Portland Condo Living

By Nick Azer

If you’re wondering what’s so great about urban and condo living, you’ve come to the right place. One has only to look at the many cranes crowding the Portland skyline to see that condo living has never been more popular, and is becoming more accessible by the day.

With a “build up, not out” ethos, and many developments utilizing sustainable building techniques, Portland is tending toward a city core which is among the most green, safe, and vital in the nation.

There’s an ocean’s worth of variety here, with a building for everyone’s tastes and style. Here are ten recent and upcoming developments, each with an exciting character of its own:

The Encore

Being built in conjunction with an adjacent 3-acre park (which itself will be connected by foot bridge to the soon-to-be-hip Centennial Mills redevelopment site), both the building and park will offer the best views imaginable of the iconic Fremont Bridge. Situated near the river in the north Pearl, the 16-story Encore will have a location that’s hard to beat (and in Portland, that’s saying something).  Showroom: 1130 NW 10th Ave, www.encorepearl.com

The Metropolitan

A core of luxury in the Pearl, the Metropolitan is the pinnacle of smart living and smart planning. Situated on the streetcar between Jamison Square and Tanner Springs Park, this mixed-use, LEED-silver structure stands as a monument to both the progressive spirit of Portland, and the finer perks of the vibrant Portland lifestyle.  Showroom: 1130 NW 10th Ave, www.metropolitanpearl.com

Cyan

Cyan was designed as an example that an affordably-minded yet hip urban condo development can work, and it is succeeding beautifully. 60% of the units will be $300k or less, and as you can see above, it certainly isn’t lacking in style. Anticipating an impressive LEED Gold environmental quality rating and situated between the RiverPlace and Portland State University, Cyan exemplifies progressive thinking and progressive living, both hallmarks of what Portland is all about.  howroom: 333 SW Harrison St, www.cyanpdx.com

The Bridgeport Condominiums

The Bridgeport Condominiums offer traditional home design, which is a real gem for a building in the Pearl District. Designed with the utmost in urban convenience in mind, this mixed-use building with park views and adjacent streetcar is a great place for urban comfort.  Showroom: 1130 NW 10th Ave, www.hoytrealtygroup.com/pearldistrictcondosloftshomes_bridgeport_condominiums.html

The John Ross Tower

The first building to reach the South Waterfront’s 325-foot height limit, the John Ross is a fast becoming a staple in the Portland skyline and a standout in its area of the River Blocks near the Oregon Health and Science University. Its unique elliptical shape guarantees great views and great atmosphere for every apartment (check out the interiors section of the website for examples), making the John Ross a great place to set anchor in this exciting new neighborhood.  Showroom: 0680 SW Bancroft, www.thejohnross.com

The Westerly

Providing high-rise living at the foot of the Nob Hill district, this one-of-a-kind tower is virtually across the street from the world-renowned Washington Park and the trendy 23rd Ave. The only high-rise condominium community in direct vicinity to those amenities, The Westerly affords one a unique living opportunity in a wonderful location.  Showroom: 25-5 NW 23rd Pl, www.thewesterly.com

The Civic

Situated near to PGE Park and the MAX Light Rail line, The Civic is great living for anyone, and utopia for a baseball fan. A true urbanite’s dream, The Civic is in a central location right on Burnside-close in proximity to most of downtown’s array of great neighborhoods. It is “urban living with a conscience”, and a pulse.  Showroom: 1926 W Burnside St, www.thecivic.com

The Benson Tower

A glass icon in the heart of downtown, the Benson Tower has an inspiring look, and inspiring views to match. Standing tall among historical highlights and the vitality of downtown, easy access to the Cultural District and all of Portland’s transit will keep you and your lifestyle beating right along with the city’s heart.  Showroom: 1500 SW 11th Ave, Ste #207, www.bensontower.com

Streetcar Lofts

Character is the name of the game here. From the iconic “Go By Streetcar” sign and SoHo styling, to its lively Pearl location and comfortable atmosphere, these lofts and studios offer a cozy and cool option for urban living.  Showroom: 1030 NW 12th Ave,

liveinthepearl.com/portlandoregoncondosloftshomes_streetcar_lofts.html

Waterfront Pearl

A high-profile development on the cusp of the Pearl and the Willamette River, this development is designed to maximize your days (with lots of daylight for every unit and a true waterfront location) and your nights (with great accessibility to the Pearl and, just across the river, the Rose Garden arena and the Convention Center).  Showroom: 1200 NW Naito Pkwy, Ste 100, www.waterfrontpearl.com