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The Trailblazer’s Legacy: 5 Things You Need To Know About The Hazel Ying Lee Apartments

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The Hazel Ying Lee Apartments stand as a powerful symbol of progress and historical recognition in Southeast Portland, having officially opened in June 2024. This massive new development is not just another building; it represents a critical step in addressing the region's affordable housing crisis while commemorating the extraordinary life of a pioneering Chinese American pilot. As of December 2025, the community is fully operational, providing over 200 modern, stable homes to individuals and families in need, marking a significant milestone for the city's housing initiatives.

The project, spearheaded by the local housing authority, Home Forward, transforms the site of a former controversial nightclub into a beacon of community support and affordable living. Its name honors a native Oregonian who broke barriers in the sky, ensuring her legacy continues to inspire those seeking a fresh start on the ground. This article delves into the full scope of the project, the woman behind the name, and the vital role this development plays in Portland’s future.

The Life and Legacy of Hazel Ying Lee (李月英)

The namesake of the apartment community, Hazel Ying Lee, was a true American hero whose story of courage and determination is finally receiving the widespread recognition it deserves. Her biography is a testament to overcoming racial and gender barriers in the 1940s.

  • Born: 1912, Portland, Oregon.
  • Early Life: Born and educated in Oregon, Lee was described as vibrant, funny, athletic, and adventuresome. She developed an unquenchable thirst for flight early on.
  • Aviation Career Start: She earned her pilot's license in 1932, a time when very few women, and even fewer Chinese American women, were in the cockpit.
  • World War II Service: Lee was one of the pioneering women who flew for the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II. The WASP were civilian female pilots employed to ferry aircraft, test planes, and tow targets, freeing up male pilots for combat duty.
  • Historical Significance: She was the first Chinese American woman to fly for the U.S. military and one of only two Chinese American WASP pilots.
  • Tragic Death: Hazel Ying Lee tragically died in a mid-air collision on November 25, 1944, while serving her country. She was one of 38 WASP pilots who lost their lives in service.

By naming this vital affordable housing community after her, the city of Portland ensures that her barrier-breaking spirit and contribution to American history are permanently etched into the local landscape, particularly in the Creston-Kenilworth neighborhood where the apartments are located.

1. A Major Victory for Affordable Housing in Portland

The Hazel Ying Lee Apartments represent a significant win for affordable housing advocates in Multnomah County. With a total of 206 units, it is one of the largest single affordable housing developments recently completed in the city. The project was developed by Home Forward, the local housing authority, and received crucial funding through the Portland Housing Bond, demonstrating a strong commitment from the city to tackle the ongoing housing crisis.

The need for such developments is critical, and the scale of the Hazel Ying Lee Apartments makes an immediate, tangible impact. The community offers a mix of modern and affordable studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom homes, designed to accommodate a diverse range of individuals and families. This variety ensures that the housing serves different household sizes and income levels, maximizing its reach within the community.

The development replaces the former Safari Showclub, a site that had been a point of local contention, transforming it into a positive community asset. This transition from a contentious commercial property to a vital residential hub underscores the project's transformative power for the surrounding neighborhood.

2. Focus on Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

A key component that sets the Hazel Ying Lee Apartments apart is its dedication to Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). PSH is an evidence-based model that combines affordable housing assistance with intensive, coordinated services to help people with disabilities and chronic homelessness live more stable lives.

While the entire building provides affordable homes, a significant portion of the units are specifically allocated as PSH. This means residents in these units receive on-site services tailored to their needs, which can include mental health support, substance abuse treatment, employment assistance, and case management. This integrated approach is essential for breaking the cycle of chronic homelessness and ensuring long-term tenancy and stability. The development’s commitment to PSH reflects a modern, compassionate strategy for housing vulnerable populations, moving beyond simple shelter to provide a foundation for recovery and self-sufficiency.

3. Modern, Sustainable Design and Community Amenities

Designed by Holst Architecture, the building’s aesthetic is modern and intentional, prioritizing equity and sustainability. The architectural design is meant to be welcoming and integrated into the Creston-Kenilworth neighborhood, avoiding the institutional look often associated with older affordable housing projects.

The four-story structure, built in 2024, incorporates numerous features to enhance the quality of life for its residents. These amenities are crucial for fostering a sense of community and providing necessary resources on-site:

  • Community Spaces: Large common areas, including a community room, for resident gatherings and programming.
  • Outdoor Areas: Landscaped courtyards and play areas for families and children.
  • On-Site Services: Dedicated office space for Home Forward staff and supportive service providers.
  • Accessibility: Full accessibility features throughout the building to serve residents with varying needs.
  • Transit Access: Its location on SE Powell Boulevard provides excellent access to public transportation, essential for low-income residents.

This attention to detail in design and amenity provision ensures that the Hazel Ying Lee Apartments are not just a place to live, but a thriving, supportive community environment.

4. The Impact on Portland’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community

The naming of the apartments holds deep cultural significance, particularly for the AAPI community in Portland and across the country. Hazel Ying Lee’s story had been largely overlooked in mainstream history for decades. The decision to honor her with a major civic project is a powerful act of historical correction and cultural recognition.

This recognition extends the conversation about the contributions of Chinese Americans and other AAPI individuals to U.S. history, especially during World War II. By celebrating a figure who defied expectations and served her country despite facing discrimination, the building itself becomes a landmark for diversity and inclusion. The apartments serve as a daily reminder that the city acknowledges and values the diverse heritage of its residents, inspiring younger generations to learn about their history and the pioneers who came before them.

5. What’s Next for Affordable Housing in Multnomah County

The successful opening of the Hazel Ying Lee Apartments is part of a larger, ongoing effort to expand affordable housing options in the region. The project’s completion provides a model for future developments funded by the Portland Housing Bond and other municipal efforts.

The immediate success and high demand for units—with studios priced affordably at around $950, as seen in recent listings—highlight the continued and urgent need for more inventory. The focus now shifts to replicating this model: building high-quality, amenity-rich, and strategically located affordable housing that also incorporates permanent supportive services. The legacy of Hazel Ying Lee, the pilot who soared above barriers, now inspires a community grounded in stability, support, and hope for hundreds of Portland residents.

The Trailblazer’s Legacy: 5 Things You Need to Know About the Hazel Ying Lee Apartments
hazel ying lee apartments
hazel ying lee apartments

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