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…
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…
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…
SE 79th Ave Plaza Reopens July 1st
Tomorrow, July 1st, the Montavilla Public Plaza reopens for its second year at SE 79th Avenue and Stark Street. The public gathering space will feature outdoor furniture and event space for community use. Last year, the space coordinators provided musical-themed programming to activate the area. This time, in a partnership with Montavilla Farmers Market, the Plaza…
Rabbit Hole Sweetshop
Last month, Rabbit Hole Market and Sweets quietly opened in Montavilla town at 414 SE 80th Ave. The shop occupies the former Hungry Heart Bakery space, made available after the restaurant relocated to SE Stark Street. Both businesses are the creation of Jax Hart, and the two locations work together to meet the varied appetites of customers throughout the day.…
Toast Moves out of Montavilla
After nearly a decade in the neighborhood, Toast Inc. has relocated from its shop on SE 80th Avenue to a new purpose-built facility at NE 42nd and Killingsworth Street. The manufacturer of laser cut wood and leather products expanded operations over the years to encompass an extensive collection of device covers, offering personalized designs and promotional items. The…
Tub and Tan Reopens on Stark
After a lengthy pandemic closure, Portland Tub and Tan has reopened its location at 8028 SE Stark Street. The businesses owner, John Captain, struggled for months to resolve issues with Multnomah County fees and other taxes incurred during his forced closure that prevented his opening. However, last Friday, Tub and Tan returned with a limited schedule and will…
Academy Switches to First-Run Films
Next month, the Academy Theater at 7818 SE Stark Street will switch to showing first-run films after sixteen years as a second-run venue. Consequentially, the owners plan to raise ticket prices. The business partners feel this transition better positions the theater for post-pandemic success and stability. The transition begins on March 4th with The Batman by Warner Bros. Pictures. On that…
BoneJax Furnishings on SE Stark
Next month, Shari and Todd Cerreta will open BoneJax home furnishings and curiosities at 8040 SE Stark Street. The store features used furniture, sculptural lighting, and eventually pieces from local artists. Over the years, the owners transformed their shared hobby into a successful vendor business for furniture stores. Now they are opening a shop dedicated to their home…
Redwood’s New Owners
Last week, the founders of Redwood announced the restaurant’s sale to Brenda Dunn and long-time employee Chantel Chinco. Located at 7915 SE Stark Street, this well-reviewed dining destination opened in early 2013 and will continue with new but familiar management. Maintaining Redwood’s quality and dining experience is the core focus as staff train for their new roles during…
Cactus closes on Stark Street, New Business Opening
On December 31st, Cactus Vintage & Consignment staff packed up the shop located at 7910 SE Stark Street. The store opened in this space in February of 2015 as the combined effort of three friends bringing their separate businesses together. At the end of the lease, the last remaining owner opted to end the store’s seven-year span and…
USPS Collection Boxes Removed
Update – United States Postal Service (USPS) staff will return two recently removed mail collection boxes within the next week. USPS Strategic Communications Specialist, Ernie Swanson, explained that each collection box suffered extensive damage last month. A lack of suitable replacement boxes delayed the reinstallation of each unit. However, postal staff expects to return those locations…
PDX Cookie Co Embracing the Neighborhood
PDX Cookie Co opened in Montavilla on March 7th of 2020, one week before the pandemic closed the storefront to the public. The confectionary maker is now looking to reimagine the local shopping experience with later hours and a new sit-down experience. After years of depending on website orders, the shop’s owner wants to reconnect with…
First in Wave of Public Trash Cans
Late last week, Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) installed the first in a wave of many new public trash cans coming to Montavilla. Crews will place cans on public sidewalks near businesses, schools, and intersections. Contracted trash collectors, paid by the City, will empty the new waste receptacles twice a week. In 2016,…
Xmas Tree Lots Return to Montavilla
It is the season to bring the outdoors inside with a Christmas tree or holiday wreath. The neighborhood is fortunate to have two reoccurring tree lots, allowing Montavilla residents local access to the winter decorations. This year, Red Shed Christmas Trees joins Montavillage’s location in the Vinje & Son’s parking lot near SE 78th Ave and Washington Street.…
Flipside Hats Opens November 1st
Flipside Hats officially reopens in its new location on Monday, November 1st. The apparel maker relocated operations to 7850 SE Stark Street from the 4400 block of SE Belmont Street this month, after an extensive renovation period. Many long nights went into the move, but staff have now settled into their new home and are ready to show…
Power Network Upgrades on Stark
Yesterday, DJ’s Electrical employees installed an automatic high-voltage switch on power lines along SE Stark Street. This new equipment allows PGE to manage its power system remotely. As part of this project, workers upsized one utility pole and reworked power lines on SE Stark from 80th Ave to 76th Ave. This work will strengthen the local power…
No Parking Zone Removed on Stark
Last week, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) removed the No Parking zone on SE Stark Street across from SE 79th Ave. Crews installed the new signs several days before as part of the City’s effort to improve visibility at intersections. The decision to revert to one-hour parking in this area came about due to staff reevaluating the City’s…
No Parking Zones on SE Stark
Update: Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) removed the No Parking zone on SE Stark Street across from SE 79th Ave. READ MORE Sunday morning, Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) staff converted several one-hour and two-hour street parking spaces into No Parking zones. Crews installed new signs on poles along the south side of Stark Street…
Dual Storefront Remodel on SE Stark
Yesterday, construction crews began installing the new aluminum and glass storefront at 7850 SE Stark Street. The owners of Flipside Hats bought this building at the beginning of the year to become the new headquarters and factory for their apparel company. When completed, two new shops will occupy this space. The majority of the building will support hat production,…
Five Minute Fast Stop on Stark
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) posted a new sign on SE Stark Street near 81st Ave this week. The purple and white parking indicator is part of a new pilot project by the city to offer permanent five-minute free parking zones for quick drop-offs and pickups. Similar to the new Slow Streets planters, this is…
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