Framing is near complete on eight townhomes along NE 78th Avenue as the developer readies the property for a Middle Housing Land Division (MHLD) that will create independent properties with a shared center driveway that dips below grade. The six homes in the back stand three stories tall and have attached garages. However, the off-street units hide their height by sitting several feet below ground, but their roofline is still visible over the low-slung roofline along the street.

In 2021, a previous developer purchased the 1890-era building at 37 NE 78th Avenue, planning to construct several homes on the doublewide lot. After seeking Early Assistance for a rowhouse complex, the previous owner worked with an architect to develop building plans, but then halted work on the project. In March 2024, Wasatch Credit Association took over the property and sold it to Mark Wilde of Wilde Properties. In November 2024, Crews working with Meticulous Deconstruction completed wood salvage operations on the century-old building constructed with quality timbers hard to find in the modern wood supply.

Wilde prefers projects that offer detached homes and have off-street parking with garages. However, this predesigned project he purchased was a compromise that provided infill density with some parking and distinct properties for each home, avoiding the need for condo-style Home Owners Association fees. Wilde explained that MHLD simplifies the infill development process and creates a better housing product for buyers. “I think it’s a fantastic idea. It really makes the land use process more efficient. I think it’s going to help with housing affordability in Portland when we don’t have to spend as much time and money on simple land use.”

The six back units offer around 1,400 square feet of living space with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. The two street-facing units provide residents with under 1,000 square feet of space and two bedrooms but do not have an attached garage. Soon, crews will begin focusing efforts on the inside of the eight townhomes after they seal the exterior with windows and doors. People should expect activity on the site to continue this summer, with the new homes on NE 78th Avenue listed for sale later this year.