Array In Vertically Merged Cells

I saw a similar thread about arrays in merged cells, but the solution only addressed arrays in horizontally merged cells. It seems asking for clarification about vertically merged cells was too different a topic.

I am trying to create an indexing array in vertically merged cells. My attached file shows the visual I am going for. The goal is to create an array that will list out my active projects. The reason this occurs in merged cells is that for every project listed, I would like to include an array next to it which shows the 3 most recent updates logged.

I have already figured out my array functions. What I cannot figure out is how to create an array function in vertically merged cells so that I can populate my update arrays.

I consistently see 2 options to solve arrays in merged cells:

1. Create the array, then merge: This only works horizontally. If you try to merge vertically, it gives the error that you cannot change any part of the array.

2. Use a named range to create an array: This works for a single merged section. In my case, however, I want a list over multiple cells and this doesn't work. It will only populate one value.

Is there a way to make this work? Or do I need to create the array in a hidden helper sheet and make my merged cells for Project Name a reference to the hidden helper array?

Thanks!