COMB Block
Redeveloping the COMB Block
Portland Housing Authority (PHA) is beginning the process of redeveloping the COMB Block property, which currently consists of four 3-story buildings, each with 10 two-bedroom apartments. The existing buildings were constructed in 1972 and are facing significant physical needs due to their age and condition. To further progress PHA's mission and 2015 Strategic Vision Plan, redevelopment of the COMB Block property in the East Bayside neighborhood has been identified as a priority project. The new development will not only progress PHA's mission and strategic vision, but will provide much needed affordable housing to low and very-low income households in Portland.
Redevelopment of the site will include the demolition of the four existing buildings, followed by a first phase of new development. The first phase of new construction will include 50 residential units, with at least 45 units reserved for low and very-low income households. The building will be constructed to meet Passive House standard with energy efficient building materials, design, and mechanical systems. The building is still in the midst of the design process but significant consideration has been taken to design a building that fits within the character of the site. Situated on the corner of Boyd Street and Oxford Street the immediate neighbors of this building will be Bayside Anchor, a 45-unit mixed-income property co-owned by PHA and Avesta Housing, and the community garden on Boyd Street managed by Cultivating Communities.
Once construction is complete, this first phase will offer 50 apartments including both affordable and market-rate units. Bedroom sizes will range from one-bedroom to four-bedroom apartments to accommodate families of all sizes. 11 apartments will be designed to be accessible for persons with physical disabilities.
Anticipated Timeline
Spring 2024
City of Portland Planning Board Submission
Spring 2024
HUD Section 18 Application Submission
Summer 2024
City of Portland Planning Board Approval
September 2024
MaineHousing LIHTC Application Submission
Fall 2024
Section 18 HUD Approval
January 2025
MaineHousing LIHTC Application Approval Notice
Early 2026
Construction Start
Anticipated Site Improvements:
Accessible green space
Increased pedestrian connectivity
New street trees and shaded open space
Community Benefits
Transit-Oriented
The COMB Block is located in a transit-rich neighborhood with nearby access to METRO bus stops, and within a 15-minute walk to the Old Port, Monument Square, and many other downtown Portland amenities.
Passive House Design
Buildings will be constructed to Passive House standard. Passive House design includes tight building envelopes, energy efficient windows, consideration of window orientation for sun and shading, and continous ventilation for high quality indoor air.
Heat-Island Mitigation
Through careful selection of outdoor materials and the incorporation of vegetation and tree cover, the COMB Block will have cooling features that will work towards decreasing urban heat-island effects.
Affordable Housing
At a time when the housing crisis is being felt across the country and within the City of Portland, the first phase will replace the existing affordable housing units at the COMB Block and provide 10 additional new units including affordable and mixed-income homes.
Accessibility
Increased accessibility is a key element of both building design and the COMB Block site work. The new residential building will include 11 fully accessible or accessible-convertible units. The site work completed at the COMB Block will allow for fully accessible access to the green space on the block.
Fair Housing
The COMB Block development will implement the Fair Housing Act's statutory mandate to affirmatively further fair housing (AFFH) by proactively taking action to overcome patterns of segregation, promote fair housing choice, eliminate disparities in opportunities, and foster inclusive communities free from discrimination.
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