Portland Urban

New Development Projects Are Underway - Yes, Really!

We've all heard the news about commercial projects stalled or not started at all after careful planning. We are happy to report there are projects getting funding and under construction! The rendering pictured above is 3103 SE Division, the former Reliable Parts building. The developer, Urban Development + Partners, is adding market rate apartments above the renovated ground floor retail. This project is slated to be completed Fall 2010.

Below is a rendering of Alberta Central, located on the corner of NE 18th & Alberta. This project is currently under construction and nearing completion (by the end of this year). This is a partial renovation of a former church and partial new construction project. The developer, Alberta Central, LLC, is developing upper level office and ground floor retail that will be home to Barista, Billy Wilson's second Portland outpost.

Alberta Mercantile, pictured below, is also well underway and slated for completion at the end of this year. It is a major renovation of the former Arthur Cole Candy building. The developers, Alberta Arts Investors, LLC, are converting the former warehouse building into live/work and retail spaces on the corner of NE 14th & Alberta. 

It's great to see this activity in a market like this and we're hopeful that it's a sign of more thoughtful, creative projects to come!

Local Design/Build Firm & Clothing Retailer Make Headlines In NY Times!

Jean-Pierre Veillet, owner of Portland based Siteworks, was featured in an article in today's NY Times! Further proof that the NY Times hearts Portland. Siteworks is working with Portland based clothing brand Nau to build a pop-up store, a temporary retail location, in NYC. Unsolicited plug: Urban Works leased Nau their first location in Portland, they were eventually purchased by Horny Toad who we also leased their first retail location in Portland, Lizard Lounge. Siteworks did the design-build work for Lizard Lounge.

Veillet and Nau made headlines for the reclaimed  materials he's using to build out the store. Traditionally these pop-up stores have been constructed using new materials that mostly go to waste once the store is de-constructed. Not Nau!

Siteworks has done design and construction work for many clients of Urban Works over the years - we wish him well in his NY adventure!

Gruner & Atmosphere Clothing Set To Open

Friday Survey: What's Your Favorite Portland Restaurant?

Willamette Week just published their 2009 Restaurant Guide.  100 Portland restaurants were broken down one by one telling readers where they can find the best of the best in a diverse selection of cuisine.  Urban Works happened to be involved in deals for more than 10 of the Top 100, but enough about us, we want to hear from you!  Where do you love to eat out?

Let us know in the comments.

Happy Friday and Happy Dining!

 
 

Portland’s First For Women/By Women Adult Boutique

Congratulations to She Bop on securing the perfect location on N Mississippi Avenue to launch their adult boutique business.   She Bop will specialize in non-toxic toys, books, DVDs and gifts for women focused primarily on sexuality. Keep a look out for their grand opening around Thanksgiving in the former Amalee space at Mississippi and Beech. 

Roll Up Doors Face Tougher Scrutiny for Restaurant/Café Operators

Building owners and restaurateurs are reporting that new restaurants and cafes with roll up doors will be required to keep them bolted shut unless they take precautionary measures to keep bugs and dirt out when the doors are open. Two ideas that building inspectors have apparently suggested include installing plastic curtains to cover the door opening and/or installing fans to blow air down from the ceiling to the floor at the opening. The plastic curtain idea totally defeats the purpose of a roll up door and the air blower idea is completely impractical given the way roll up doors operate. What’s the major health hazard being addressed here? Portlanders love the open air dining experience. Let's hope there are ways around this.

Two Guys Walk into a Bar

North Lombard finally gets the neighborhood watering hole they have been longing for- a laid back place run by St. Johns locals to get a cold beer and a bite to eat.  The street also gets some added mojo to its burgeoning retail market.

St. John’s residents Robert Douglass and Brian Frisch are set to open Rivergate Brewing North End Pub at the former  Big Daddies Smokehouse on North Lombard. Beer enthusiasts and locals have been blowing up the blogs ( here and here) wondering what’s coming in to finally quench their thirsty prayers.

North Lombard will enjoy its own local brew very soon.

 

Cheers! 

Friday Survey: Which Retailer Would You Like to See in Downtown?

It's Friday, lets have a little fun.  Which retailer would you really love to see come to Downtown Portland?

Do you just hate driving out to Bridgeport to go to Crate & Barrel?  Not enough high-end designers for you? Would you like to have an urban Home Depot like New York City?  Tell us in the comments, we want to know! 

Giving "Creative Space" a Whole New Meaning

The New York Times writes about a new use for vacant spaces, check it out: 

Replacing ‘For Rent’ Signs With Art, to Keep Empty Spaces Full

More Good Coffee News!

The rumors are true: Billy Wilson is opening a 2nd Barista location at 1725 NE Alberta in the Alberta Central project! The lease was fully & officially executed in front of our eyes late yesterday afternoon. Great news for the Alberta Arts District!