Building for the Health of our People and Planet

At Walsh Construction Co., we recognize the critical role that the built environment plays in shaping a sustainable future.

As we approach a new year, the pressing need to care for our planet resonates louder than ever. Reflecting on the strides we've taken and the path ahead, we're proud to reaffirm our commitment to building spaces that not only serve communities but also the environment.

Energy Efficiency

One of our projects this year, Greenbrae at Marylhurst Commons in Lake Oswego, Oregon for Mercy Housing, is a shining example of the Passive House standards which effectively blend sustainable and energy-efficient design. Passive House buildings adhere to rigorous standards that prioritize airtight construction, superior insulation, and optimized energy use. Greenbrae brings 100 new affordable units to serve low-income households and people who are in the process of leaving homelessness. By focusing on reducing energy demands while maintaining exceptional indoor air quality and comfort, the Greenbrae project embodies our mission to build better, healthier spaces for all.

Transit-Oriented Developments

Part of this effort is the added focus on increasing walkability and access to mass transit for residents. Walsh has become an expert in building transit-oriented developments (TODs). As of mid-2024, Walsh has built over 1,700 apartments at light rail stations as evidenced in the map on the right, and we are on track to deliver more than 1,900 additional homes in the next five years. Currently, we are working on the eight-story Angle Lake Family Housing TOD project in SeaTac and the Northgate Affordable Housing in North Seattle. We are also actively working on future TOD projects at the Overlake Station in Redmond and the Kent Station.

Wraparound Services

The health of our planet is inseparably tied to the well-being of those who care for it. By including wraparound services and comprehensive childcare facilities in our affordable housing communities, we provide easier access to essential resources that support the well-being of vulnerable populations in our communities.

Recently completed in Seattle, Four Amigos Beloved Community features the Jose Marti Child Development Center, a multifaceted, dual language child development center with two toddler rooms, two preschool rooms, and a vibrant, central outdoor play space. This six-story, mixed use building also holds 87 affordable apartments and a 2,600 square-foot worship space for the Church of Hope.

Currently in construction, the Low Income Housing Institute’s MLK project in Seattle is a six-story affordable housing building with a preschool on the ground floor. Run by the Refugee Women's Alliance (REWA), the preschool will offer culturally and linguistically appropriate education to preschool age children to prepare them for the transition into kindergarten.

We also are looking forward to beginning work on a trauma-informed, year-round shelter in Hillsboro, Oregon in collaboration with Holst Architecture, the City of Hillsboro, and Washington County. This crucial project will offer dozens of shelter beds to vulnerable community members in Washington County and provide access to resources for individuals on the path out of homelessness.

Our dedication to our communities extends to young people across the Pacific Northwest, exemplified by our work on Parrott Creek Child and Family Services’ campus expansion project, which will double their capacity to support youth impacted by the juvenile justice system. Nestled in rural Oregon City, Parrott Creek Child and Family Services provides incredible comprehensive support to youth and families impacted by child welfare systems, as well as those struggling with addiction, mental health needs, or homelessness. The campus sits on an 80-acre site, most of which will be preserved as a resource for nature therapy, environmental stewardship, and indigenous community access, further highlighting Walsh’s continued care for our planet.

Looking Ahead

Looking toward the future, our work with Community Development Partners on the Julia West House in the heart of downtown Portland serves as an exciting beacon of the opportunities that mass timber presents for sustainable and high-functioning buildings. Julia West addresses the growing need for affordable housing in Portland, bringing 90 units of deeply affordable housing in a 12-story mass timber structure. Currently under construction, this mass timber building highlights the potential of using renewable materials that store carbon rather than emitting it. The Julia West project continues our tradition of innovation, highlighting a new generation of building materials that are sure to shape the landscape in exciting and impactful ways.

In addition to Julia West, we are building several other mass timber structures, including the new Community Center for Athletics and Wellness on Catlin Gabel School’s Portland campus.

As we embark on another year, we remain committed to continuing to bring cost-effective solutions that support the resilience of our communities and our environment. The spaces we build today shape the world we’ll live in tomorrow, and as such, we are proud to be collaborating with partners and communities to create buildings that embody innovation, resilience, and care for the environment.