City, tribal leaders break ground on affordable housing project in downtown Vancouver

The new Waterfront Gateway District will eventually have 450 units, with 95 to be affordable housing units in a location that will connect the heart of downtown to the new waterfront

Paul Valencia
Clark County Today

The groundbreaking for a new affordable housing project that will be operated in part by co-managing partners from the Native American Youth and Family Center was celebrated Wednesday by city leaders, project managers, and the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.

“It takes many hands, a lot of dedication, a healthy amount of risk, and risk tolerance to turn a vision like this one into a reality,” said Oscar Arana, CEO of NAYA — Native American Youth and Family Center. 

For years, residents of Southwest Washington have been traveling to Portland to the NAYA campus. Soon, there will be a place to gather in Vancouver.

The project will also include 95 units designated for affordable housing in the six-story building.

“Not too long ago I would have thought that an affordable housing project led by a black-owned developer, built by a black-owned construction company, partnering with a native developer and service provider, and supported by the Cowlitz Tribe would have taken many years to become a reality,” Arana acknowledged. “I’m so glad that I was wrong.”

Kim Harless, a Vancouver City Council member and a director at NAYA, said it is rare when she can wear “both of my hats” at the same time. 

“I’m your first indigenous council member at the city of Vancouver. And this is a first, as well,” she said, pointing to the ground that will soon become the six-story project.

The people living in those homes will be earning 50 to 60 percent of the area’s median income.

“I’m incredibly proud of the city of Vancouver, Colas Development Group, and NAYA for setting the example for intentionally culturally grounded development that will serve many, many generations to come,” Harless said.

Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle said this project will be part of a new downtown district. Eventually, the Waterfront Gateway District will have 450 units, with 95 dedicated for “permanently affordable.” 

The district will connect Esther Short Park with the new waterfront.

“The heart of the city with the waterfront,” she described.

According to a press release from the city, Vancouver invested $1.27 million from its Affordable Housing Fund, sold the land for $1 to ensure affordability, leveraged the state’s construction sales tax exemption, and reduced impact fees, making this community possible.

The location is perfect, as far as Arana is concerned.

“I can’t wait to see the kids and families who will enjoy the playground at Esther Short Park, shop at the Vancouver Farmers Market, take a stroll down the beautiful waterfront, and easily walk over to City Hall and advocate for the services and polices … for what they need for themselves and their families,” he said. 

Andrew Colas, president of Colas Development Group, said the real estate firm of the company was founded to deliver transformative developments rooted in community, culture, and opportunity.

“Today isn’t just a groundbreaking. It’s a moment that reflects who we are, how we build, and what we believe in,” Colas said.

This part of the project is scheduled to open in early 2027.