The Aurora brings affordable housing, wraparound services to the Rosewood Neighborhood.

A new affordable housing community in East Multnomah County celebrated its grand opening Thursday afternoon, Oct. 5.

The Aurora, 16025 S.E. Stark St., is a 93-unit building with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments for people whose incomes are 30% and 60% of the area median. The project was completed by Our Just Future (formerly known as Human Solutions).

The site had formerly been a commercial restaurant/entertainment space in the Rosewood Neighborhood. Initially the building, renovated by Colas Construction and Holst Architects, served as a 24/7 emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness.

Our Just Future co-developed The Aurora with Edlen & Co. Holst Architects designed the building and outdoor spaces, and COLAS Construction was the general contractor.

“I am thrilled to see these new affordable apartments opening in outer east Portland,” said Rep. Andrea Valderrama, who also serves on the board of Our Just Future. “High rents and cost of living are key issues in our community, leading to housing insecurity and homelessness. These new units will make a big difference for many families.”

The Aurora includes:

• 16 permanent supportive housing units for families with children transitioning out of homelessness.
• Wraparound services to help residents maintain their housing and overall wellbeing. It will be offered through LifeWorks NW and Our Just Future, including mental health counseling and connections to other providers.
• Resident amenities includes free high-speed internet access in every apartment, a multi-use community room for activities and events, lobby lounge space, an indoor play area for kids, laundry room, outdoor play area and courtyard, and 27 off-street parking spaces.
• Solar panels at the building will lower utility costs.

The building was funded through the Collins Foundation, Enterprise Community Partners, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Metro, Meyer Memorial Trust, Multnomah County, Oregon Housing and Community Services, PGE, PNC Bank, the Portland Housing Bureau and the Swigert Foundation.

Construction began in June 2021 and wrapped up in spring 2023. Residents began moving in during the summer, and more have been moving in this fall. Anyone interested in living at The Aurora should visit livetheaurora.com or call 503-995-1064. Cushman & Wakefield is managing the property for Our Just Future.

With The Aurora, Our Just Future’s portfolio of affordable housing communities is at 19, totaling 897 units. Several more are in the works — a new development with 124 rental apartments in Southeast Portland’s Montavilla neighborhood; and an apartment expansion near Discovery Park in Northeast Portland’s Gateway neighborhood.