The River PDX: A Holistic Source for Real Estate » architecture http://theriverpdx.com A Holistic Source for Real Estate in Portland, Oregon Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:53:48 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Architects & Designers http://theriverpdx.com/2011/06/30/architects-designers/ http://theriverpdx.com/2011/06/30/architects-designers/#comments Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:56:12 +0000 David Todd http://theriverpdx.com/?p=122 Local Architects & Designers–Portland, Oregon

If you’ve been contemplating the big step of remodeling your home, creating an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) on your property, or, even bigger yet, building your own home in the Portland area, here’s a set of architects and designers (listed in no particular order) who have a body of residential work to consider.

Departure Design, Dan Lajoie + Michelle Jeresek
Andre Debar
 Atelier Waechter, Ben Waechter
Limitless Blue, Corey Cliffe
Structures NW, Patrick Sugrue
PATH, Corey Martin
Paul McKean
Arciform
COMMUNITECTURE, Mark Lakeman
Emerick Architects
paolo design, Paolo Scardina
Architecture W
Giulietti/Schouten Architects
Building Arts Workshop
Works Partnership Architecture
Nathan Good

This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of local architects and designers, but a solid starting place for residential architectural resources in Portland, Oregon. I welcome suggestions for additions to this list. In addition to these websites, some of these offices maintain a social media presence as well. In some cases, that provides a more up to date glimpse of what they’re working on right now. Enjoy perusing the work of our local talent! Here’s a brief sampling of local work.

Departure Design, Artist Studio, Portland, OR

Atelier Waechter, Cape Cod, Portland, OR

Emerick Architects, Northwood, Portland, OR

Arciform, 1909 House, Portland, OR

PATH architecture, Butler Residence, Portland, OR

Debar Architecture, Bacon-Brenes Home, Portland, OR

]]> http://theriverpdx.com/2011/06/30/architects-designers/feed/ 0 A Lot of Potential http://theriverpdx.com/2011/06/27/a-lot-of-potential/ http://theriverpdx.com/2011/06/27/a-lot-of-potential/#comments Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:10:02 +0000 David Todd http://theriverpdx.com/?p=357

FOR SALE: 455 NW Albemarle Terrace, Portland, OR 97210, listed @ $170,000

This lot has tremendous potential. One of the last vacant, buildable lots in the Kings Heights neighborhood of NW Portland, this sloped parcel could be the home of a masterpiece. A lot of the groundwork has been completed to make this lot buildable. Please contact me for more details. If you’re considering building, and would like to know more about local architectural & design firms, here’s a set of local resources. Get to know some of these talented people and consider what they could do with this amazing view site.

For other lots in Portland, you can search here for other options that may suit your needs and budget. Enjoy!

]]> http://theriverpdx.com/2011/06/27/a-lot-of-potential/feed/ 0 The Portland Bungalow Alternative. . . http://theriverpdx.com/2011/06/01/the-portland-bungalow-alternative/ http://theriverpdx.com/2011/06/01/the-portland-bungalow-alternative/#comments Wed, 01 Jun 2011 21:56:45 +0000 David Todd http://theriverpdx.com/?p=711

2127 NW Irving St. #303, Portland, OR 97210 | listed at $219,000

It’s not uncommon to see homes listed as “condo alternatives,” but what do you say about condos that have timeless characteristics that harken back to the craftsmanship and warmth of the classic Northwest Bungalow. This condo includes a lush, mature courtyard landscape, original moldings, wood floors, pedestal sink, clawfoot tub, and a covered front porch–sounds like a “Bungalow Alternative” for those who love the vintage character, but don’t want the upkeep of a home.

See for yourself. Call your agent, and set up a tour. Or, contact me to learn more about how this condo–HOA questions, energy efficiency upgrades, local amenities, etc. I’m happy to be a resource. Enjoy the walkable neighborhood shops, restaurants, library, grocery stores, co-op, and parks (including Forest Park and Washington Park).

]]> http://theriverpdx.com/2011/06/01/the-portland-bungalow-alternative/feed/ 1 Where is that? no.8 http://theriverpdx.com/2011/04/05/where-is-that-no-8/ http://theriverpdx.com/2011/04/05/where-is-that-no-8/#comments Tue, 05 Apr 2011 23:47:13 +0000 David Todd http://theriverpdx.com/?p=660 Images from one of Portland’s unique structures–an incredible resource. Where is that? Email me your thoughts.[[Show as slideshow]]If you think you know where it is, feel free to contact me or comment. You can also explore more images of Portland’s built environment, cultivated landscapes, and raw surroundings here.

]]> http://theriverpdx.com/2011/04/05/where-is-that-no-8/feed/ 0 Rethinking Cornell: Checking my Math http://theriverpdx.com/2010/12/29/rethinking-cornell-checking-my-math/ http://theriverpdx.com/2010/12/29/rethinking-cornell-checking-my-math/#comments Wed, 29 Dec 2010 17:29:58 +0000 David Todd http://theriverpdx.com/?p=480 At first I looked at this property and summed up its parts as described in the post, Home+Lot+Design=Multiple Listings, but I’m struck by the variety of options that this property holds. Maybe I over-simplified its potential. On the surface it is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath home. It also has an adjacent vacant lot. That lot could be built upon with minimalist+ (see previous post). Or, one could buy the home with the adjacent lot and have a sweet and simple home on an oversized lot with incredible views.As I “checked my math” and thought about this lot further, I got to thinking about buying the whole property, living in the existing home, building a minimalist+ home on the lot, move into the minimalist+ home, and redevelop the existing house to make this a dynamic duo perched out on the Cornell curve. Minimalist+ has done the math, and you just can’t get homes of architectural significance designed and built-to-suit with views like these for this kind of price. Especially at a location like this. With a 77 out of 100 WALKSCORE and sweet-n-easy bike commute into the city, the location has so much to offer. The first step in the equation is contacting us to learn more and schedule a visit to the site to see this in person.

With this in mind, reconsider the following opportunities:

  • own a view HOME on NW Cornell for $315,000
  • own a LOT with a commanding city and mountain view for $200,000
  • own the whole thing, a home on a double lot on NW Cornell for $515,000
  • DESIGN a build-to-suit minimalist+ landmark home with stunning views at an amazing location with instant access to the city, Forest Park, and freeways for getaways!

If minimalist+ is not for you, we invite you to bring your builder and architect to assess the great potential on this site. Contact us for further information or to schedule a site visit.

]]> http://theriverpdx.com/2010/12/29/rethinking-cornell-checking-my-math/feed/ 0 My Own Portland Holiday: The Build It Green! Home Tour Day http://theriverpdx.com/2010/09/21/my-own-portland-holiday-the-build-it-green-home-tour-day/ http://theriverpdx.com/2010/09/21/my-own-portland-holiday-the-build-it-green-home-tour-day/#comments Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:24:33 +0000 David Todd http://theriverpdx.com/?p=516 This Saturday, September 25th, we’ll enjoy the annual Build It Green! Home Tour. This year’s tour of 21 remarkable projects focuses on smaller projects that integrate sustainable design and building practices. It’s like a holiday for me–being an annual event that I make tradition and look forward to celebrating. For the past 6 years I’ve volunteered as a site host to help provide tours and answer questions for those touring. This year, I’ll be touring! I always feel like I miss out on so many interesting homes. I’m especially excited about this year’s tour as a great opportunity to gain inspiration and insight from the various imaginative and innovative small spaces that people have created. With 21 options it would be easy to run myself ragged trying to see it all. Here are my top five picks (I think. There are a couple others that I may not be able to miss.):

  1. CoreHaus new construction PassivHaus
  2. Engstrom & Werlin Duplex Renovation
  3. Doleman Strawbale Dwelling
  4. Harpoon House
  5. Woolsey Corner Affordable Cohousing

Wow! That was hard. I’m still unsure of my choices, as there are so many interesting ones this year. Some I’ve already visited or anticipate having the opportunity to visit down the road, so that helped take a few off my plate, but there are still some that might make the list come tour day. Tickets are available online.

If you’re unable to make the tour, but would like to tap into the local green building and sustainable design world, there will also be A FREE fun, family-friendly information fair with green vendors, demonstrations, food, drink and music. I will have a table there to share my business and answer questions. There are usually dozens of local businesses and non-profits present to share what they’ve been working on and how they can help as you assess how this impacts your home and fits into your life. Overall, it’s a great day to gain inspiration and insight into how others are making strides to create healthy, sustainable living situations and dwellings. If you attend the info fair, stop by to say, “HI!”

The info fair will be held at EcoHaus from 3pm to 7pm. EcoHaus is located at 819 Se Taylor St., Portland, OR 97214. If you’d like updates on events like this throughout the year, check out my facebook page or twitter feed. Or, just contact me directly. Enjoy.

]]> http://theriverpdx.com/2010/09/21/my-own-portland-holiday-the-build-it-green-home-tour-day/feed/ 0 Home+Lot+Design=Multiple Listings http://theriverpdx.com/2010/09/18/homelotdesignmultiple-listings/ http://theriverpdx.com/2010/09/18/homelotdesignmultiple-listings/#comments Sat, 18 Sep 2010 23:55:23 +0000 David Todd http://theriverpdx.com/?p=441

2865 NW Cornell Rd., listed @ $315,000

This is a rare opportunity in many ways. Consider the following opportunities:

  • own a view HOME on NW Cornell for $315,000
  • own a LOT with a commanding city and mountain view for $200,000
  • own the whole thing, a home on a double lot on NW Cornell for $515,000
  • DESIGN a build-to-suit minimalist+ landmark home with stunning views at an amazing location with instant access to the city, Forest Park, and freeways for getaways! Minimalist+ has priced their featured prototype  at $599,000 (including the list price of the lot). If you’d like to know more about this unique property and its varied opportunities, please contact me. I would be happy to arrange a guided tour.
]]> http://theriverpdx.com/2010/09/18/homelotdesignmultiple-listings/feed/ 2 Home is where the smart is. http://theriverpdx.com/2010/09/03/home-is-where-the-smart-is/ http://theriverpdx.com/2010/09/03/home-is-where-the-smart-is/#comments Sat, 04 Sep 2010 05:13:46 +0000 David Todd http://theriverpdx.com/?p=410

Introducing, minimalist+: There were always compromises to be made: settle for a so-called “custom” home (built by a mega-builder using plan #1,482) in a neighborhood that they chose, not you. Maybe it was built with care and quality, maybe not. Hard to tell. What it definitely wouldn’t be was designed for your modern tastes and sustainable lifestyle.

Or you could hunt for a lot, hire an architect, wait a year or more, spend a small fortune (or maybe a large one), pull much of your hair out during construction, and end up with a great home.

Or you could explore the world of pre-fab homes, which wasn’t a terrible solution, but still cost a bunch per square foot, came from far away, and the finished product was difficult to judge.
well, those days are done. you are back in control of where and how you live— even if you don’t have a wall street-sized bank account. you can afford sustainable architecture.

minimalist+ is an entirely new concept of home building, created just for you – if you happen to want a very smart, top-quality, affordable ($160 to $180 per square foot!), sustainably built, low-maintenance, architect-designed, innovative modern home (that goes up in half the time).

We combine the craftsmanship and on-site care of expertly “stick-built” homes with the speed, efficiency and quality control of pre-fab construction. The result (and it’s a game-changer) is the minimalist+ SiteFabTM process. Sustainable building at it’s best.[[Show as slideshow]]

To learn more about minimalist+, visit our site or contact me. I’ve created a tag for “minimalist+” so any updates can be easily tracked. You can also follow us on twitter or facebook. Since this is an evolving development, there will be varied updates based on how it all unfolds.

So far we’ve been welcomed onto the scene. Here are a few of the blogs and articles on minimalist+:

Jetson Green
Sustainable Business Oregon
BobVila.com (This Old House has an interest in this new house.)
Mother Nature News

More to follow. . . stay tuned for the upcoming sites for sale where we’ll have minimalist+ site-specific designs and pricing.

]]> http://theriverpdx.com/2010/09/03/home-is-where-the-smart-is/feed/ 0 The Sunrose, by HOLST Architecture http://theriverpdx.com/2009/12/03/the-sunrose-by-holst-architecture/ http://theriverpdx.com/2009/12/03/the-sunrose-by-holst-architecture/#comments Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:49:26 +0000 David Todd http://theriverpdx.com/?p=119

The Sunrose @ 28th + SE Burnside

The Sunrose Condominiums at 28th & Burnside are the latest contribution from HOLST Architecture. By design (and location), these 32 homes offer distinguished, vibrant urban living. [[Show as slideshow]]Listed by Eric Hagstette and Tracy Wiens of Meadows Group, the homes are now available for sale. Prices range from $250,000 to $510,000. contact me for for more details, or to arrange a visit.

More from HOLST Architecture: Holst has been making their mark on Portland for years. Here’s just a sampling of their recent contributions. Contact me for more information about any of the projects you see below.[[Show as slideshow]]

]]> http://theriverpdx.com/2009/12/03/the-sunrose-by-holst-architecture/feed/ 0 Green Day Forum, December 4, 2009 http://theriverpdx.com/2009/11/28/green-day-forum-december-4-2009/ http://theriverpdx.com/2009/11/28/green-day-forum-december-4-2009/#comments Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:24:34 +0000 David Todd http://theriverpdx.com/?p=142 The Road Before Us

Architecture 2030: The Road Before Us

Assembled by the Earth Advantage Institute, the Green Day Forum aims to bring together 100 thought leaders to discuss strategies for meeting the Architecture 2030 goals of establishing a carbon-neutral building industry. Topics range from Energy Performance Score implementation and incentives to current policy initiatives to funding sources to Passive House design and building standards. This is the short list. It’s an amazing agenda for the day. Former Secretary of State, Bill Bradbury, will be presenting among a host of other innovative thinkers in the architecture, construction, and renewable energy sectors of Oregon. I’ll be anxious to see the action items and strategies that come from this kind of assembly covering this much ground. Register here to participate.

The Green Day Forum will be held at the Earth Advantage Institute in Tigard, Oregon from 7:30am to 6:30pm on December 4th, 2009. The Earth Advantage National Center is located at 16280 SW Upper Boones Ferry Road Portland, OR 97224.

]]> http://theriverpdx.com/2009/11/28/green-day-forum-december-4-2009/feed/ 0