Church vision drives affordable housing project in Sullivan’s Gulch – Hollywood Star News

By Phill Colomboofni.1602993279swen-1602993279rats@1602993279obmol1602993279oclli1602993279hp1602993279

Grace Memorial Episcopal Church Rector Martin Elferts vision for a parking lot west of church buildings at 1535 N.E. 17th Ave. in Sullivans Gulch had to answer the question: How can we be the best possible stewards of our resources to mutually benefit our church and our community?

On the job for five years now, Elfert said his vision was at first modest and simple but has since blossomed into the idea not without some risk of developing a space that will serve the poor, the developmentally disabled and the arts with equal dignity.

Engaging a coalition of long-time collaborators like Grace Art Camps and PHAME PDX, Elfert enlisted the talents of Northwest Housing Alternatives to develop a concept that will soon move into its fundraising stage.

Grace Art Camps provides creative arts experiences for over 1250 children annually and PHAME PDX creates performance opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The teams proposal will include the construction of nearly 100 units of affordable housing on the upper floors of a six-story building, with about 24,000 square feet of office, church and classroom space on the ground floor. The L-shaped structure will be completely accessible. The church building, built in 1927, will remain as is.

Jenny Stadler, executive director of PHAME PDX for the past three years, is an eager participant and avid cheerleader for the project.

PHAME is booming by leaps and bounds, and we need more space, she said. Im especially enthused about a new, accessible performance theater that will serve the entire arts community.

Stadler said there is a huge lack of accessible performance and rehearsal space in the city.

Weve found in the church, landlords who are friends and who understand the equity and inclusiveness of our community, she said. As we grow and thrive, our organization will reach out to others in the community to help with the fundraising.

Rector Elfert characterized the project as the right people descending from heaven on a cloud to move the concept out of fantasy mode.

After conversations with Walsh Construction, Carleton Hart Architecture and capital campaign consultants, the church selected Northwest Housing Alternatives as its developer for the project.

Destin Ferdun, Northwests director of real estate development, said the regional agency is super-thrilled to come aboard.

The development team is eyeing the fall of 2023 as a possible completion date for the project and has proposed to the city that a short portion of Northeast 16th Avenue between Weidler and Halsey streets be vacated. Tentative schedules call for Grace Arts Camps to be moved off-site for 16 months during construction.

The main task now is getting the capital campaign back on schedule, said Elfert.

For more information, visit http://www.grace-memorial.org, http://www.grace-institute.org, http://www.phamepdx.org and http://www.nwhousing.org.

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Church vision drives affordable housing project in Sullivan's Gulch - Hollywood Star News