Hacker Architects Completes Ellen Browning Building, a Co-Housing Project in Portland

In Southeast Portland, the Ellen Browning Building stands as a mixed-use residential development crafted by Hacker Architects for a group of friends who wish to age together in a supportive environment. Situated on Division Street within a lively commercial area, the initiative began when these friends opted to create their own co-housing space to foster both community and independence. Lead architect Corey Martin spearheaded the design, with interior work by Garrison Hullinger Interior Design and construction by Truebeck Construction. The engineering and landscaping were managed by DCI, Szabo, and Vega. Key project members included Scott Mannhard, Matt Sugarbaker, Vijayeta Davda, and Emily Knudsen-Leland, along with a dedicated design team. Urban Development Partners represented the owners, while specifications were handled by Michael Thrailkill Associates. Notable manufacturers involved were Cascadia, EF, Florida Tile, Kahrs, Shildan, and Solar Innovations, with Jeremy Bittermann capturing the project's essence through photography. This initiative exemplifies mixed-use architecture in the U.S., promoting a co-housing model that encourages relationships in a walkable, amenity-rich setting, ideal for aging in place.