More than 100 people attended the Sept. 9 opening and dedication of the Concordia University K-Street Commons at 1650 N.E. Killingsworth St.
The pedestrian-oriented, ground-level restaurant and retail space is intended to encourage a vibrant, walkable and transit-friendly neighborhood, in addition to 34 units of housing for Concordia University graduate-level and age 25- plus students, including studios to oneand two-bedroom apartments.
Project partners were carefully selected to reflect the neighborhood interest and local ownership. The project was built in collaboration with Colas Construction, Hugh Development, UD+P, Works Partnership Architecture, and master tenant Concordia University, along with a grant from Metro’s TransitOriented Development program.
“I’m pleased this unique public-private-university partnership can help bring more housing options to the Concordia community,” said Metro president Tom Hughes. “By making a relatively modest investment, Metro was able to help create more housing opportunities.”
Andrew Clarke of Hugh Development, a project codeveloper, added, “This project was the culmination of vision, hard work, and a coordinated collaboration between so many partners.”
“With K-Street, we’ve worked to create a building that will contribute to the neighborhood fabric of the Killingsworth Corridor for generations,” said Avi BenZaken, cofounder of UD+P. “From the beginning, we designed the building to integrate with the surrounding environment and provide space for new locallyowned businesses.”
Eric Cress, UD+P co-founder, noted, “Metro and Concordia University have been critical in bringing this project out of the ground and connecting it with the community. Their vision and partnership will ensure that the building benefits both students and the neighborhood over the long term.”