Trenton Terrace

Photo credit: Michael Willis Architects

Overview

• Location: Portland, OR
• Building type(s): Special needs housing, Community, Multi-unit residential
• New construction
• 56,400 ft2 (5,240 m2)
• Project scope: 3-story building
• Urban setting
• Completed January 2007
• Rating: Green Communities --Level: Certified (40 Points)

Trenton Terrace is an affordable, 66-apartment residential building for seniors, intended to promote independent living. It is in New Columbia, an 80-acre redevelopment of the former Columbia Villa conceived by the Housing Authority of Portland. Trenton Terrace benefits from the larger project, which is becoming a diverse community with new amenities that include neighborhood services, shopping, and parks.

Environmental Aspects

When Northwest Housing Alternatives of Portland, Oregon, began planning Trenton Terrace, its architects were directed to build green. Indoor air quality was a particular focus, because previous projects had shown its importance. Concern for residents' budgets drove the specification of energy efficient windows, and appliances and above-average insulation.

Halfway through the design process, Trenton Terrace began working with Enterprise Communities and became eligible for a Green Communities grant, provided that program's guidelines were met. This meant increasing insulation in floors that project beyond the main building facade to R-30, switching from spray to drip irrigation, using low-flow faucets and showerheads, and increasing the gas furnace's efficiency from 12 to 12 SEER.

The building's location in proximity to walkable shopping areas and public transportation minimizes automobile dependence. Vegetated swales and permeable paving allow for handling significant quantities of stormwater onsite.

Owner & Occupancy

• Owned by Northwest Housing Alternatives, Inc., Corporation, nonprofit
• Occupants: Individual(s)
• Typically occupied by 80 people

Trenton Terrace includes 65 one-bedroom apartments for income-eligible seniors and a two-bedroom apartment for the resident manager.

Building Programs

Keywords

Transportation benefits, Efficient fixtures and appliances, Efficient irrigation, Insulation levels, Efficient lighting, Occupant recycling, Natural ventilation, Moisture control, Low-emitting materials

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