Harka Architecture will soon relocate to 7631 NE Glisan Street, moving from the Olympic Mills building. Patrick Donaldson, Principal Architect at Harka Architecture, bought the building on Glisan in June of 2019. Donaldson lives nearby this location and is encouraged that other businesses are starting to pop up along this stretch NE Glisan.

“The building is the perfect size for my office,” wrote Donaldson via email. “I played rugby at Montavilla park for years and rode my bicycle past this little building all the time. It is a great little example of Art Deco architecture with the curved walls and entry.”

Currently the only active building permit is a change of occupancy, however more work is in the future. Donaldson plans to repaint the building in new colors and make energy efficient upgrades. The efficiencies will be achieved through upgrading to high performance windows and replacing the gas furnace with an electric heat pump, along with a heat recovery ventilator.

Harka Architecture specializes in low carbon and high performance architecture. This remodel will showcase some of their techniques. They plan to use carbon neutral insulation such as lambs wool and Gutex. Sealing as many air leaks as possible, will also vastly improve the effectiveness of the insulation in this 80 year old building.

Completed in 1940, this structure has housed many business. Over the last 20 years, local residents have seen over a half dozen businesses at that location. Businesses with many different offerings.

Touchstone Coffee House
Grandpa Jimmy’s Southern Fried Fish
Hollywood Tattoo
Coconut Cafe
Hillbilly’s Herbs and Glass
Baba Ali Somalia Cuisine

It seems fitting that the new life for this Art Deco building would come from an architect. This tiny building manges to contain an abundance of character in just 833 square feet. Although it could be assumed that this building once blended in on NE Glisan, it is equally possible it has always been a standout.

With the new owner seeking a permanent location for his office, it is likely that we will see stability in this location. Montavilla is fortunate to retain this building and to receive and new anchor business on NE Glisan.