Portland Housing Authority Relocated Franklin Towers Residents
Residents of the 150-unit building are moving to new homes as the authority begins renovations to remove PCBs.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Apartments
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The Portland Housing Authority has initiated a relocation process for 150 households living at Franklin Towers. The project follows the discovery of PCB chemicals in building materials, necessitating a multi-month renovation of the 16-story structure.
Why it matters
The relocation ensures resident safety while addressing environmental hazards found in the 1960s-era building. Because the housing authority can only immediately accommodate 70 households, the remaining residents are using housing vouchers to secure alternative rental units.
The relocation affects all 150 households in the 16-story building. While the housing authority is covering moving costs and providing assistance, it can currently only accommodate 70 households in its own units.
The players
Portland Housing Authority
The local public agency responsible for managing subsidized housing and administering rental assistance programs for low-income residents.
The details
The Portland Housing Authority is managing the transition for residents who have occupied the building for varying lengths of time, including some for as long as 15 years. Renovations are required to address PCBs identified in the original building materials. Residents are utilizing housing vouchers to help secure replacement rentals in a city that contains approximately 17,000 total rental units and 2,000 units under the low-income housing tax credit program.
Timeline
Construction of Franklin Towers was completed in the 1960s.
The relocation of residents for building renovations began in October 2026.
The Home Front
This project reflects a broader trend of addressing outdated construction materials in mid-century public housing developments. These renovations often follow updated building safety protocols that prioritize the removal of legacy hazardous materials.
Residents currently living in older multi-story buildings should verify if their property management has conducted recent environmental safety testing. If you are a renter, ensure your contact information is updated with your housing authority to receive notices regarding potential facility maintenance or relocation plans.
The takeaway
The relocation of Franklin Towers serves as a reminder to monitor building maintenance updates in older residential high-rises. Affected residents should maintain open communication with the Portland Housing Authority to track the status of their housing vouchers and eventual return timelines.
Further reading
Learn more about local rental housing policies in our Apartments section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WGME.
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