T. Joyce Phillips (formerly Dekum Court) is a completely redeveloped Home Forward affordable housing community, made possible by the voter-approved 2018 Metro Affordable Housing Bond. The redevelopment added 147 homes to the previous 40 homes on the 5.3-acre lot. Located in the Concordia neighborhood of Northeast Portland, the project was completed in two phases between 2022 and 2025 so that current residents would not be displaced during construction.
Underutilized open space and outdated play areas give way to a vibrant, multi-generation community hub at the site’s southeast gateway. Anchored by an open lawn and mature trees, the open character of the gateway gives way to framed views of the mass timber Community Building and Mt. St. Helens beyond. Active play areas are supplemented by dispersed resident gardens and nature-based gathering spaces that support informal play, rest, and community interaction.
Working closely with Lever Architecture and Home Forward, Ground Workshop helped shape a landscape framework that supports everyday life for residents while strengthening connections between housing clusters, shared amenities, and the surrounding neighborhood. The design process emphasized collaboration with residents and the broader project team to ensure the outdoor spaces reflected community priorities, including safe play, opportunities for gathering, and spaces for gardening and cultural expression.
The resulting landscape weaves together open lawns, shaded seating areas, play environments, and small garden rooms to create a sequence of outdoor spaces that feel both welcoming and intimate. Together, these elements transform the site into an active and resilient community landscape that supports social connection, intergenerational play, and a renewed sense of pride for residents.
Ground Workshop is proud to be part of a collaborative team that includes Lever Architecture, Vega Civil Engineering, and Walsh Construction.
Ground Workshop team: Tommy Solomon, Alden Caro, Tom Wortman, Hayley Chung