This post is the second in a series on Oregon Square, focusing on Block 91. See also Part I about the urban design and landscaping, Part II about Block 91, Part IV about Block 90 and Part V about Block 103.

Located at the northeast corner of the Oregon Square, Block 102 is one of the two lower buildings planned for the Lloyd District mega development. The 131′ tall building will include 163 residential units in its 11 floors. 11,427 sq ft of retail is planned, with double sided units facing onto the new square, as well as NE Holladay St and NE 9th Ave. Amenities for the tenants will include a roof terrace, dog wash, fitness room and yoga room at level 7. A community room for the use of residents will be located at level 11.

Block 91 will be located in the northeast corner of Oregon Square, directly across NE Holladay St from the recently completed Aster Tower at Hassalo on Eighth. The existing building on the site was built in 1949 by the Lloyd Corporation, who developed much of the property in the area.

Block 102 is arranged as two interlocking forms: a light tower nesting into a dark podium. The light form responds to the marble-clad Bonneville Power Administration building located directly to the east across NE 9th Ave. The primary material for the light volume will be a white stack bonded brick, while the darker volume will be clad in a glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) panel in a dark brown color. The upper level punched windows will be an aluminum system, and aluminum storefront glazing will be used at the ground level.

Of all the buildings proposed at Oregon Square, Block 102 evolved the most during the Design Review process. The design presented at the first hearing drew a negative response from all the members of the Commission. The building was significantly revised when presented at the second hearing, leading to Commission Chair Wark to comment that it ha “come farther than any other building in terms of where it started to where it is now”. Subsequent refinements included the addition of balconies to the northwest corner, as well as the re-alignment of the retail storefronts so that they are parallel to the north lot line. In the Final Findings and Decision By The Design Commission [PDF] it was noted that the “changes have been very responsive… while retaining a canted, recessed condition for the lobby entry to differentiate the primary building access.”

Building permits will need to be obtained before construction work can begin.

Plans, Elevations and Sections