Portland Nonprofit Transforms Blagen Block Into Community Hub
Feed the Mass is converting the historic four-story property into the Nourish Building to improve food access in Old Town.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Healthy Food
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In January 2026, the nonprofit Feed the Mass purchased the Blagen Block building in Old Town Portland to establish a new community resource center. The organization is currently converting the four-story site, formerly an Airbnb regional office, into the Nourish Building.
Why it matters
The project aims to combat the lack of dedicated grocery stores in Old Town Portland by providing a central location for affordable food. This initiative focuses on improving nutritional access for residents in the low-income community.
The new grocery store will occupy a 4,000-square-foot space within the four-story building, offering bulk dry goods and produce capped at $2 per pound. The nonprofit currently manages an annual budget of $2.5 million and employs 23 staff members.
The players
Feed the Mass
This nonprofit organization distributes 5,000 meals weekly and focuses on community-based food security initiatives.
Third Eye Books
This retailer operates the Kultural Korner space within the Blagen Block building.
The details
The facility will house the 1st & Nourish Market alongside coworking spaces, classrooms, and a coffee shop. Third Eye Books currently maintains a presence in the building through its Kultural Korner location.
Timeline
Feed the Mass began operating in 2016.
The nonprofit moved into its Northwest Davis Street headquarters in 2021.
The organization purchased the Blagen Block building in January 2026.
The 1st & Nourish Market is scheduled to open in January 2027.
Culture Shift
This development reflects a growing movement toward community-owned food systems in areas historically underserved by commercial retailers. It represents a shift from traditional market dependence to non-profit managed infrastructure that prioritizes local access over corporate profit margins.
Residents in Old Town can expect improved access to affordable produce and dry goods once the market launches next year. The site will also provide new public amenities including classroom space and a dedicated coffee shop for the neighborhood.
The takeaway
This project demonstrates how repurposing commercial office space can serve critical social needs in urban centers. Residents can monitor the development to see how the inclusion of coworking and education spaces alongside food retail reshapes community engagement.
What happens next
The 1st & Nourish Market is scheduled to open for the community in January 2027.
Further reading
For more information on nutrition and local programs, visit the Healthy Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Here is Oregon - hereisoregon.com.
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