The Columbia Apartments are under construction at 1423 SW Columbia. The project, designed by Fosler Portland Architect for WDC Properties, will add 23 apartment units to the Goose Hollow neighborhood. Proposed exterior materials for the four story building include metal panels, cedar siding and stucco. No off-street car parking will be provided. 36 bicycle parking spaces will be available in a secure bike room.

A Type II Design Review for the project was approved by the Bureau of Development Services in July 2014. No written comments were received from the Neighborhood Association or notified property owners. In the Decision On A Proposal In Your Neighborhood [PDF] it was found that the project met the approval criteria:

The proposed 4-story building has a relatively modern aesthetic but is also orderly and rather subtle in its pushing and pulling of façade planes. The materials selected are traditional and of high quality. The building will complement the other 3- and 4-story apartment buildings in the neighborhood as well as the older 2-story dwellings through its materials and engagement with the street. The requested Modifications are relatively minor in their impact to the overall design and function of the building. The design review process exists to promote the conservation, enhancement, and continued vitality of areas of the City with special scenic, architectural, or cultural value. The proposed design meets the approval criteria and therefore warrants approval.

Existing Context

The site, seen here in 2011, was previously the location of the historic John Bridges house, which was designed by noted architect Justus Krumbein. The house was listed on the City of Portland’s Historic Resource Inventory, but was removed from the Inventory in December 2013. It was demolished in March 2014.

Plans and Elevations