A long-anticipated step toward addressing the housing crisis in Grants Pass officially began this month as city officials, developers, and community stakeholders gathered to break ground on the Nebraska Trail Apartments — a 51-unit affordable housing complex that has been years in the making.
Located at 1801 SW Nebraska Avenue, the new development will bring a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments to the city, all designated for families earning 60% or less of the area median income. For a family of four in Josephine County, that translates to an annual income of around $50,880 or less — a critical target demographic as housing costs continue to outpace wages in the region.
Mayor Scherf highlighted the project as a milestone in the city’s evolving approach to community development. He traced the initiative back to 2018, when the City Council established a housing task force made up of both staff and citizens to find practical solutions using surplus city-owned properties. The goal was clear: repurpose public land to meet public need — specifically, the growing demand for affordable rental housing.
The 1.9-acre parcel on SW Nebraska Avenue was quickly identified as an ideal candidate. Its proximity to essential services like Asante Three Rivers Medical Center and Albertsons, access to existing utility infrastructure, and designation for high-density residential development made it a strategic choice for multi-family housing.
Initial progress was slow. In 2020, the city issued its first Request for Proposals (RFP), hoping to partner with a private developer. An 18-month negotiation with a California-based company ultimately fell through. But a second RFP generated renewed interest, and after careful consideration, the city awarded the project to Chrisman Development of Enterprise, Oregon — a firm with a strong reputation in housing development.
Chrisman Development, founded in 2000, has built over 3,000 residential units in 24 Oregon counties. The Nebraska Trail Apartments marks the company’s first new construction project in Southern Oregon, and both city and developer officials say they are eager to prove it a success.
City leaders say the project wouldn’t be possible without support from Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), which helped guide the complex funding process. Affordable housing projects like this one often require a careful layering of tax credits, public grants, and private investment to move from vision to reality.
The Nebraska Trail Apartments are expected to be completed by mid-2026. Once finished, the development will help ease the burden for many working families who have been priced out of the local housing market. In addition to offering stability for renters, the apartments will also help support local employers and schools by making it easier for residents to live and work in the same community.
With shovels now in the ground, Nebraska Trail Apartments symbolize more than construction. They represent a renewed commitment from city officials and community leaders to prioritize affordable housing and ensure that Grants Pass remains livable for all.