Two new development proposals will likely spell the demise of a few more vintage Portland apartment buildings.
The first proposal is for a 5-story 66,000 square foot mixed-use building
at 537 NE Couch. This building would extend the full block from NE Couch to NE Davis – on a lot that includes two early 20th century apartment buildings. The Davis half of the lot has been empty for some time, which begs the question, why not figure out a way to integrate the older structures into the new development? Such a design would preserve some of what remains of the historic character in this much modified part of town. It could also conserve the energy embodied in those structures and prevent construction/demolition waste from further entering our landfills. Who knows, it might even render the apartments more affordable than new construction would allow. If you are interested in this project, you can attend a public “design advice” meeting with the Portland Design Commission on December 16th – 1900 SW 4th Avenue – Room 2500A – 1:30 pm.
The second proposal is for a 4 story, 28 unit apartment building in the Alphabet Historic District. Located at 2124 NW Flanders, the old c. 1900 residence currently on the site will be demolished. The apartment buildings that stand on either side of this property (the Marlborough and Flandora Apts.) are both listed as contributing structures in the historic district, while the building to be demolished is (sadly) listed as non-contributing. This proposal will be discussed at the Portland Landmarks Commission meeting on December 13th – 1900 SW 4th Ave – Room 2500A – 1:30 pm.