and a kitchenette. Eight units are dedicated to housing individuals who make under 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), twenty-two units are for individuals who make under 30% AMI, and seventy units will provide individuals experiencing chronic homelessness with permanent supportive housing.

Additional resources in the building include culturally specific programming for Native and African Americans, full wraparound services for all residents regardless of race, a residential artist workshop, and a neighborhood-based retail service intended to provide fresh, healthy food options to the neighborhood. CCC has partnered with the Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA) and CCC’s own Imani Center, to provides mental health and addiction treatment for the Black and Native American communities. CCC believes in treating the whole person, as a person, and strives to provide comprehensive solutions to ending homelessness in the city.

Through its supportive programming, connection to the community it serves, and thoughtful integrative design the Starlight provides a model for affordable housing. It is a project that will be valued by its residents, stakeholders, and the City at large for being a project that provides multiple social, economic, and environmental benefits.