The Joice A. Taylor Building, located at 30 NE Fremont, was developed to provide dignified affordable housing opportunities for eligible residents, particularly members of Portland’s underserved Black community, while strengthening the surrounding neighborhood through high-quality infill development. The 22-unit building was created to support historically underserved residents, with a particular focus on advancing equitable access to housing for Black Portlanders.

The property is owned jointly by Owen Gabbert, LLC (OGLLC) and the Urban League of Portland. The Urban League manages the property, prioritizing long-term housing opportunities for members of the Black community through resident services, outreach, and tenant support. The success of this development was also made possible through a collaborative partnership with Shortstack Housing, a local women-led development team, and WORKS Architecture. Together, the partnership created a replicable, stackable “kit of parts” building design that reduces design and construction timelines and, over time, lowers overall project costs. The approach integrates efficiently with mass timber systems, including the cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels used in the horizontal structural components.

By utilizing CLT, the team implemented an efficient construction strategy that maximized buildability within the tight site. Construction was carried out in two phases due to the extremely limited urban footprint, requiring precise sequencing and coordination. Throughout the process, the team emphasized demonstrating that affordability and design excellence can coexist.

The Joice A. Taylor Building consists of 15 studio apartments, four two-bedroom units, and three three-bedroom units. It was named in honor of Joice A. Taylor, whose leadership and advocacy in Portland’s Albina community made a lasting impact. Youth mentorship, civil rights advocacy, community strengthening, and business leadership were championed by Taylor throughout her life. She served as CEO of Global Management Strategies, President of the North/Northeast Business Association, and Community Service Director for the Albina Community Development Corporation.

Her legacy continues through every resident served, every family housed, and every voice strengthened within these walls. In partnership with the Urban League of Portland, her vision is extended—resulting in not just homes, but hope.

Developer: Owen Gabbert, LLC
Owner: Urban League of Portland
General Contractor: Owen Gabbert, LLC with Cutwater Design & Build Solutions LLC
Architect: WORKS Architecture
Landscape Architect:Studio Wild Landscape Architecture
Structural Engineer: DCI Engineers
Civil Engineer:Vega Civil Engineering, LLC
Electrical Engineer: HK Electrical Engineers
Mechanical Engineer: MFIA Inc. Consulting Engineers
CLT Supplier: Kalesnikoff
CLT Installer: Blas BuildPro
Photographer: Alex Pryce & Joshua James Huff

2026 Oregon Daily Journal of Commerce Top Project