Self Enhancement, Inc. Builds 59 Affordable Homes in King Neighborhood

Garfield Commons breaks ground in King neighborhood

Construction is underway at 3838 NE Garfield Ave, where Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) is building 59 new affordable homes.

The project, known as Garfield Commons, represents a targeted investment in the King neighborhood, a corridor where families are increasingly feeling the pressure of Portland’s housing market. According to the Portland City Council District 2 records, this development is designed specifically to stabilize low-income households and provide a path toward long-term economic security.

The site plan includes a mix of unit sizes, ranging from 16 studios to 6 three-bedroom apartments, ensuring that the building can accommodate both single residents and families with children. By placing these units near the services offered by SEI—an organization with deep roots in Portland’s academic and mentorship support—the project attempts to bridge the gap between physical shelter and social mobility.

Energy efficiency as a tool for affordability

The project’s financial structure relies on more than just traditional construction loans. The Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) awarded pass-through Portland Clean Energy Community Benefit Funds (PCEF) to the development, a move aimed at lowering the long-term cost of living for tenants. These funds are earmarked for high-performance building materials and renewable energy systems, including rooftop solar arrays and in-unit heat pumps.

While critics of subsidized housing often point to the high upfront costs of sustainable construction, advocates argue that these investments are essential to prevent “affordability creep,” where rising utility bills eventually force low-income tenants out of their homes. By installing electric hot water systems and high-performance building envelopes, the developers are essentially locking in a lower monthly overhead for residents.

Garfield Commons offers transit proximity and communal spaces

Garfield Commons occupies a premium location near the transit and business hubs of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd and Alberta St. This proximity to grocery stores, healthcare facilities, and frequent transit lines is intended to reduce the transportation burden on households, which is often the second-largest expense after rent.

The development team, which includes Colas Construction and Scott Edwards Architecture, has prioritized communal space as much as individual units. The building design features an enclosed southeast-facing courtyard with a natural play area and a communal kitchen, elements that reflect a move toward "community-first" housing architecture.

Self esteem enhancement concept celebrating self worth with positive affirmations embracing individuality through self love

Project scope and financial breakdown

The total development cost is currently listed at $35,692,005. While the project is moving forward with significant public backing, the broader question remains how these 59 units will alter the character of the King neighborhood. The following table breaks down the unit distribution and affordability targets as reported by the development profile:

Unit Type	Count
Studio	16
3-Bedroom	6

All 59 units are designated for residents at the 60% Area Median Income (AMI) level. The construction timeline remains active as the city monitors whether this model of integrating energy-efficient, service-adjacent housing can be replicated elsewhere in District 2. As of November 2026, the building is under construction, with its success ultimately resting on whether the promised resident stability matches the high-performance building standards.

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