PORTLAND, Oregon — A major project aimed at modernizing Northeast Portland's Hollywood Transit Center and bringing more affordable housing to the area is officially underway.
TriMet and city officials broke ground on constructing the hollywoodHUB development on Thursday. The mixed-use building will include more than 220 permanently affordable housing units, business and community-gathering spaces, bike parking and a courtyard. Construction is expected to be complete in 2026.
The Portland Housing Bureau and Metro combined resources to provide $31.9 million of affordable housing bond funding for the project. It's the largest funding award ever received for an affordable housing project, according to TriMet.
"We’re revitalizing this transit center into homes and community space seamlessly linked to TriMet’s bus and MAX service and other shared mobility options," said TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. in a news release.
The improvement project also includes updating transit facilities on the 35,000 square foot site. Crews will first begin demolishing TriMet's existing ramp and stairs. A temporary structure will be installed for TriMet rides to get to and from the MAX station before the new permanent ramp and stairs are built in early 2024. Crews will also update crosswalks and install a new bus shelter on Northeast 42nd Avenue.
TriMet is partnering with the developer BRIDGE Housing to build the affordable housing development between July 2024 and July 2026.
Between February and July 2026, the former dead-end portion of Northeast 42nd Avenue will be transformed into a new public walkway, bus stop and crosswalk.
The hollywoodHUB project is a partnership between TriMet, BRIDGE Housing and resident services provider Hacienda CDC.
Temporary tribute memorial to be removed
The demolition of the ramp and stairs means that the temporary tribute mural on the walls of the structure will be removed. The mural, called We Choose Love, was commissioned to pay tribute to the victims of the deadly MAX train stabbing in May 2017.
"I remain committed to the words that were written, spoken and made into action by citizens of Portland who demand safety and love for all," said artist Sar’ah Farahat in a news release.
TriMet shared a rendering of the permanent ramp and walkway area on Thursday. The new structure will incorporate the same colors used in the mural.
