Julia West House

Published Friday, April 10, 2026

Overview

Julia West House is a 12-story mass-timber residential building located on a constrained downtown site, providing 90 supportive housing units for vulnerable elderly and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) residents transitioning out of homelessness. The project navigated significant cost constraints, code compliance issues related to mass timber construction, and site limitations inherent to dense urban infill development. Design strategies prioritized both environmental performance and trauma-informed principles to address the specific needs of the resident population. This project demonstrates how high-performance sustainable construction methods can be integrated into supportive housing delivery within the financial and regulatory framework of affordable housing development.

Green Features & Practices

• Built on a compact 5,000 square foot urban infill site, maximizing land use efficiency
• Transit-accessible downtown location supports access to essential services
• Mass timber structure reduces embodied carbon and construction waste
• Durable, low-maintenance finishes selected for long-term resilience
• EPA WaterSense-labeled plumbing fixtures reduce indoor water use
• ENERGY STAR appliances and high-efficiency HVAC systems in all units
• Tight building envelope and continuous insulation enhance thermal performance
• Low-VOC paints, adhesives, and flooring improve indoor air quality
• Large operable windows maximize natural ventilation and daylight
• Warm natural wood interiors and trauma-informed design support resident well-being
• Rooftop terrace, community kitchen, and lounges promote social connection

About Julia West House

Julia West House stands as a testament to what's possible when sustainable design and community needs are given equal weight. Its 12-story mass timber structure– one of Oregon’s tallest mass timber residential buildings—is both a climate solution and a human one. Mass timber uses thick panels or beams made by gluing layers of wood together, creating structural elements strong enough to replace steel and concrete in mid- and high-rise buildings while storing carbon instead of producing it. Natural wood surfaces, abundant daylight, and views of the cityscape contribute to a calming, restorative environment.

One of the first HUD Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) awards, this $58 million project was financed through a mix of 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credits, tax-exempt bonds via Oregon Housing & Community Services, and construction debt from Bank of America with permanent financing from Citibank. Equity from investors such as Aegon and grants from sources like the Portland Clean Energy Fund and USDA Wood Innovations help fill the gaps.

Beyond the building itself, Julia West House reflects a broader shift toward housing that prioritizes dignity, durability, and wellness. On-site case management, culturally specific services, and local nonprofit partnerships ensure residents have the support they need to thrive. Shared amenities, including lounges, community kitchens, laundry rooms, and a rooftop terrace, foster connection and stability, two essentials for residents rebuilding their lives. For Portland, and for the affordable housing sector more broadly, the project offers a replicable model: build vertically, build sustainably, and build for the people who need it most. Through thoughtful design, innovative financing, and verified performance, Julia West House turns a once-vacant site into a permanent place to call home.

Why NGBS Green?

For a project as complex and mission-driven as Julia West House, NGBS Green offered the right mix of rigor, flexibility, and relevance. The team needed a rating system that could support both high-performance construction and trauma-informed design without adding unnecessary administrative burdens. The tailored pathways of the NGBS for multifamily buildings, clear prescriptive options, and emphasis on occupant health made it a natural fit.

With goals to reduce operational and embodied carbon, the design team leaned into strategies like mass timber framing, high-efficiency HVAC systems, low-VOC materials, and ample daylighting. NGBS Green provided a comprehensive framework to track and verify those choices. The certification process kept consultants, contractors, and service providers aligned on performance expectations, even amid tight urban site constraints and a fast-track schedule.

By targeting NGBS Green and ENERGY STAR, the team ensured long-term cost savings, enhanced durability, and greater access to funding sources that prioritize third-party certification. For permanent supportive housing, where long-term operational resilience is critical, these verified performance outcomes added lasting value.