PCC and partners celebrate start of Legin Commons project at Southeast Campus
Story by James Hill. Photos by Ric Getter.
Work is underway on Legin Commons, located at the Southeast Campus.
If they build it, they will come.
That is hope for Portland Community College, community leaders and project partners, who broke ground on Legin Commons. The project is a new affordable housing development on the Southeast Campus. The $58.5 million development will feature 124 income-limited units, from studios to three-bedroom apartments, in Portland’s diverse Jade District. The development replaces the former Legin Restaurant and is named in its honor.
“We know that students and community members face challenges beyond the classroom—affordable housing, transportation, and basic living expenses,” said PCC’s Associate Vice President College Operations Josh Peters-McBride. “Without housing stability, it becomes nearly impossible to focus on learning. This housing will help students and community members have access to resources they need to succeed.”
Designed to serve students, families and seniors earning between 0–60% of the area median income, Legin Commons will provide convenient access to frequent-service transit lines and neighborhood businesses. The project is being co-developed by Our Just Future, Edlen & Co., and the APANO Communities United Fund, which will provide culturally responsive services onsite.
PCC Associate Vice President of College Operations Josh Peters-McBride said that without stable housing students cannot focus on learning.
“PHB is proud to provide funding and support for such a thoughtful, significant affordable housing development here in the Jade District,” said Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) Business & Operations and Equity Manager Leslie Goodlow. “The unique alignment with PCC will provide invaluable resources for the families and youth who live here at Legin Commons, and the robust onsite amenities and services will help to guarantee long-term stability for all residents.”
These developments are needed desperately. According to a survey by the Hope Center for College, Community and Justice, 64% of PCC students said they experience some sort of basic needs insecurity. And, overall, more than 52% of students at Oregon’s community colleges reported experiencing housing insecurity.
In 2021, PCC developed a 20-year facilities plan, and in response to the regional need for affordable housing, designated this parcel for community affordable housing. PCC partnered to lease the land for community affordable housing use to Our Just Future.
In addition:
- This comes on the heels of a PCC partnership called Affordable Rents for College Students (ARCS), which opened its first property — the 72-unit Connery Place building — two blocks from the Southeast Campus.
- The college has a similar affordable housing project being built at the Opportunity Center at 42nd Avenue. The development will feature 84 income-based apartment homes, including 18 studios, six one-bedroom units, 45 two-bedroom units and 15 three-bedroom units.
