Glisan Landing is a new housing community in Portland’s Montavilla neighborhood, developed through a partnership between Related Northwest, Catholic Charities, and the Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization (IRCO). With 137 units across two buildings - the Beacon and Aldea. Together, the buildings anchor the site and frame a vibrant central courtyard.
The courtyard, shared by Beacon and Aldea, is designed as a sequence of outdoor rooms that balance activity and respite, fostering community connection across all ages. An activity lawn, playground, and community terrace support social gathering and active play, while a meandering stroll garden and natural play features - log steppers, winding paths, and fairy garden — offer moments of exploration and retreat.
The landscape layers ecological planting with playful design elements, providing shade, seasonal interest, and habitat while animating the shared spaces with color and texture. Accessible pathways unify the courtyard, connecting quieter nooks with lively gathering zones, ensuring that nature, play, and community coexist within a cohesive design.
By weaving together housing, supportive services, and a restorative landscape, Glisan Landing creates more than shelter — it establishes a dignified and inclusive community where residents can thrive.