Architecture and Development in PDX
The Design Commission has approved the Press Blocks, the redevelopment of the former Oregonian publishing buildings in Goose Hollow. The development will include three buildings, spread over one and a half city blocks. The project is developed in partnership by Urban Renaissance Group and Security Properties. The architects are Portland based GBD Architects and Seattle based Mithun.
An initial Design Review hearing has been held for the Press Blocks, the redevelopment of the former Oregonian publishing buildings in Goose Hollow. The development will include three buildings, spread over one and a half city blocks. The project is developed in partnership by Urban Renaissance Group and Security Properties. The architects are Portland based GBD Architects and Seattle based Mithun.
Image of the Press Blocks development in Goose Hollow, from the project’s second Design Advice Request hearing in October 2016 (image by Mithun)
According to the Portland Business Journal the sale of the former Oregonian printing facilities in Goose Hollow has closed. Urban Renaissance Group and Security Properties paid $20 million for the site, which is set to be redevelopment as the Press Blocks.
The Business Tribune wrote about the new leadership at Holst Architecture.
After more than 20 years, Mark Edlen has handed over the reins at Gerding Edlen, reports the Portland Business Journal.
The NW Examiner reported that the amount of ground retail at the Vista Pearl (formerly Block 20) will be reduced from what was originally approved.
The Portland Bureau of Transportation is looking for feedback on what type of bike parking should be required at new apartment buildings, reported BikePortland.
The DJC wrote about how local architecture firms make decisions on whether to speak up on political issues.*
The prospect of lower corporate taxes under President Trump is having a chilling effect on one of the main sources of financing for affordable housing developments, wrote the Portland Mercury. Local projects affected include Innovate Housing’s NW 14th & Raleigh development, which now has a $1.8 million funding gap.
The Portland Business Journal took a look at the Swift Headquarters, completed last year in the former Rose City Awnings building in NW.
As part of their Architect’s Questionnaire series, Portland Architecture interviewed Nat Slayton of ZGF Architects.
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Design Advice has been offered for the Press Blocks, the redevelopment of the former Oregonian publishing buildings in Goose Hollow. The development would include three buildings, spread over one and a half city blocks. The project is developed in partnership by Urban Renaissance Group and Security Properties. The architects are Portland based GBD Architects and Seattle based Mithun. Around 350 vehicular parking stalls and 500 long term bicycle parking spaces would be provided, in underground garages. An existing tunnel under SW 17th Ave would be retained, in order to provide a pedestrian connection between the two garages.
The “Centers and Corridors” identified in the 2035 Comprehensive Plan. In the next 20 years City Planners anticipate that 50 percent of Portland’s growth will occur in the “Centers and Corridors”. 30 percent will occur in the Central City, with the remaining 20 percent of the growth happening in the rest of the city.
The DJC reported ($) on Urban Renaissance Group’s big plans for the Oregonian Publishing buildings at 817 SW 17th Ave. The redevelopment of the one and half blocks in Goose Hollow could include a full block residential tower by Mithun, with different options “ranging from 245 feet in 21 stories to 325 feet in 29 stories.” The half block parcel would developed as an eight story office building, 115′ in height, designed by GBD Architects.
The Portland Business Journal reported on a potentially “catalytic” development on Old Town Chinatown Block 33. Guardian Real Estate is planning a project with “up to 300 residential units, ground-floor retail and a new hotel”.
A proposed 1% Construction Excise Tax had a first reading at City Council, with all five City Commissioners indicated support for the proposal. The Portland Mercury reported that the biggest question was whether multifamily buildings should be treated as “residential” or “commercial” properties.
OPB reported that ground was broken on the OHSU Knight Cancer Research Building.
The Business Tribune covered the proposed changes to the Oregon Square development. A Pre-Application Conference was recently held, in advance of the submittal of a revised Design Review application.
The City Council approved the 2035 Comprehensive Plan, the 20 year growth plan that has been years in the making. Changes to City code will start coming into effect in 2018.
The Bureau of Planning & Sustainability has released the draft recommendations for the Residential Infill Project. OPB discussed what it could mean with two members of the Stakeholder Advisory Committee.
The Oregonian looked into how the Lloyd Center Remodel could help the mall recapture the hearts of Portlanders.
A major renovation of the former home of the Oregonian building at 1320 SW Broadway is about to get underway. Designs for the remodel have been prepared by architects Allied Works for Seattle based developer Urban Renaissance Group, who bought the building earlier this year. When complete the building will offer 165,000 sq ft of rentable office space, as well as up to 5 new ground floor retail spaces. Parking for 68 cars will be provided, 56 of which will be newly added in the basement. 200 “ride in ride out” bike parking spaces will be provided.
