Hillsboro Approves .5 Million Willow Creek Family Housing Development
PORTLAND, Ore. — In a significant move towards enhancing affordable housing options in the region, the Hillsboro City Council recently authorized the construction of the Willow Creek Family Housing and Early Learning Center. This ambitious project, estimated to cost .5 million, is set to bring 118 affordable housing units to the vicinity of the Willow Creek Transit Center, located at 235 S.E. Edgeway Drive in Hillsboro, Oregon.
The collaborative effort, spearheaded by Mercy Housing’s Northwest office in partnership with the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO), received city council approval late last month. The development aims to address the pressing need for affordable housing in Washington County, which has seen a significant rise in housing demands amidst escalating living costs.
The strategic partnership stems from an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) established in February between the city of Hillsboro and TriMet, the regional transit authority. The agreement facilitates the development of affordable housing on a 2.89-acre parcel within the underutilized park-and-ride facility adjacent to the transit center. TriMet will sell the land to Mercy Housing for a discounted rate of .25 million to incentivize the project.
Initial funding for the project reflects community support, with the city allocating approximately .5 million from Metro’s affordable housing bond funds, while Mercy Housing is committing an additional .5 million to the effort. Architectural design will be led by Carleton Hart Architecture; however, a general contractor has yet to be selected, with estimates indicating that this will occur by June 2026.
The structure is envisioned as a five-story building, featuring a diverse range of unit types. Of the 118 planned units, 29 will contain one bedroom, 68 will have two bedrooms, along with 16 three-bedroom units, and five four-bedroom units. Notably, 41 units will target individuals earning up to 30% of the area median income (AMI), with additional units designated for those earning up to 50% and 60% AMI. Importantly, the project includes 18 permanent supportive housing units specifically for individuals transitioning out of homelessness.
Amenities within the development will enhance resident experience and community connectivity, featuring a fully accessible community room, a tech center, and spaces designed for children’s activities and smaller meetings. Each floor is expected to include laundry and lounge areas, alongside secure bike storage. An innovative feature will be the smart screen in the lobby, providing real-time transit information.
Furthermore, the project will incorporate a 3,500-square-foot early learning center on the ground floor, designed to support preschool-aged children with two classrooms, each accommodating up to 20 students. IRCO will oversee resident services, offering programs related to health and wellness, career coaching, and after-school activities to foster an engaged community.
As construction gears up, anticipated to commence in late 2026 and span approximately 20 months, design specifications may be adjusted during the land use and permitting process. This project represents a crucial step in not only expanding affordable housing but also fostering community development in Hillsboro, reflecting a growing commitment to addressing housing challenges in the region.
