PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Several properties in the heart of Portland’s historically Black neighborhoods are part of a multi-million dollar investment now underway to transform waterfront property, including the former grain silos on the Willamette River.
The 1803 Fund revealed their plans for the area on Tuesday, including 10 acres in the Albina neighborhood. Architectural renderings show the vision for two areas.
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The so-called “low end” will be a mixed use neighborhood with housing, public spaces and local businesses. A 3-acre site along the Willamette known as Albina Riverside will be used to create public spaces for creative expression and activities.
“We want all those folks to stay, we just want to build a living neighborhood around them,” said Rukaiyah Adams, the CEO of the 1803 Fund. “Right now there are 20 parcels that we’ve purchased in this neighborhood. Some are occupied by businesses like Tamale Boy. Others are empty industrial spaces. So it’s a combination of new construction, renovation and preservation.”
Both locations have deep ties in Portland’s Black community…