Why we care about affordable Mixed Use Housing

Marla Manor Affordable Apartments (Client: Rose CDC)

Have you ever lived in a city where you couldn’t imagine a day when you could afford permanent housing, whether renting or owning a home? Are Portland and Seattle becoming that city?

As architects and designers, at Propel Studio we understand the cost and economics of development, while at the same time we realize Portland and Seattle are facing a housing shortage and an affordability crisis. Affordable mixed use housing is a vital aspect of the livability and vibrancy of our communities. This is why we’re committed to a triple bottom line approach to our business and to partnering with organizations that share a similar commitment.

We believe that balancing social, environmental, and economic impacts are important to the sustainability of both our practice, the projects we work on, the communities we work with, and our city. This begins with mixed use housing, but spreads to all project types.

Diaspora Cafe - a cornerstone retail space as part of the affordable mixed use Blackburn Center building (Client: Central City Concern - Status: under construction)

Since we’re passionate about building community, whether that means partnering with developers and organizations to design multifamily or commercial mixed use apartments to provide much-needed housing, we’re all in.

A strong, diverse stock of affordable mixed use housing is important to the quality of life in all Portland and Seattle neighborhoods. We strive to work with people, organizations, developers, and communities to design housing that addresses affordability, equity, diversity and creates thriving neighborhoods and wonderful places to call home.

It’s not surprising that our market has plenty of one bedroom and studio apartment options that are priced for young professionals and upper-income couples. If you’re a single person or a young couple there’s probably an option that fits exactly what you need. However, we are missing diversity in the housing options being built, and we aren't providing housing diversity in all neighborhoods throughout Portland and Seattle.

Unicorn Bake Shop - a vibrant retail space as part of the affordable mixed use Jolene’s First Cousin building (Developer: Guerrilla Development)

We’re excited to join the discussion and partner on mixed use projects and want to build lasting relationships with affordable mixed use housing developers, Community Development organizations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies, to design impactful projects that address our housing needs with beautiful and sustainable architecture.

1320 E. Pine Apartments - Propel Studio was the architect for this new mixed use apartment building in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. (status: under permitting)

If your mission includes fostering community and improving the quality of life for all our neighbors in Portland and Seattle, we’d like to talk. Let’s get to know each other and figure out how we can work together on something large or small. We are looking to build lasting relationships and are passionate, energetic and ready to make a positive impact on your next project! Affordable mixed use housing is important to us because it’s important to our community and our neighbors.

For more details on Propel’s role as a mixed-use / affordable apartment architect on other multifamily work, please visit this page.