Portland Housing Authority Orders Franklin Towers Evacuation

Residents will be relocated with moving costs covered as the authority begins a $50 million renovation of the historic building.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Apartments

Portland Housing Authority Orders Franklin Towers Evacuation

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The Portland Housing Authority has ordered the evacuation of all 150 residents from Franklin Towers due to the presence of toxic polychlorinated biphenyls. The move is necessary to allow for a comprehensive $50 million renovation of the 57-year-old historic building.

Why it matters

The presence of hazardous chemicals in the soil and air makes the building unsafe for continued occupancy, forcing a major displacement of low-income households. This project aims to resolve long-standing maintenance concerns, such as major utility failures, while improving energy efficiency.

The relocation process involves 150 low-income residents who currently pay rent at 30% of their income, which averages $385 per month. While the full renovation is estimated at $50 million, the housing authority expects to offset costs with up to $14 million in tax credits.

The players

Portland Housing Authority

The local agency responsible for managing subsidized low-income housing and coordinating tenant relocation services.

Franklin Towers

A 16-story, 57-year-old historic building in Portland that provides housing for approximately 150 low-income residents.

The details

The Portland Housing Authority discovered polychlorinated biphenyls in the building, soil, and air, necessitating that the site be completely cleared for remediation. Throughout the transition, the authority will cover all moving costs for residents, who will maintain their current housing subsidies and rent protections. Construction is currently running at least one year behind the original schedule as crews work to modernize the 57-year-old high-rise.

1969: Franklin Towers was originally constructed.
2022: The building experienced a weekslong electrical outage.
2024: The complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
October 6, 2026: The housing authority notified residents of the required evacuation.
Next six months: The authority plans to complete the relocation of all residents.

Money Landscape

This evacuation follows a trend of major capital improvements for older urban infrastructure, specifically those listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These renovations aim to prevent the recurring utility outages that affected the building in 2022.

Residents should confirm with the Portland Housing Authority that their current housing subsidy and 30% income-based rent structure remain unchanged in their temporary units. Families should track all moving-related receipts to ensure full reimbursement of expenses by the agency.

The takeaway

The evacuation is a necessary step to address toxic material concerns in an aging housing facility while securing long-term building viability. Residents should maintain close communication with their housing authority case manager regarding temporary housing assignments and the relocation timeline.