The Family YMCA of Marion and Polk Counties broke ground Wednesday morning on its $9 million veterans housing project.
A 34-unit apartment complex called Courtney Place will be built on the corner of Cottage and Court streets NE, across the street from the new Withnell Family YMCA.
The facility will serve veterans who need an affordable option for permanent housing and is named in honor of Sen. Peter Courtney, who led the effort to secure $7 million in funding from the Oregon Legislature during the 2019 and 2021 sessions.
Courtney and other dignitaries grabbed their hardhats and shovels before a ceremony nearby to pose for the obligatory groundbreaking photo at the gravel site.