Dolores Affordable Housing - AKS Engineering & Forestry

Dolores Affordable Housing Development

The Dolores project is a three-story multifamily affordable housing development that will bring 67 new homes to Hillsboro’s Tanasbourne neighborhood. Designed to serve families of all sizes, the project offers units ranging from one to four bedrooms, with 12 units set aside as permanent supportive housing in partnership with New Narrative. These homes will provide critical stability for residents who require both housing and comprehensive support services.

The project site, a former hazelnut orchard, is being transformed into a vibrant residential community shaped by input from a local residential proxy group. Drawing inspiration from the colorful, human-centered designs of Mexican architects Ricardo Legorreta and Luis Barragán and named after Latina agricultural activist Dolores Huerta, Dolores strikes a balance between functionality and cultural expression.

Led by Hacienda CDC in partnership with the City of Hillsboro, Dolores was the first property acquired through Metro’s Site Acquisition Program, which prioritizes racial equity in the distribution of affordable housing opportunities.

Sustainability is also at the forefront. At 75,209 square feet, the development incorporates solar panels, green spaces, and a community garden to lower energy costs, promote environmental stewardship, and provide residents with opportunities to connect with one another.

For AKS, the Dolores project reflects our mission to design strong communities and to do the right thing, the right way. This project creates housing opportunities for individuals and families across the socioeconomic spectrum, fostering a sense of belonging and well-being. It is a tangible example of how thoughtful design and collaboration can change lives.

Civil Engineering

AKS provided comprehensive civil engineering services to support the Dolores project from concept through construction. Our team designed the on-site pedestrian pathways, parking areas, and utility systems for water, sewers, and stormwater drainage. Off-site, we managed the widening of the frontage along SW Walker Road and oversaw the complete reconfiguration and construction of NE 101st Avenue, ensuring the surrounding transportation network could accommodate the new community. To meet the project’s infrastructure needs, we also extended more than 400 feet of public stormwater, water, and sanitary drainage to serve the development. Final construction documents were prepared for both public and private improvements, with our engineers coordinating closely with Clean Water Services (CWS), Washington County, the Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD), and the City of Hillsboro to secure approvals. Because the project received HUD funding, AKS also worked extensively with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NFMS) to ensure the stormwater design met federal standards.

Land Use Planning

Our planning team guided the Dolores project through the land use entitlement process with a strategy that emphasized both compliance and community engagement. Early in the project, AKS led pre-application coordination and developed a comprehensive land use strategy to set up the foundation for successful approvals. We prepared and submitted Development Review and Planned Unit Development applications, along with numerous consolidation applications and supporting documentation. To build trust and transparency, we coordinated neighborhood meetings and represented the project at Planning Commission hearings. Throughout the permitting phase, AKS worked diligently with reviewing agencies to manage submittals, resolve issues, and ensure the project met regulatory requirements.

Surveying

Surveying was critical to laying the groundwork for the Dolores project. AKS performed an American Land Title Association/National Society of Professional Surveyors (ALTA/NSPS) survey, as well as boundary, topographic, and right-of-way surveys to define existing site conditions and property limits. Our survey team is currently preparing the legal descriptions and exhibit maps required for dedications and easements. Given the site’s urban context, coordination with public utility locators and implementation of traffic control measures were necessary to safely complete survey operations while minimizing disruptions to the surrounding community.

Arborist

Trees played a crucial role in the Dolores project, and AKS’ certified arborists ensured that their management was handled with care and precision. We conducted a full tree inventory and health assessments for all trees with a diameter of 6 inches or greater, providing the baseline data needed for informed decision-making. Based on these findings, our team developed both preliminary and final tree preservation and removal plans to balance project needs with environmental stewardship. During construction, our arborists conducted site inspections and prepared detailed reports to ensure tree preservation measures were followed, supporting compliance and long-term sustainability.

Natural Resources

AKS provided limited natural resources support in coordination of the Dolores project’s permitting efforts. This included completing a CWS Pre-Screen Service Provider Letter (SPL) to verify consistency with environmental requirements and ensure the proposed infrastructure design meets local review standards.

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