Month: July 2022

Community, Infrastructure July 18, 2022March 25, 2023

New Bike-Share Stations Arrive

BIKETOWN staff recently relocated the NE Glisan bike-share docking station two blocks to the west. Less than a year ago, crews installed the dock on the south side of the roadway near NE 80th Avenue. That same docking station is now on the north side of the street near NE 78th Avenue. Its new location is near a marked crosswalk with a rapid flashing beacon. Placement close to that intersections should make the parked bikes easier to access from any side of NE Glisan.

This article originally published September 4th, 2021.

Yesterday, crews from BIKETOWN installed new bike-share stations on SE 81st Ave just south of E Burnside Street. Its construction follows another recently built unit on NE Glisan Street west of 80th Ave. When completed, the 81st Ave location will house docks for up to six e-bikes available to rent through the BIKETOWN mobile app.

Last June, a survey conducted by BIKETOWN gathered community input on where to place new electric bicycle (e-bike) docks as part of the program’s East Portland expansion. A few months later, that survey data and other factors are guiding the placement of these stations. The BIKETOWN bike finder map currently shows the new station on SE 81st Ave as available for use. However, no bikes are listed there, and the stand is missing the vertical sign that displays user instructions. This bike-share location is near Walgreens Pharmacy on the road behind Hong Phat. The station’s proximity to the number 20 and 72 TriMet bus lines should reduce excessive walking for riders not directly on the bus route.

*Station on NE Glisan Street showing user instructions.*

Several blocks north from the uncompleted station, BIKETOWN staff finished an identical installation on NE Glisan Street. Crews completed this location last week, and it is fully operational. Workers placed the docks on the sidewalk in front of Glisan Dental, away from traffic. The SE 81st Ave docks sit in the road’s parking lane, relying on white traffic delineator posts to protect the parked bikes.

BIKETOWN docking stations are simple installations that securely hold locked bikes. They do not provide any charging for e-bikes. Instead, BIKETOWN offers these locations as a reliable place for customers to find and return bikes. Throughout the week, staff redistributes bikes to these locations after collecting units left in remote areas. Each e-bike has a removable battery pack that employees can replace before putting them back out for use.

Since the expansion of the BIKETOWN network in late 2020, sightings of the iconic orange bikes throughout Montavilla and greater East Portland have increased. Often they are found secured to signposts and fences. The installation of more bike docking stations will transform the scattering of transportation options into a reliable network of mobility devices. Their new consistent location gives residents the confidence to bridge the transportation gap for short trips without a personal vehicle. Businesses near the docks should also see a boost in visitors, as patrons can expect to find a bike ready for them when they head home. Look for these docks next time you plan a short trip around Montavilla and see if an e-bike can enhance your mobility.

*Station on SE 81st Ave partially completed.*

Jacob Loeb

Correction – fixed typo of store name Hong Phat

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Construction, New Residence July 17, 2022March 25, 2023

Four Townhomes on SE 78th

Construction crews recently completed framing work at 725-731 SE 78th Avenue. Soon, roofers will cover the hipped-roof, and glaziers will install the numerous windows. Once the exterior of the building is sealed up, workers will focus on the interior finishings of the four new townhomes.

Article originally published April 22nd, 2022.

Work is underway preparing 705 SE 78th Avenue for the addition of four new townhomes. Each of the two-story units contains a pair of bedrooms above with a bonus room on the main level. The original 1940s home will remain on its own lot with only minor modifications to the breezeway-attached garage.

GPB Development purchased the property in 2019 and began permit work in late 2021. A lot line adjustment will split the property into a north and south half. The owners walled in the garage door that had opened onto the alley. The new townhouses will now block vehicle access from the south. Recently, excavation crews added new large diameter gravel to the alley to support the heavy equipment accessing the construction site.

Each new home features a similar floor plan. However, the street-facing residence differs subtly. That townhouse has an inverted layout compared to the other three units, and its doorway faces east. Residents access the other homes from the north. Plans call for a spacious entryway, full bathroom, and den with double doors at the front of the main floors. The back of the units combine an open kitchen and a living room. The second floors have two bedrooms with walk-in closets. Designers compartmentalized the shared three-quarters bathroom located between the bedrooms. Residents can close off the toilet or shower from the central double vanity room, maximizing the concurrent use of that space.

*Site map showing unit placement on lot with paved pathway and back patio*

The City assigned address 725-731 SE 78th Avenue to the new townhouses, numbered from west to east. A small staircase from the street leads to a walkway that guides visitors to the front of each unit. Large sliding glass doors open onto a covered back patio space adjacent to the alleyway.

The architect employs several design elements that obscure the scale of this development. A shared hipped-roof and street-facing door on the first unit gives the appearance of a single-family residence. Recessed doorways hide the number of entryways, and consistent porch rooflines tie the whole building together. Looks for foundation work to begin soon, with principle construction occurring this summer.

Jacob Loeb

Construction, Demolition, New Residence July 15, 2022March 25, 2023

Twelve Townhouses Underway on SE 86th

Last April, demolition crews deconstructed the 1947-era single-family residence at 416 SE 86th Avenue. Now, heavy equipment is clearing the property, preparing the site to host twelve townhomes. City staff issued construction permits for the new density housing on June 28th, triggering this current work.

The total volume of buildable land becomes apparent with all trees and shrubbery cleared from the property. At 88 feet wide by 111 feet deep, this lot has just enough space to construct the two structures needed to hold twelve townhomes. The developers placed the units closer to the commercial building to the south, allowing for a slightly wider buffer zone between the single-family residence to the north.

All units are two stories tall and feature dual bedrooms with attached bathrooms. The main level utilizes an open floor plan with the kitchen centered between the dining area at the front of the residence and a living room towards the back. Designers placed a small ground-floor half-bathroom under the stairs and situated the laundry closet on the second floor between the two bedrooms. All units have a partially covered patio accessed from the living room through a sizeable three-panel sliding glass door.

When completed, each townhouse will receive an evenly-numbered unique address starting with 380 SE 86th Avenue and ending with 394 SE 86th Avenue. Residents will access ten of the twelve units from a shared center walkway, with the two westward homes having front doors opening onto the street. Crews will construct a shared trash enclosure and bike barn on the property’s eastern edge.

380 SE 86th Avenue
378 SE 86th Avenue
376 SE 86th Avenue
374 SE 86th Avenue
372 SE 86th Avenue
370 SE 86th Avenue

384 SE 86th Avenue
386 SE 86th Avenue
388 SE 86th Avenue
390 SE 86th Avenue
392 SE 86th Avenue
394 SE 86th Avenue

The size of this project is not unique to the area but is indicative of the changing density in the neighborhood. It is currently unknown if townhomes like this will assist with the general affordability of housing in Portland. However, units like these are often occupied soon after construction and fit a niche in the housing market.

Update August 14th, 2022: Crews assembled concrete forms for the souther building’s foundation.

Jacob Loeb

Infrastructure July 14, 2022March 25, 2023

New Stop Signs Around 8800 Block of SE Pine

Recently, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) added stop signs to four intersections around the 8800 Block of SE Pine Street. The new traffic control signs feature dual high-visibility flags, halting traffic in either the north-south or east-west directions. Engineers alternated the stop sign directions to require any vehicle travailing through the area to stop once.

Thanks to these recent upgrades, vehicles using SE 88th and 89th avenues between E Burnside and Stark Streets will need to stop and yell to cross traffic. Similarly, Vehicles driving on SE Ankeny Street or SE Pine Street will need to stop at SE 89th Avenue or SE 88th Avenue. This traffic calming technique provides a clear right-of-way at these formally uncontrolled intersections and encourages motorists to slow down.

This section of SE Portland has many substandard roadways. The Streets forming the four newly upgrade intersections all lack sidewalks, and most do not have curbs. One street is an unimproved gravel road. Consequently, pedestrians need to walk on the street, and vehicles and people intermix. The new stop signs should interrupt the fast traffic flow through these streets and alleviate conflicts caused by uncontrolled crossings.

PBOT crews have gradually upgraded uncontrolled intersections throughout Portland as crash data and reports from residents indicate a need. East Portland has many under-improved roads that lack basic signage. As congestion on arterial roads pushes car traffic onto neighborhood streets, traffic-calming measures like stop signs can help keep the roads safe for pedestrians. Drivers of this area should use caution as motorists become accustomed to the new traffic flow.

Jacob Loeb

Bar, Food and Drink, New Business, Restaurant July 12, 2022March 25, 2023

Thai Me Drunken Noodle at Growler’s Taproom

After an unexpected delay, Thai Me Drunken Noodle will officially open at 803 SE 82nd Avenue this Wednesday, July 13th. Cart operator Tyler Pathammavong has quietly served guests from this location over the last few days. Now, he is ready to welcome the full volume of customers looking for his Northern Thai-style fried chicken and noodle dishes. The food cart follows Growler’s Taproom operating hours of 4 p.m. to 12 a.m., Wednesday through Friday, and 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Weekends.

Article first published May 18th, 2022.

Later this month, Thai Me Drunken Noodle will open a food cart connected to Growler’s Taproom at 803 SE 82nd Avenue. The new eatery fills the space left vacant by Erica’s Soul Food, which relocated to 120 NE Russell Street earlier this year. Unlike previous carts working from this location, the food and beer businesses will partner to offer a unified dining destination and operate as a single location.

Tyler Pathammavong has operated the original Thai Me Drunken Noodle cart at 2810 NE Glisan Street for the past six months. That location started after Pathammavong sold his other businesses to new owners and focused on a Northern Thai-style fried chicken and noodle-centric menu. He has seventeen years of experience cooking Thai and Laotian dishes, a passion that began after his younger brother immigrated from Laos and started working in the industry. A natural hard worker, Pathammavong’s food service career paralleled his 25 years at the United States Postal Service (USPS). Now retired from the USPS, Tyler Pathammavong and his wife Leng are refocusing all efforts on their food creations.

*Thai Me Drunken Noodle at NE 28th Ave and Glisan Street*

The Thai Me Drunken Noodle menu takes inspiration from the owner’s appetites and the foods his mother taught him to prepare. “I just cook whatever I [would] wanna eat at home,” explained Tyler Pathammavong. The cart’s specialty is a Laotian-style fried chicken served over sticky rice with a sauce made from a family recipe. Embracing the shared culinary history of Laos and Northern Thailand, Pathammavong transforms the traditional recipes with a personal adaptation that creates a one-of-a-kind menu. Outside of the chicken, most dishes forgo the traditional white rice and instead feature noodles. “My [dishes] might not be exactly like most Thai food, ’cause I use everything noodle, even in my Curry.” Said Pathammavong.

Although the Northeast Portland cart will remain open for a while, the partnership with Growler’s Taproom is the long-term focus for the cart operator. The taproom’s owner, Joe Rodgers, explained that the new cart is an extension of his business. “It’s more of a brick and mortar kind of feel, but we are adjusting it where the kitchen is in the cart.” The food and bar service will maintain the same hours and offer a combined food and beer menu. Currently, Growler’s is open Wednesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to Midnight. Rodgers plans to expand the hours to feature an earlier 2 p.m. start and a seven-day-a-week schedule when the food service begins.

Joe Rodgers and Tyler Pathammavong are actively working on an updated menu to pair with the beer selections. The partners are also working to integrate food service into Growler’s popular Star Trek trivia, live music, movies, and comedy nights. Look for schedules and updates at the Growler’s Taproom website. For those who want to preview some of the creations coming later this May, consider stopping by the Thai Me Drunken Noodle cart at 2810 NE Glisan Street.

Jacob Loeb

Construction, Demolition, History, New Residence, Property Sale July 11, 2022March 25, 2023

7 Townhomes Proposed on NE 73rd near Glisan

Last week, the new owners of 432 NE 73rd Avenue submitted building permit applications to construct seven new townhomes on the property. This standard 50-foot wide lot abuts an apartment building to its rear and a parking lot to the north. The new residences will replace the 1924-era single-family home, garage, and shed on the site.

Each of the seven townhomes will span two floors. A separate Site Development permit seeks to create shared walkways, landscaping, and other infrastructure for the future residents. The developer has yet to submit demolition permits for the home and detached garage. However, references to the impending deconstruction of the house are present in the other permit applications.

*1928 Sanborn Map showing E 73rd Street undeveloped*

The property’s existing home appears to predate its current location by 25 years. Maps from 1928 do not show any buildings at that location or the surrounding lots. Before 1928, E. 73rd Street ended north of E Glisan Street. 73rd started again south of E Stark Street. Consequently, most homes built on this segment of 73rd Avenue date back to the 1930s and 1940s. However, a plumbing permit from August 30th, 1949, indicates the owner of 432 NE 73rd Avenue relocated the structure to its current location from 320 NE 39th Avenue. The permit’s notation about the move explains the discrepancy between the map data and Portland’s official age of the home.

*1949 Plumbing Permit for 432 NE 73rd Ave*

Although past developers saved the nearly 100-year-old home once before, it now looks like its removal is needed to make way for new housing. The added density provided by the townhomes will dramatically increase the number of families living on the property, and better fit the growing density along NE Glisan. Expect demolition to occur this fall, with construction likely starting later in the year.

*1909 Sanborn Map showing E 73rd Street ending at E Glisan*

Update: On July 15th, the developer submitted the demolition permits for this project.

Jacob Loeb

Business Closing July 9, 2022March 25, 2023

Classic Crust Bakery Closes on SE Stark

After 22 years in business, Classic Crust Cafe & Bakery is closing permanently. The commercial bakery located at 8911 SE Stark Street will sell all remaining baking supplies, dishware, and cafe furnishings this weekend.

Owner Leonora Vujovic ceased the cafe operations several years ago and focused on selling her baked goods directly to business customers. She continued to work alone through the pandemic maintaining many of her customers. Vujovic seemed comfortable with the choice to close her business, saying, “sometimes you open and sometimes you close.” Now that the lease has expired, it is an appropriate time to wrap up the business.

Vujovic will be at the business selling items on July 9th and 10th or until all items are gone. Many of the commercial bakery equipment has already been sold. However, cafe dishes, small appliances, baking supplies, and outdoor table sets are still available. Interested business owners or the general public are welcome to come by and purchase these items before Classic Crust Cafe & Bakery needs to vacate the space next week.

Jacob Loeb

Construction, Infrastructure July 9, 2022March 25, 2023

Repaving and New Signals on SE Division

Road crews repaved a section of SE Division Street between SE 87th and 82nd Avenue this week. Workers redirected traffic, reducing the road to one travel lane in each direction and closing some side street access. This current activity marks the final stages of the combined TriMet Division Transit Project and the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) Outer Division Safety Project. Over the next month, repaving efforts will continue up to SE 92nd Avenue, and crews will activate new traffic signals on SE Division Street from SE 80th to 174th Avenues.

Initially, the two projects lacked ADA corner ramp restoration and repaving between SE 82nd to 92nd Avenues. PBOT was issued additional funding to repair the pavement in this area and enhance sidewalk accessibility. Crews will complete the final striping along the corridor after completing the pavement restoration this summer.

*PBOT Posted schedule for reaming SE Division Street work*

As part of its project, PBOT added many new or improved traffic signals to enhance safety for pedestrians and vehicles crossing SE Division. Within the Montavilla area, crews from Raimore Construction built three new controlled intersections and upgraded older signals at SE 92nd Avenue. Traffic lights at the new controlled intersections are in various stages of completion. SE 80th Avenue and Division Street is complete, with new lights hung on pole-attached mast arms. The lights are shrouded with Signal Head Covers, awaiting activation.

*Signaled intersection at SE Division and 80th Ave*

Signal work is needed at two of the new traffic-light-controlled intersections. SE Division and 89th Avenue, along with SE Division and 84th Avenue, are awaiting traffic head installation. Based on PBOT timelines, staff should activate all three new controlled intersections sometime in July. Traffic signals will turn on in sequential order, from east to west. The change may catch some regular commuters off-guard, as it will break up previously uninterrupted thoroughfares, requiring greater driver attention to the road.

*Signaled intersection at SE Division and* 89th Ave

After repaving work completes, painters will re-stripe the road and add protected bike lanes in each direction of SE Division Street. The enhanced cycle route spans SE 80th to 174th Avenues and utilizes vertical delineator wands, raised dividers, and some parking lane buffer zones.

*Signaled intersection at SE Division and 84th Ave*

Expect lane closures and delays as repaving work continues over the next two weeks. Later this month, drivers should prepare for new traffic-light-controlled interactions to become active in the area. By the end of summer, crews should complete all work on SE Division Street, and in September, rapid bus service will begin on the new Trimet FX line.

Jacob Loeb

Community, Event, Food and Drink July 8, 2022March 25, 2023

Thursday Night Montavilla Market Opens

Last night at 4 p.m., the first Thursday Night Farmers Market opened to customers in the recently reopened Public Plaza at SE 79th Avenue and Stark Street. Representatives from Montavilla Farmers Market, Montavilla/East Tabor Business Association (METBA), and vendors gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by the traditional bell ringing to open the market. Visitors quickly filled the square to shop the five booths and refreshments providers at this min farmers market.

Starting on July 7th, farm and food vendors will set up in the Plaza on Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Moorish Roots, Kulfi, Sebastiano’s, and Threshold Brewing & Blending are some of the inaugural participants making a regular appearance. An assortment of vendors will return weekly this summer, with the final evening market held on September 29th.

This mid-week market is possible through a Vibrant Spaces Community Events Activation Fund grant from the City of Portland, in conjunction with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) Public Street Plaza Program. The Montavilla/East Tabor Business Association (METBA) is hosting this public space in partnership with Montavilla Farmers Market, which will program the Plaza Thursdays, in addition to its regular market held on Sundays at 7700 SE Stark Street.

The Plaza will also feature live music and other entertainment events throughout the summer. Plaza organizers will post updated information on the METBA events calendar. Visitors can shop at the Montavilla Thursday Night Farmers Market throughout the summer or sit and relax on the shaded seating. All people, families, dogs, and outside food are welcome in the Plaza.

KPTV FOX 12 Oregon’s coverage of opening night

Jacob Loeb

Disclosure: The author of this article serves on the METBA Board.

Community July 7, 2022March 25, 2023

Classic Films Return to Academy Theater

This Friday, July 8th, the Academy Theater will bring back Revival Film Programming in addition to showing first-run movies. The owners of the iconic Montavilla second-run venue converted it to a first-run theater in February 2022. Now, they will screen two older titles per week alongside the latest Hollywood films.

The change earlier this year helped the theater stabilize its income after the pandemic hurt ticket sales. However, many patrons lamented the loss of classic films from the rotation of titles shown. This update will please a segment of the Academy Theater’s customers while continuing to serve the lucrative first-run movie audience.

Although the Academy Theater continued to show some classic titles since the switch in February, this marks a long-term investment in balancing the community’s old and new entertainment interests. Located at 7818 SE Stark Street, the inaugural updated programming will feature The Goonies (1985), Wet Hot American Summer (2001), Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), and Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022). Each movie will have two daily screenings on one of the location’s three screens. Keep an eye on the company’s Instagram account for future announcements regarding your favorite older film’s return to the big screen.

Jacob Loeb

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