The promise of more affordable housing in Grants Pass took a significant step forward this month with a groundbreaking ceremony for the 51-unit Nebraska Trail Apartments at 1801 SW Nebraska Avenue.
During the ceremony, Grants Pass Mayor Clint Scherf spoke about the project's genesis in 2018 when the City Council formed a citizen and staff task force to strategically assess the potential of surplus city properties in tackling the growing housing crisis.
The 1.9-acre lot -- with high-density zoning at an advantageous location near Three Rivers Medical Center and the Allen Creek Shopping Center -- quickly emerged as a prime opportunity to expand the city's apartment inventory.
Chrisman Development of Enterprise, Oregon, was founded in 2000. It has an impressive track record, having constructed over 3,000 residential units across 24 counties in the state. The Nebraska Trail Apartments represent their first new construction venture in Southern Oregon.
The Nebraska Trail Apartments will introduce much-needed one-, two- and three-bedroom units specifically set aside for families earning 60% or less of Josephine County's Area Median Income -- around $50,880 annually for a family of four. The contractor expects the project to complete construction in mid-2026.
Mayor Scherf acknowledged the challenges Grants Pass faces in providing housing for low-income residents, emphasizing that while there's still a long road ahead, the Nebraska Trail Apartments represent a significant step for in the City's ongoing commitment to ensuring safe, quality housing for all residents.
