Back in the North edge of Montavilla, evolves modern townhouses. Swift Development LLC has been busy at work creating four residences at 990 NE 80Th Ave. Each structure has two units, each building turned to front on different streets. They share a common aesthetic of black corrugated metal cladding. The fronts are framed vertical planks on the first floor, with lap siding above.

The two units, fronted on NE 80th, have a shared front deck spanning the width of the structure. Inside, the unit are laid out in a mirror of each other. The Main floor is wide open with the Kitchen centered on the long exterior wall. In the middle of the room is a kitchen island containing a sink and dishwasher. The stairs up to the second floor push out the sides of the building, leaving the main room a perfect rectangle and creating interesting exterior shapes on the building.

The second floor has two standard bedrooms in the back that share a full bathroom. There is a laundry closet across from the bathroom. The master bedroom takes up the front portion of the second floor. It has a 3/4 ensuite with a pocket door.

Around the corner, and on the same lot, are 8012 NE Holladay Street and 8016 NE Holladay Street. These units have a single car garage and rise to three stories tall. Again each unit is a mirror of the other. The first floor has a garage and 3/4 bathroom. The back portion of the 1st floor has a media room with a sliding glass door leading to a small yard. This structure also has the stairs protruding from the side of the building, preserving interior space and creating shape to the building’s exterior.

The second floor is an open floor plan with the Kitchen centered on the long exterior wall. Center in the room is a kitchen island containing a sink and dishwasher, in the same layout as the other building. There is a full width deck off the back of the second floor. It is covered by the third floor of the building.

Just like the other building, the top floor has two standard bedrooms in the back that share a full bathroom. There is a laundry closet across from the bathroom. The master bedroom takes up the front portion of the second floor. It has a 3/4 ensuite with a pocket door.

This building makes bold choices for what is mostly a traditional area of Portland. It is obvious and stunning. Were most houses around it are single family homes, this project offers density and a bit of affordable elegance. More developments are aviding blending in and opt for standing out. While some could desire a bit of uniformity in surrounding properties this type of standout building creates character and depth to the streetscape.