Wy’East Plaza is a transformative affordable housing development in East Portland, designed to meet the pressing need for dignified, low-income housing while shaping the future of its neighborhood. Named after the Native American term for Mt. Hood, this four-story, 175-unit building offers studios, one-, and two-bedroom apartments, providing safe, modern homes for families. The design integrates simple, Scandinavian-inspired aesthetics, with urban and residential elements like pitched roofs, bay windows, and board-and-batten siding, creating a seamless transition from the commercial surroundings to residential spaces. Wy’East Plaza prioritizes accessibility and emphasizes walkability, with ample bike racks and public transit just a block away, and the decision to limit parking spaces allowed for more housing units. Textured siding and yellow accents help identify entry points and guide residents through the space. The secure, key fob-accessible courtyard offers a peaceful park-like setting with seating, lush plantings, and a rainwater collection system for gardening. Inside, the building is designed with both durability and style in mind. The units feature large walk-in closets with power outlets, offering flexibility for home offices or nurseries. Key community spaces foster connection, while the modern, minimal aesthetic and efficient design maximize every square foot. By optimizing design and construction processes, the project was completed at $111k per unit—significantly lower than other Portland-area affordable housing projects. This cost-efficient approach maximized space without sacrificing livability, delivering high-quality, sustainable housing for families in need while setting a new standard for affordable housing.