Hawk’s Eye Apartments

Columbia Pacific CCO envisioned an innovative approach to serve both populations: by converting a Red Lion Inn into both workforce and permanent supportive housing. Columbia Pacific’s parent company, CareOregon, purchased the building and agreed to fully fund the renovation without waiting for state funds to go through a long approval process.  It was uncharted territory for the organizations, and they quickly realized that they needed a partner to help them navigate the design and construction process. Recognizing Klosh Group’s expertise in managing coastal construction projects and design-build methods, they selected us to provide the specialized expertise needed.

Laying the groundwork

There are multiple stakeholders in the mix, including the design-build team, CareOregon, Columbia Pacific, and Clatsop Behavioral Health. To keep everyone in alignment, we built a comprehensive project charter that clearly outlines each stakeholder’s role and responsibilities, project goals, construction timeline, and actions required to successfully complete the project. Together we have completed the design, established the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) and have now moved forward with construction.

Guiding the transformation

The building’s layout already lends itself to supporting the needs of different communities. External-facing apartments will be more accessible for healthcare workers going to and from work, while internal-facing rooms will allow people with disabilities to easily access the community kitchen and support spaces.

With the shell of the building already complete, our team is overseeing the transformation of hotel rooms into modern, inviting apartments with kitchenettes.  External upgrades will include filling in the swimming pool, installing an additional fire hydrant, building covered bike parking, and creating electric vehicle (EV) charging spaces.

A Model for Statewide Impact

By converting the existing building, we are creating 55 units of essential housing at approximately half the cost of new construction and within an accelerated timeline. This addresses a key challenge for healthcare organizations in attracting and retaining new staff in the community.

Additionally, the model we’re developing is highly replicable, enabling CareOregon and other CCOs to enhance access to safe, affordable housing in communities throughout the state.