Press Release: HOUSING AUTHORITY OF PORTLAND SELECTS GUARDIAN REAL ESTATE SERVICES TO MANAGE NEW COLUMBIA PROPERTY
July 17, 2009
For Immediate Release
Media Contacts:
Guardian Real Estate Services Housing Authority of Portland
Alison Fisker, LANE PR Shelley Marchesi
(503) 546-7894 (503) 802-8427
alison@lanepr.com ShelleyM@hapdx.org
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF PORTLAND SELECTS GUARDIAN REAL ESTATE SERVICES TO MANAGE NEW COLUMBIA PROPERTY
The State’s Largest Affordable Housing Owner and Property Manager Form New Partnership
Portland, Ore. (July 17, 2009) – The Housing Authority of Portland (HAP), Oregon’s largest affordable housing provider, has selected Guardian Real Estate Services (Guardian), one of Oregon’s largest multifamily property managers, to manage New Columbia, an 852-unit mixed-income community in Portland. New Columbia is a mix of apartments, townhomes, and homes for sale.
“We selected Guardian to manage New Columbia because of their strong reputation regionally and nationally, and their proven expertise managing affordable and public housing, including other HAP properties” said Steve Rudman, HAP’s executive director. “New Columbia is one of the most important communities in Portland and we’re confident Guardian will bring a fresh perspective to managing it.”
New Columbia, located in north Portland’s Portsmouth neighborhood, is an innovative mixed-income housing development anchored by a federal HOPE VI revitalization grant for public housing, sponsored by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is noteworthy among HOPE VI projects in the U.S. for the range of services and amenities it offers its residents, including a bus line that connects them to a nearby light rail line and downtown Portland, increasing access to jobs, services and opportunities. The award-winning development also features senior housing, a public elementary school, public park, a Boys & Girls Club, and commercial retail and office space.
“New Columbia is a tremendously important project, both locally and nationally, and we’re very pleased to have been selected to manage a property of this scope and significance,” said Tom Brenneke, president of Guardian Real Estate Services. “We look forward to bringing more than 30 years of property management and ownership expertise to the New Columbia community.”
About Housing Authority of Portland
The Housing Authority of Portland is a public corporation serving all of Multnomah County. HAP provides housing and housing-related services to those who face barriers due to income, disability or special need. HAP’s housing and rent assistance programs serve 14,500 households throughout the county. A citizen commission with volunteer members recommended by the City of Portland, the City of Gresham, and Multnomah County and appointed by the Mayor of Portland governs HAP.
About Guardian Real Estate Services
Founded in 1971 with headquarters in Portland, Ore., Guardian Real Estate Services (formerly Guardian Management LLC) is a privately held, third generation real estate management and investment firm. Specializing in property management services and real estate investments, Guardian’s diverse real estate experience offers property owners and investors a valuable combination of market expertise and contacts. Currently, Guardian’s management portfolio consists of more than 130 properties (nearly 12,000 units) and more than 400 employees in seven states. The company owns approximately 50 percent of its portfolio. For more information, visit www.GRES.com.
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