SERA Architects have gone before the Design Commission with plans for a new mixed use building at NW 19th & Quimby. The project by Urban Asset Advisors would include 90 residential units, 2 live/work units at the ground floor and a 1,200 sq ft retail space. Parking for 50 cars would be provided, 34 of them in a mechanized system. Parking for 120 bicycles will be provided, primarily via racks located in the units. A common room and exterior roof terrace for the use of the residents will be provided at the 6th floor.

The site is located at the northern end of the Northwest District. At the corner of the site is a single story building built in 1947, which was until recently the home of the now closed bar Quimby’s at 19th. In recent years the bar’s parking lot has been used as a food cart pod. Also located on the site is a single family home, built in 1880. Other buildings on the block that will remain include the Sniff Dog Hotel and the Northwest Surgery Center.

Exterior materials proposed for the 6 story building include red and tan brick, Viroc fiber cement composite panels, aluminum storefront glazing and vinyl windows.

A Staff Report and Recommendation to the Design Commission [PDF], published before the January 21st Design Review hearing, did not yet recommend approval. Issues cited as remaining to be resolved included the massing at the southwest corner; the composition and materials including at the property line walls; and the ground floor program in general, including the transformer facing the street, the activation of the live/work units, the canopies and the garage door. The members of the Design Commission present found themselves in agreement with the staff recommendations. The project is expected to return before the Design Commission for a second hearing on March 3rd.

Plans, Elevations and Sections