Portland Approves Plan for 720 New Homes on Franklin St
The plan would shrink the road width to create new residential housing and expand city parks for the community.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Home Renovation
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Portland officials have approved a design plan to transform the Franklin Street corridor, shifting from a wide thoroughfare into a residential-focused street grid. The proposal includes building up to 720 new homes and expanding two city parks for local residents.
Why it matters
The project aims to replace a car-centered corridor with a walkable neighborhood grid to improve local connectivity and housing access. By reclaiming 3.5 acres of land, the city intends to repurpose underutilized space into new residential housing.
The plan reduces roadway width from 200 feet down to 50 to 60 feet, reclaiming 3.5 acres of land for development. This project supports the construction of up to 720 new homes while adding continuous bike paths and expanding two existing city parks.
The players
Portland Sustainability and Transportation Committee
A local government body responsible for reviewing and authorizing infrastructure projects that shape city mobility and land use.
The details
The design concept narrows the oversized Franklin Street footprint to prioritize pedestrians and local accessibility. By reclaiming 3.5 acres previously dedicated to excess road width, the project allows for the integration of new residential housing and park expansions. The plan also restores the traditional street grid, which is intended to better connect neighborhoods previously divided by the wider roadway.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: Portland Sustainability and Transportation Committee approved the design concept.
The Home Front
This project aligns with the broader urban planning trend of shrinking excessive road infrastructure to repurpose land for residential growth. It marks a significant shift in Portland by prioritizing housing density over legacy car-centric design.
Residents should track upcoming city council hearings if they live near the Franklin Street corridor to stay informed on land-use changes. Homeowners in the area may want to monitor how the restored street grid and new park access affect local property accessibility and development timelines.
The takeaway
The Franklin Street redesign represents a long-term shift toward a more walkable, residential-heavy neighborhood in Portland. Neighbors should keep an eye on official city council meeting schedules to watch for the next phase of project approval.
Further reading
For more information on local zoning and neighborhood development, see Home Renovation.
Live Poll
Do you support prioritizing pedestrian infrastructure and new housing over existing vehicle traffic lanes?
