Sabin CDC Advances New Net-Zero Housing Development
Executive Director Mary Schoen-Clark is overseeing the 78-unit project following her work on the Harvey Rice development.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in People
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After over a decade of leadership at Sabin CDC, executive director Mary Schoen-Clark continues her work to expand affordable housing stock in Portland. Her tenure, which began in 2013, has focused on revitalizing urban infill projects and bringing property management operations in-house.
Why it matters
Schoen-Clark’s approach to affordable housing, highlighted by the recent completion of the 41-unit Harvey Rice Heritage project, reflects the ongoing challenge of addressing Portland's housing density through infill development. The transition from previous building models to current energy-efficient standards signals a shift in how local community development corporations prioritize long-term sustainability.
The Harvey Rice Heritage project added 41 affordable housing units to the city, replacing a 22-unit site. Sabin CDC is currently planning a larger 78-unit community, though a completion date for the energy-efficient project remains unknown.
The players
Mary Schoen-Clark
The executive director of Sabin CDC who has led the organization since 2013.
Sabin CDC
A Portland-based community development corporation focused on building and managing affordable housing.
Iron Tribe Network
A non-profit organization where Mary Schoen-Clark serves as a board member.
Scott Edwards Architecture
The architectural firm that partnered with Sabin CDC on the Harvey Rice Heritage project.
The details
Since taking the helm in 2013, Mary Schoen-Clark has shifted Sabin CDC toward a model that emphasizes in-house property management. This strategy was applied during the development of the Harvey Rice Heritage project, which utilized two urban infill sites in partnership with Scott Edwards Architecture. The organization is now moving toward the construction of the Nicole Sandoval, a 78-unit apartment community designed to meet Path-to-Net-Zero energy standards.
Timeline
1990s: Previous era of new housing development at Sabin CDC.
2013: Mary Schoen-Clark began her tenure as executive director.
Beyond the Bridges
Sabin CDC's upcoming development follows Path-to-Net-Zero energy standards, signaling a shift toward higher environmental performance in local affordable housing. This approach updates the development trajectory established by the organization’s work in the 1990s.
Residents should look for future announcements regarding the timeline for the Nicole Sandoval project and its potential impact on neighborhood density. Those interested in local development can track the progress of these 78 new units as they move toward the construction phase.
The takeaway
Schoen-Clark’s transition of property management to in-house operations marks a significant operational change for Sabin CDC. Watch for updates on the Nicole Sandoval development to see how the organization meets its new energy efficiency goals in upcoming urban infill sites.
Further reading
For more on the individuals shaping our city's landscape, explore the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Journal of Commerce.
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