On Dec. 11, 2019, Portland City Council adopted a resolution to accept the Parkrose-Argay Development Study: Final Report. Council’s adoption culminates a year-long project to create a concept master plan for development of the farmland owned and operated by the Rossi, Giusto and Garre families for generations.
The 32-acre site on NE 122nd and Shaver in the Parkrose and Argay neighborhoods is one of the largest undeveloped parcels in Portland. Bounded by Parkrose High School, Parkrose Middle School, Shaver Elementary and Luuwit View Park, the site offers a unique opportunity to create a complete community, with a variety of housing opportunities and commercial services to serve the surrounding neighborhoods.
Plan reflects community input; includes a variety of housing, commercial spaces and public amenities
The concept plan creates the opportunity for nearly 750 new housing units, including apartments, townhouses and detached cottage homes. New housing would serve a variety of household types and income ranges and have direct access to popular Luuwit View Park, a significant recreation area.
The plan allows for more than 80,000 sq ft of commercial space, including a medium-sized grocer. The plan envisions the iconic Rossi Farms barn as repurposed for more year-round community-focused activities, such as a food court/food hall, marketplace, or community/special events space.
New neighborhood streets will connect to local destinations and provide safe, attractive walking and biking paths for the community. In response to community desires to maintain the area’s prominent mountain views, the development’s primary street east of 122nd is aligned on a diagonal axis to capture views of Mt Hood, with intersecting streets providing views to Mt St Helens.
Concept Plan team
The concept plan project was led by the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. The project team included consultants (Walker/Macy, Scott/Edwards Architects, Johnson Economics, and Lancaster Engineering), representatives from a variety of local organizations, including neighborhood and business associations, as well as property owners – who have deep neighborhood roots. The owners and the City included the broader community in the planning process, engaging the public with three large workshops that attracted over 300 people over the course of about six months.
Council directives
In the adopted resolution, Council directed BPS to work with property owners to explore opportunities for a public-private partnership, should the owners choose to develop the site according to the master plan concept. If the City is involved, the next steps call for the property owners to make decisions about their path forward and find a development partner.