REACH Community Development Celebrates Grand Opening Of Dartmouth Crossing North, Bringing 85 New Affordable Homes To Tigard -06/04/25

TIGARD, ORE. — More than 100 community members, local leaders, and partners gathered today to celebrate the official grand opening of Dartmouth Crossing North, an 85-unit affordable housing community developed by REACH Community Development (REACH). Located in the Tigard Triangle, this new development offers deeply affordable, energy-efficient housing in a rapidly growing and opportunity-rich area of Washington County.

 

The event featured remarks from REACH CEO Margaret Salazar, Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington, Tigard Mayor Heidi Lueb, U.S. Bank’s Jonathan Brown, and AYCO Executive Director Jamal Dar. Guests enjoyed refreshments, cultural performances, and self-guided tours of the new community. The celebration concluded with a ceremonial ribbon cutting led by Salazar, commemorating REACH’s first development in Tigard.

 

“This is more than a building—it’s a foundation for long-term opportunity,” said Margaret Salazar, CEO of REACH. “We’re proud to deliver safe, stable, and beautiful homes for families, thanks to the dedication of our partners, staff, and this community. Today marks an exciting new chapter for Tigard and for REACH’s work in Washington County.”

 

Dartmouth Crossing North provides a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, serving households earning between 50% and 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Sixteen units are reserved for even lower-income families through HOME funding. Key amenities include a large community room, a library nook, outdoor play areas, and a stormwater courtyard that showcases sustainable design. Design elements were shaped by resident input and community focus groups, with support from partners, AYCO and Community Vision.

 

The project achieved 42% MWESB (Minority, Women, and Emerging Small Business) participation, underscoring REACH’s commitment to equity in the development process. A vibrant mural, designed in collaboration with Professor Una Kim’s PSU mural arts class and the City of Tigard, greets residents and neighbors as they enter the site.

 

Designed by Bora Architects and constructed by Colas Construction, Dartmouth Crossing North is Earth Advantage-certified and features a hybrid heat pump water heating system, eliminating the use of natural gas.

 

This milestone marks the completion of the first phase of a larger community vision. Future phases will include additional affordable housing, a new park funded through federal support, and potential pathways to homeownership.

 

The $48 million development was made possible through funding and support from Oregon Housing and Community Services, Washington County, the City of Tigard, U.S. Bank, Citi, the PGE Renewable Energy Fund, and Energy Trust of Oregon.

 

For more information on Dartmouth Crossing North and other REACH projects, visit: https://reachcdc.org

 

View a digital media kit here.

 

 

 

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About REACH Community Development

REACH creates opportunities for all people to thrive by developing and promoting equitable access to quality, affordable homes, supportive services, and community. REACH envisions a socially just world where there is a universal right to housing with all people living in safe, vibrant, and healthy communities. Learn more at reachcdc.org. 

***MEDIA ALERT*** June 4: Grand Opening Of Dartmouth Crossing North – 85 New Affordable Homes In Tigard (Photo) -06/02/25

Dartmouth Crossing North Complete: 85 Affordable Homes Now Open In Tigard’s Growing Triangle District (Photo) -05/22/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

May 22, 2025

 

Dartmouth Crossing North Complete: 85 Affordable Homes Now Open in Tigard’s Growing Triangle District

REACH Community Development to Host Grand Opening Celebration on June 4

 

TIGARD, OR — REACH Community Development (REACH) has officially completed Dartmouth Crossing North, a new 85-unit affordable housing community in the heart of the Tigard Triangle. Located at SW Dartmouth & 68th Avenue, this development brings much-needed, energy-efficient family housing to one of the region’s most rapidly growing neighborhoods, just east of downtown Tigard and steps away from a future MAX light rail station.

 

The property is now open, with residents actively moving in and apartment leasing ongoing. REACH will host a Community Welcome & Grand Opening Celebration on Wednesday, June 4, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, featuring remarks from public officials, cultural entertainment, refreshments, and self-guided tours.

 

“Dartmouth Crossing North provides exactly what our region needs right now: more affordable housing with transit access and ample space for families to thrive,” said U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06). “I commend REACH for its continued leadership in building housing that centers both community and sustainability, and I will continue working in Congress to secure investments just like this one.”

 

The community, managed by REACH, includes a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.  Sixteen homes are reserved for households earning 50% of the area median income (AMI) with the remainder available to those earning up to 60% AMI.

 

Designed by Bora Architects and constructed by Colas Construction, Dartmouth Crossing North reflects deep community engagement and thoughtful community-driven design. Key amenities include a large community room, library nook, indoor gathering spaces, an outdoor courtyard with play areas, and a public plaza designed for festivals and neighborhood events. On-site resident services will be led by AYCO (African Youth & Community Organization), providing culturally specific support that promotes stability, connection, and well-being.

 

U.S. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) has been supporting this development since REACH first acquired the site from a private developer. She helped secure federal funding to support planning for future public community space that would be open to the entire community.

 

“When I met with REACH leadership at the start of this process, they had a lot to show me - an empty lot,” said Rep. Suzanne Bonamici. “I was inspired by their vision of fostering community and pairing affordable housing with support for neighborhood resources. That lot in Tigard is now the site of Dartmouth Crossing North. Thank you to REACH for connecting communities to safe and stable affordable housing. I am grateful to have secured federal funding for this project and look forward to seeing the families who live here thrive.”

 

For new resident Malisa, the impact is personal. “Because it’s affordable, I can finally save money to invest and grow my business,” she shared. In her previous apartment, rent consumed her focus. Now, she feels energized by the natural light, design potential, and the welcoming environment for her and her daughter. “I feel the vibe again and more energy,” she said. Her daughter is “super excited” to have her own room, and Melissa is looking forward to community events and enjoying the courtyard. “It’s amazing inside. I love the library nook and the sense of peace in this place.”

 

Situated in a high-amenity area with access to jobs, schools, retail, and Portland Community College, Dartmouth Crossing North is designed to be more than just housing—it’s a foundation for long-term opportunity and connection.

 

“Dartmouth Crossing North reflects REACH’s commitment to developing housing that’s affordable, sustainable, and deeply rooted in community,” said Margaret Salazar, CEO of REACH. “We’re thrilled to welcome families home and expand our work in Tigard and Washington County.”

 

The building is Earth Advantage-certified, featuring a hybrid heat pump water heating system that eliminates natural gas use. The site includes both public and private plazas and a festival-friendly woonerf street, creating vibrant, inclusive spaces for neighbors to gather.

 

"The grand opening of Dartmouth Crossing North is yet another example of what we can all achieve when we work together," said Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington. “This brand-new and much-needed affordable housing community would not have been possible without public-private collaboration, a partnership that is essential to providing stability and opportunities to our county's families."

 

“This development sets a new standard for affordable housing in Tigard,” said Tigard Mayor Heidi Lueb. “It brings families closer to opportunity—close to downtown, and the public spaces we need for a thriving neighborhood.”

 

 

 

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About REACH Community Development

REACH creates opportunities for all people to thrive by developing and promoting equitable access to quality, affordable homes, supportive services, and community. REACH envisions a socially just world where there is a universal right to housing with all people living in safe, vibrant, and healthy communities. Learn more at reachcdc.org.