Wy’East Plaza asks a compact courtyard to support both community and retreat. Community gardens, flexible seating, sheltered bicycle parking, and rainwater harvesting make the shared space practical as well as social, giving residents places to gather, grow food, or spend time outside on their own. The design treats outdoor space as part of everyday living rather than an amenity added around the edges.
“In affordable housing, access to nature and safe outdoor space can support mental health and everyday well-being. It should be part of daily life, not treated as an extra.”
“Sustainability wasn’t a separate layer of the project. It was built into how the courtyard supports water, food, mobility, and community.”
“REACH, the design team, and the contractor were at the table from day one. That allowed design and cost decisions to happen together rather than in isolation.”
“As the budget came into focus, we were able to add play, gathering, and flexible-use elements that made the courtyard more complete.”
Scope
Concept through Completion
Tasks
Streetscape, Community Courtyard, Community Gardens, Green Infrastructure, Nature Play
Location
Portland, OR
Client
Collaborators
Completed
2021
