HAP Balks at Low-Income Project with High-Income Designer

PORTLAND-Due to rising costs and other issues, the Housing Authority of Portland is backing away form an opportunity to develop a low-income housing projects designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. Recent works by Gehry include the Guggenheim Museum in Spain and the Experience Music Project in Seattle.

Homer Williams is the land owner and developer now trying to keep the River District project moving forward despite HAP’s reticence about architectural fees and construction costs for the estimated $33 million project — about $6 million more than the public-funding process can handle. Williams is said to be actively seeking new partners to fill the gap in support that now exists with HAP’s change of heart.

The 180-unit project is Williams’ way of fulfilling with style part of his commitment to build 1,000 low-income housing units as part of his redevelopment of the River District land. HAP chairman Howard Shapiro was quite excited about the project when it was first discussed, and at one time is said to have committed personal time to help raise funds for the project.