Walnut Park
Portland, Oregon
Filed In: Commercial, Urban
In an effort to preserve affordable housing for longtime senior residents in a predominately African-American neighborhood, REACH Community Development acquired the Walnut Park apartments and initiated renovation. Their primary goals were to renovate the building and increase the building’s energy efficiency while also improving the building aesthetics. Lando and Associates, Landscape Architecture redesigned the nondescript entrance with a welcoming entry canopy and patio area alongside a transparent new community room.
Landscape plantings accentuate the new building facade and energy reducing cedar sunshades. Raised planters, custom cedar benches and screens provide a sense of security while maintaining a connection to the street. Individual garden beds provide a missing vitality for the residents while simultaneously connecting them to each other and the neighborhood beyond.