Recently, I had the opportunity to do an on-site visit with Ben Kaiser who is developing a new housing product in the area of Portland between North Mississippi and Vancouver. This is a part of town that needs good infill development.
Kaiser says the ground floor will be anchored with 3-5 larger commercial users, which will bring vital services to the area, as well as invigorate the street with lively interaction.
In perhaps the most unique aspect of this project, the 41 condo units , (ranging from 750-1800 s.f.,) will all be available for either live, work, or live/work uses. Working with the City of Portland, Kaiser says he has worked to resolve the building code problems that stand in the way of developing true Live/Work space.
Backbridge Station will be available to the commercial purchaser, such as a massage therapist, an architect, or a dress designer, as well as to the residential purchaser. The development envisions a dynamic mix of owners, working together to bring new life to a long dormant corner.
Kaiser says that an adjacent loft project will follow the completion of Backbridge Station [0], allowing residents to be a part of an already established corner, complete with restaurants and services.
The ground floor condominiums will embrace North Williams, and N.E. Fremont avenues with overhead doors that can be thrown open to capture the energy of the area. "We envision these ground floor condominiums to be purchased by those interested in home offices, or other uses which look for a more public appearance," says Kaiser. The balance of the units above will all have large outdoor areas, and will either face the views and the solitude of the East, or the views and the vibrancy of the West.
Kaiser gives me hope that that his bike-oriented projects will offer a market-rate but affordable living/business breakthrough solution Portland needs.