Willamette Crossing
Affordable housing inspired by agrarian history
Located in "Southtown" Corvallis Oregon, Willamette Crossing is a new affordable housing development with 160 apartments ranging from one to three-bedroom units. Scott Edwards Architecture designed the community to support individuals and families across multiple generations. The site design fosters personal connections through a communal courtyard, community garden, amenity buildings, and a covered recreation court. Together, these elements create a welcoming, people-centered environment that prioritizes livability and engagement.
Location
Portland, OR
Size
169,500 sf
160 apartments
Year
Winter 2026
The design is strongly informed by the agrarian history of the property, which once supported cattle operations including a livestock auction house that served as a regional gathering space. This history influenced the massing and organization of the new buildings, drawing cues from the straightforward, durable forms of classic rural vernacular. These references ground the project in the site's historical context while also cultivating a vibrant and inclusive modern neighborhood.
Sustainability was a core factor in the early phase of design for both the site planning and building design. The project is solar ready, allowing for future renewable energy installation, while the landscape design emphasized drought-tolerant plantings and low water consumption to reduce the long-term resource use. Construction strategies prioritized renewable and responsibly sourced materials, supporting environmental stewardship while enhancing the durability and overall building performance. Together those measures reinforce the project’s commitment to long-term resilience, affordability, and environmental responsibility.
Identity Creation
Scott Edwards Architecture was also hired for the creation of a property logo with the development’s name, Willamette Crossing. SEA’s Brand Manager found inspiration with the name and the surrounding landscape. Three options were created, each incorporating the nearby Willamette River, farmland, and the concept of ‘crossing’.
The final logo design was incorporated into the design, providing an identity to the new development.
Acknowledgements
SEA Team
Peter Grimm
Amy Cripps
Drew Dippel
Robert Nobles
Connor Davies
Nina Rubenstein
Jay Thornberry
Sierra Magee
Dave Mojica
Kevin Leong
Project Team
Gerding Builders
Devco Eng.
PAE
Luma
VALAR
Understory
B.E.E. Consulting
Sunbreak
Forensic Building
Willamette Valley Planning
Clemow & Associates
Atomic Sky
Photography Credits
Renders by SEA
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