In an effort to address the housing crisis in Oregon, the city of North Bend is taking a significant step forward with the help of Salazar Architect Inc. The Portland-based firm has awarded North Bend with its "Catalyst Design Grant," an in-kind offering that provides up to $15,000 in professional design services. This grant aims to support the early planning stages of a workforce housing project situated in the downtown area of North Bend, using the firm's expertise in Community, Wellbeing, and Sustainable Design.
North Bend, along with many towns in Oregon, is grappling with a severe lack of affordable housing options for its essential workforce, like teachers and healthcare professionals, who are often faced with long commutes or exorbitant rental prices. The city plans to redevelop the site of the former Coos County Courthouse Annex into a housing complex, targeting the creation of over 70 units for local workers. The proposed development also includes plans for ground-floor spaces that would serve the wider community.
As part of the initial stages, the team from Salazar Architect has already visited the proposed sites for the project, collaborating with North Bend's city officials from various departments, including Administration, Public Works, and Economic Development/Urban Renewal. A design charrette is scheduled for February 10 in Portland, where preliminary concepts and guidelines for the project will be developed, focusing on layout, massing, program, and sustainability aspects.
Funding for this housing initiative includes a $4 million grant from federal sources, with endorsements from Sen. Ron Wyden, Sen. Jeff Merkley, and Rep. Val Hoyle. An additional $100,000 comes from the Business Oregon Housing Infrastructure Support Fund, intended for preparatory engineering work, and also for environmental and historic preservation studies, along with infrastructure planning. The inclusion of the housing project as a priority in the Urban Renewal Agency's amended plan further underscores its importance, especially after passing through the necessary public process.
Further developments and progress reports on this housing project are anticipated following the charrette and subsequent planning phases. Updates will be made available by the city as they occur, and interested parties can stay informed through the City North Bend’s official website.
