New Columbia Mixed-Use Development
- Location
- Portland, OR
- Owner
- Home Forward
- Architect
- MWA Architects
- Contractor
- Walsh Construction Company
- Sustainability
- Green street
Sustainable Stormwater
LEED Gold Certified
Low Impact Development
- Services/Project Type
- Structural Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Surveying
- Roads and Bridges
- Facilities Management and Utilities Infrastructure
- Site Development
- Utility Infrastructure
- Low Impact Development
- Land Use and Master Planning
- Stormwater Management
- Land Planning
- Boundary Surveys
- Topographic Surveys
- Arterials and Local Streets
- Green Streets
- Non-Motorized Facilities
- Planning & Permitting
- Utilities
- Platting
KPFF provided structural and civil engineering design, project management, construction and surveying services for this 82-acre HUD HOPE VI redevelopment project in North Portland. At New Columbia, KPFF designed Portland's first “green street” neighborhood, which integrates community-level street design and stormwater management. The new stormwater system is fully disconnected from the existing combined sewer system. On-site stormwater is collected, treated and disposed of within the site. Street design incorporated extensive use of curb extensions and narrower streets, which created a pedestrian-friendly environment, calmed traffic and provided space for landscaped areas that positively impact water quality.
New Columbia consists of 854 units, including public housing, affordable rentals, senior housing and single-family homes—the variety of which ensures the representation of many cultural backgrounds, age groups and income levels. Community-friendly design entailed the addition of parks and public facilities such as a community center, adult learning center, daycare and a K-5 elementary school. Four miles of streets connect New Columbia residents to the rest of the neighborhood. The New Columbia project achieved LEED Gold status and received the distinguished American Council of Engineering Companies’ National Honor Award and the local Grand Award in 2006.
Awards & Recognition
- LEED Gold Certified
- National Homebuilder's "Best In American Living (BALA)", Best Urban Smart Growth
- Neighborhood/Community Award, 2006
- Building Design & Construction, Building Team Platinum Award, 2008
- Columbia Slough Watershed Council, Columbia Slough Watershed Council Achievement Award, 2008
- ACEC Oregon, Grand Award, 2006
- ACEC National, National Honor Award, 2006
- City of Portland, Regional Erosion Prevention Award, 2007
- Daily Journal of Commerce (DJC Oregon), Top Project, 2005
- Daily Journal of Commerce (DJC Oregon), Top Project (Trenton Commercial Buildings), 2006
