City-Sponsored Sidewalk Cleaning Along Business Corridors
Cleanup crews from Central City Concern (CCC) began providing basic sidewalk cleaning services in Montavilla’s major business corridors in October. The Public Environment Management Office (PEMO), part of Portland Solutions, contracted with the employment opportunity program operator to improve conditions around neighborhood economic centers, aiming to create safer, more welcoming spaces. The rollout’s timing coincides…
Sadie Vet Expanding into Former Union Rose Storefront
Sadie Veterinary Urgent Care at 8037 SE Stark Street will expand into the adjacent storefront that most recently hosted Union Rose before it relocated to the Plural Collective in Sellwood. Pending building permit approval, renovation work on the neighboring space will begin in the first half of 2026, with an anticipated completion in the summer. The frequently…
Bookstore Joins Hungry Heart Bakery
On November 13th, Endless Wonders Books opened a sales corner at Hungry Heart Bakery, 414 SE 80th Avenue. The new integrated business relationship between the distinct companies adds operating hours to the storefront while offering a selection of titles featuring marginalized communities or written by authors identifying as members of underrepresented groups. Owners Zo Nicole…
Montavilla Jazz Festival 2025 Starts Aug 29
Next Friday, the 12th annual Montavilla Jazz Festival (MJF) will kick off a weekend full of 26 featured concerts in five venues across the neighborhood and locations in Portland’s Eastside. The three-day celebration of musical artistry starts on Friday, August 29th, and runs through Sunday, the 31st, featuring free-donation-based and paid ticketed events. Each year,…
2025 Montavilla Street Fair July 27
On Sunday, July 27th, the Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) will host the 12th annual Street Fair on SE Stark Street. Early that morning, crews will close the road from SE 82nd to 76th Avenues along with segments of side streets to allow the 150 booth operators to set up ahead of the 10…
Cannabis Store Opening in Downtown Montavilla
Broadway Cannabis Market will open a new location in the former Tub and Tan building at 8028 SE Stark Street. The Oregon marijuana dispensary chain signed a five-year lease for the Montavilla storefront in a building currently listed for sale. The company’s owner, Tony Birch, is recognized for introducing an upscale design to the ubiquitous landscape…
Montavilla Pet Supply Robbed at Gunpoint
In the early evening of January 2nd, a person brandishing a handgun robbed Personal Beast Pet Supply at 8119 SE Stark Street. The assailant reportedly struck the store employee across the face with the butt of his gun and discharged the firearm while grabbing the cash drawer. The suspect ran off after destroying the store’s Point…
Montavilla’s December Holidays Celebration
Starting this December, the Montavilla business community will launch into a month-long celebration of the Winter holidays. Businesses and organizations will offer a mix of giving opportunities while encouraging people to support their community through shopping locally. Even without spending money, people can participate through two free events offered on SE Stark Street to get…
Montavilla 80 Residents Movein
In mid-August, residents began moving into the newly completed Montavilla 80 Apartments at 241 SE 80th Avenue. This three-story, 11-unit multifamily building is the tallest residential building in the surrounding blocks and offers convenient access to the historic Montavilla downtown. The modern-styled building features a double-gabled roof evenly split over conjoined rectangles framing the second…
Montavilla History Questions Answered: The Montavilla Library
Q – Whatever happened to the Montavilla Branch Library? A – I’ve often been asked this question. If you go looking for Montavilla’s branch library —as I did— you may have trouble finding it. But —believe it or not— the building still exists. The Montavilla Branch Library closed in November 1981 because of Multnomah County Libraries’ funding…
Shorba Arabic Food Cart on SE 80th
On August 27th, the Shorba Arabic food cart opened for business after a weeks-long soft launch period. This uniquely sited cart sits adjacent to an apartment building on the northeast corner of the same block that hosts mainstay neighborhood restaurants, including Yaowarat and Redwood. The cart’s owner, Omer Alshahrabani, and his wife run lunch and…
Storied Vintage Opening on SE Stark
On August 21st, Storied Vintage opened its new Montavilla location at 7850 SE Stark Street after relocating from a 1,000-square-foot space at the Brooklyn Mall on NE Sandy Boulevard. This leap into a dedicated storefront reflects three years of business growth for store owner Jana Fulop. The family-run shop is still developing its hours during…
Pedestrian Struck at Inactive Signal
Around 7:25 PM on August 18th, a car driving westbound on SE Stark Street crashed into a pedestrian crossing the road at 80th Avenue. An ambulance transported the person to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The marked crosswalk at the intersection had newly installed Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) signals meant to indicate to…
Montavilla History Questions Answered: Milepost 5 Stone
Q – What is the milepost 5 stone on SE Stark Street? A – Here is the short answer. This obelisk-shaped stone is a wayfinding tool, also called a milestone or a milemarker. Historically, they were put up along roads to indicate the distance to or from a particular place. Here, the “P” stands for Portland,…
Montavilla Street Fair July 28
The 11th Montavilla Street Fair had record attendance in 2024, with an estimated 25,000 people walking along SE Stark Street from SE 82nd to 76th Avenues. The day started overcast, keeping temperatures lower than the previous two years. However, by the afternoon, the skies were solid blue. Temperatures climbed over the remaining hours until the…
Plaza Berry Bash July 18
On July 18th, from 4 to 8 p.m., the Montavilla Farmers Market will host a Berry Bash Summer Celebration in the Montavilla Plaza on SE 79th Avenue at SE Stark Street. Attendees can receive free berry recipe tastings and make shortcake treats. The event will feature live music and berry sales from market vendors. Threshold…
Montavilla Brew Works 9yr Celebration
On Saturday, July 13th, Montavilla Brew Works will celebrate nine years of serving locally brewed beer with an all-ages event from noon to 9 p.m. Although this event commemorates the years since this pioneering neighborhood destination greeted guests, it represents a decade of work for founders Melissa and Michael Kora, who nurtured this ten-barrel brewery…
Literary Event at BoneJax June 21
This Friday, June 21st, BoneJax will host a free literary event featuring authors reading excerpts from their recently published short stories collected in the “Defining Moments” anthology. From 7 to 8:30 p.m. people can gather in the vintage home furnishings store at 8040 SE Stark Street to listen to stories from LGBTQ+ lives and ask…
Montavilla Ranch Pizza Opens June 6
On Thursday, June 6th, Ranch Pizza will open its eighth location at 7940 SE Stark Street on Montavilla’s historic main street. That same morning, the pizzeria’s sister business, Loro Coffee, will welcome customers from its second location, which shares this storefront. Ranch Pizza owners intend to make the Stark Street location the home base for their…
HONK! Fest Returns June 8-9th
On Sunday, June 9th, HONK! Fest PDX will return to the Montavilla neighborhood for a free community festival of marching bands, drum lines, and other acoustic street bands. Last year’s celebration filled the streets with sounds, dancers, and neighbors from all over the area. Building on that success, the event organizers are back on SE Stark Street…
Montavilla History Questions Answered: Stark Street
Q – Who is SE Stark Street named for? A – SE Stark Street is named after Benjamin Stark (1820-1898), one of Portland’s earliest entrepreneurs active in Portland from 1845 to 1862. He was born in New Orleans and grew up in New London, Connecticut. In New York City, he studied law and worked in the shipping trade,…
Speed Camera Van and NE 78th Closure
Motorists in Montavilla should use extra caution when driving on May 1st. Wednesday morning, commuters on SE Stark Street encountered a Portland Police Bureau Photo Enforcement van parked near SE 78th Avenue. Drivers traveling over the posted speed limit of 20 miles per hour saw their speed displayed on the van’s attached reader board and flash. To…
High-visibility Crossing at SE 80th and Stark
On April 18th, crews with Hicks Striping & Curbing began applying high-visibility crosswalks and bike crossings to SE Stark Street at SE 80th Avenue. Workers plan to continue the street painting process one block south on SE Washington, completing this section of the 70s Neighborhood Greenway project. With road markings applied, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) can energize the rectangular…
Pet Food Fundraiser for Storefront Repair
On April 13th and 14th, Personal Beast Pet Supply invites people to shop at the store to help fund significant storefront repairs after a person smashed most of their windows. Since January 2024, staff have had to progressively cover the storefront in plywood at 8119 SE Stark Street, replacing broken glass from the acts of a vandal. Artistic…
Quiche Me if You Can Opening in March
By the end of March, Quiche Me if You Can restaurant will open in the former Sebastiano’s space at 411 SE 81st Avenue. Owner Christa Voytilla will take over the shop on March 1st and begin reshaping the space with an indoor service counter and quiche-focused kitchen. Since 2019, the farmers’ market chef has grown her business and…
RRFB Installed on SE Stark
On Monday, January 22nd, crews working along SE Stark Street at 80th Avenue installed rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFB) to aid pedestrians and bicyclists crossing the busy road. Recently, technicians installed RRFB signals mounted to new light poles located one block over on SE Washington Street. This work is part of the 70s Neighborhood Greenway project, which is nearing completion…
Speed Camera Van Calms Morning Commute
Thursday morning, commuters on SE Stark Street encountered a Portland Police Bureau Photo Enforcement van parked near SE 78th Avenue. Drivers traveling over the posted speed limit of 20 miles per hour saw their speed displayed on the van-attached reader board and a flash. Once the vehicle passes the van, another flash triggers as the van presumably…
Ranch Pizza Location on SE Stark
Ranch Pizza will open a new location in Montavilla’s downtown within the former Hungry Hearts storefront at 7940 SE Stark Street. This shop will be the seventh pizzeria for the local chain restaurant since owners Richard Corey and Eric Wood founded it in 2017. The menu honors the square Sicilian-style pizza, and most orders include a side serving of…
Hungry Heart Consolidates
On December 18th, Hungry Heart Bakery served its last meal from the 7940 SE Stark Street location and will return to its former space a block away at 414 SE 80th Avenue. Since April 2022, the Rabbit Hole Market and Sweets shop has operated from the SE 80th location. Jax Hart owns both businesses, and the two locations worked together to meet…
Affordable Community Mental Health Clinic
In offices above Vino Veritas Wine Bar, Liberation Institute offers affordable therapy on a sliding scale that often costs between $20 and $30 per session. Most sessions are conducted by training therapists working on their practicum hours. The Institute’s Portland clinic serves people throughout Oregon via online sessions and from two offices at 7831 SE Stark Street. They…
Vino Veritas Finds New Owners
Vino Veritas changed ownership this week, moving from one group of dedicated wine specialists to an equally knowledgeable and passionate partnership of family and friends. The three new owners intend to build on the successes of this renowned Portland wine bar and bottle shop at 7835 SE Stark Street with subtle enhancements and expanded offerings. Vino Veritas opened…
Montavilla Brew Works’ Deadtoberfest
This Saturday, September 23rd, Montavilla Brew Works (MBW) will hold its first annual Deadtoberfest. This Grateful Dead infused Oktoberfest celebration will feature German-style Bratwurst and several beers from the brewery’s collection. Founder and head brewer Michael Kora, inspired by MBW’s successful Street Fair beer garden, decided to create this new fall beer and food festival. Kora has wanted MBW to…
SE Stark Mural at 81st Honoring Asian American Community
A team of spray-paint artists recently completed a multi-building mural on SE Stark Street at 81st Avenue. The resident business, ATC Auto Body, worked with the local arts non-profit Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA) to create this wrap-around graphic presentation honoring local Asian-Americans in East Portland. Artist Demecio “Dre” Sierra designed the art installation, painting over 200 feet…
SE Stark Street Paving at 80th
Road crews returned to SE Stark Street this week, reducing travel lanes in half and closing through traffic at 80th Avenue. Monday’s work focussed on grinding down the top layer of asphalt while patching the road’s base, where previous work required open trenches. Later this week, workers will repave 150 feet of Stark Street adjacent to…
Significant Police Response in Montavilla
On August 9th, Portland Police issued a shelter-in-place order in Montavilla as they attempted to apprehend the person suspected of threatening people with a firearm. Police initially received a call at 12:19 p.m. reporting a suspicious person with a weapon at SE 82nd Avenue and Ash Street. That situation quickly escalated to a substantial police response…
Return of Montavilla Movie Nights
Starting this Wednesday, Montavilla Movie Nights return with free outdoor screenings in the Plaza at the corner of SE Stark Street and 79th Avenue. The monthly events began around dusk at 8 p.m., and people are encouraged to bring their own chair, blanket, or cushion. The summertime event is organized by the Montavilla/East Tabor Business Association (METBA) and sponsored by Mr…
10th Montavilla Street Fair Sunday July 30th
Next Sunday, July 30th, Montavilla will celebrate its tenth street fair with music, food, beer, and over 140 vendor booths. The event will close SE Stark Street to vehicle traffic from SE 82nd to 76th Avenues, welcoming attendees to stroll the roadway between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. People can sample regional brews at four…
Free Festival of Brass Bands July 23
Next weekend, on July 22nd and 23rd, HONK! PDX will host its first festival of brass bands at two locations in SE Portland. Next Saturday, festivities will run from noon to 7 p.m. at Revolution Hall field and then transition to three Montavilla venues for a Sunday celebration. HONK! bands draw inspiration from Klezmer, Balkan-Romani music, Brazilian Samba, Afrobeat…
Thursday Micro Farmers Market Returns July 6
This Thursday, the weekly Montavilla Farmers Market returns to the SE Stark Street and 79th Avenue Plaza for a mid-week micro farmers market. As it did last year, the market features a sampling of farm-direct products, live music performances, and the popular beer garden open to the public from 4 to 7 p.m. People can enjoy the…
Natural Furniture Owners Retire
After 46 years, Natural Furniture will permanently close its SE Stark Street home decor business. Shop owners Tammy and Rick Slagter plan to retire when the location’s lease ends in September. Store staff are selling through all inventory over the remaining months offering special discounts to clear out household furnishings from both the retail space and company…
Injury Attorney Moves Practice to Montavilla
An injury attorney recently moved his law practice into the former Hand Therapy Specialists building at 300 SE 80th Avenue. Christopher T. Hill purchased the building last December and relocated his offices from Downtown Portland into this single-story building. The property only required new interior paint and carpets to host this business, but future upgrades will create additional private office…
Gas Line Work Restricts SE Stark
Today, Monday the 9th, one lane of SE Stark Street is closed to traffic west of SE 80th Avenue as crews working with NW Natural service a buried natural gas line. Excavation equipment and crew vehicles are currently blocking the north travel lane of the street. The planned maintenance required an open trench in the parking lane…
Montavilla’s Saturday Winter Celebration
Two events will attract visitors to Montavilla’s commercial corridors this Saturday evening. Winter Wassail along NE Glisan Street features festive beverages, snacks, carolers, and holiday lighting. Participating stores and restaurants between 82nd and 68th Avenues will remain open for last-minute holiday gifts and festivities. People are invited to Wassail (Go from location to location caroling and/or drinking…
Montavilla Tree lighting
Last night people gathered in the Public Street Plazas on SE 79th Avenue and Stark Street to officially light the holiday tree. This event is part of a month-long celebration in Montavilla known as WinterFest. Coordinators paused this annual event over the last few years due to the pandemic. However, just like the Montavilla Street Fair, the WinterFest has returned in…
Maintain Yourself PDX Expands
Maintain Yourself PDX will relocate from a 200-square-foot office above the Bipartisan Cafe to a ground-floor storefront off SE Stark Street. In December, the therapeutic massage provider is taking over Montavilla Community Acupuncture’s former space at 7925 SE Stark Street. The larger multi-room office will allow the business to grow its client base and hire more massage therapists.…
Community Acupuncture Leaving Stark
After fifteen years on SE Stark Street, Montavilla Community Acupuncture will relocate to a new office. Owner Mia Neuse recently completed renovations to an accessory building at 212 SE 79th Avenue and will move her practice to that space starting November 1st. Until that date, clients can continue to visit the location at 7925 SE Stark Street. Neuse opened the Stark Street…
Last Show for Montavilla Movie Night
The Montavilla business district will host the final free movie night of the season tomorrow evening. For all of August, the Montavilla/East Tabor Business Association (METBA) presented weekly group viewing events in the Montavilla Public Plaza at SE 79th Avenue and Stark Street. Local businesses sponsored one movie each Wednesday, with other area businesses offering special…
Crash Damaged McDonald’s Repaired
Three months after a car collided with the McDonald’s restaurant at 8149 SE Stark Street, workers have begun to repair the damages. On May 4th, a vehicle jumped the curb and collided with the SE 82nd Avenue facing dining-room windows. Witness reports indicate the driver “was doing donuts” before crashing into the building. Portland Police received the hit-and-run call at 9:43 p.m.…
Medical Building For Sale on SE 80th
A single-story medical building on SE 80th Avenue near SE stark Street is for sale. The property at 300 SE 80th Avenue formerly housed Hand Therapy Specialists. The corner lot sits across SE Pine Street from Montavilla United Methodist Church and next door to Montavilla Dental Arts. Hand Therapy Specialists relocated to Northwest Portland In January of 2022 and appears to have changed ownership. The…
Veterinary Urgent Care Opening on SE Stark
In October, Sadie Veterinary Urgent Care will open at 8037 SE Stark Street in downtown Montavilla. This woman-owned and independently operated animal care provider will feature four exam rooms, onsite imaging, and lab facilities. This new business seeks to bridge the gap between general practice and emergency room services for cats and dogs. In 2019, Dr. Jenica…