Tag: Washington Street

Community, Infrastructure

New Street Trees Added to SE 82nd Ave

Last month, landscapers planted six new street trees in sidewalk cutouts added along SE 82nd Avenue between SE Stark and Washington Streets. The owners of 8250 SE Stark Street installed these green spaces at the request of the City’s Urban Forestry staff and fulfilled a 2018 commitment to plant street trees around the store’s three frontages.

Four years ago, the Cash & Carry Smart Food Services company demolished the Chinese Village restaurant on this 1.15-acre property. In its place, they built the commercial kitchen supply store. US Foods CHEF’STORE now owns the property after a 2020 acquisition of Smart Food Services. The store’s approved plans show five street trees at the sidewalk’s edge along SE 82nd Avenue. In 2018, landscaping crews planted the proposed street trees on SE Stark Street and Washington Street. However, workers did not create sidewalk cutouts for trees on the property’s westward side. 

Illustration from site plans for permit 2018-112153

In March of 2021, Portland Parks & Recreations Urban Forestry staff found the property in violation of the City’s tree Code. Inspectors marked the required correction satisfactory on February 25th when contractors added the six tree planters along 82nd Avenue. Landscapers planted the new trees in symmetrical alignment with the building’s west-facing corners. The tree-line breaks near a street light pole at the center of the block, preventing the future tree canopy from obstructing the light.

These new trees add a substantial enhancement to a blank pedestrian zone. Developers of the building chose to face the store’s active front towards a parking lot. The door leading onto SE 82nd Avenue from the store is for emergency exit only. The west-facing wall lacks color definition, without any signage. Interior shelving mostly obstructs public view into the store through the windows. The addition of trees should help make the sidewalk a more hospitable public realm that is cooler in the summers and green with life.

By

Jacob Loeb

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Event, New Business

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.

In 2008, Lesle Janssen began selling trees in Montavilla Town. Janssen’s Montavillage tree stand started at 76th and SE Stark next to Beets Auto Body. The lot moved to 78th and Washington in 2015. This year, Montavillage merged with longtime Christmas Trees retailer Red Shed. Janssen continues Red Shed’s 20-year tradition of providing fresh local products in a warm, community-building atmosphere. They are open seven days a week, 10 AM – 8 PM. On Friday and Saturday, sales staff are available for an additional hour. Paying in cash is recommended for faster service, and delivery options are available.

Montavillage near SE 78th Ave and Washington Street

There is another reoccurring Christmas tree lot at the corner of NE 92nd Ave and Glisan Street for those closer to NE Glisan. This vacant lot hosts tree sales nearly every year. They advertise Douglas fir, Grand fir, and Noble fir trees.

Expect to pay a little more for a tree this season. A challenging growing season may have an impact on tree prices. If a cut tree is in your holiday plans, you do not have to travel far to find one. Check out these local lots and see if you can find the right tree for your home.

Tree lot at the corner of NE 92nd Ave and Glisan Street
Infrastructure

Temporary Bus Platform Survey

In August 2020, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) began installing temporary bus platforms in Montavilla. In partnership with TriMet, they deployed two types of temporary platforms across Portland. Crews installed five asphalt-style platforms on Stark and Washington Streets east of 80th Ave. PBOT used rubber-style platforms in the central city area. The bureau is currently evaluating the trial program and is seeking user feedback through an online survey.

Temporary platforms enable PBOT to make affordable changes on city streets faster than traditional methods. The early implementations focused on transit stops, making areas less congested to walk, bike, and use TriMet. The platform designs vary to meet different needs, depending upon the location. The rubber modular temporary bus stop platform allows bikes to ride up and over the platform, permitting cyclists to continue past the stop even when in use. The curb height platform extends across the parking lane, allowing buses to stop in the traffic lane. The asphalt temporary platform does not include a space for bikes to ride through the stop but enables the bus to pick up passengers without completely pulling over to the curb. Both designs provide riders with more room away from the sidewalk while waiting for the bus.

PBOT temporary bus platforms map

A technical evaluation is also underway to examine how staff interact with these new types of infrastructure. PBOT is studying installation and maintenance needs to capture lessons learned from those who install, maintain, and interact with the platforms. Additionally, bus operators have an opportunity to provide their perspective on the efficacy of the platform design and use.

Users interested in sharing opinions about these temporary installations are encouraged to take the PBOT survey before January 3, 2022. Researchers plan to engage with technical staff over the next few months. Anticipate the release of evaluation results and recommendations in mid-2022.

Construction, New Residence

Three Residences on Washington St

Over the last month, framing crews erected the primary structure for the three-residence project at 8635 SE Washington Street. Work is occurring simultaneously on both structures, allowing observers to take-in the scale of this development. The staggered height of the buildings respects the south facing exposure to natural light for each home. If successful, this could become a model of housing density where one structure does not overshadow the others on the shared property.

Construction on both structures progressing simultaneously

Original article posted June 18th, 2021.

After nearly a year, city staff have approved the three-residence project at 8635 SE Washington Street. The project includes two structures built on a currently vacant lot. The homes will sell as condominiums linked by a small Home Owners Association.

The front house is detached from the other residences and offers three bedrooms split between two levels. The home’s design maximizes living space on the ground floor and only has a partial second story. The master suite sits under the footprint of the top floor. A doorway accessed off the living room closes off the sleeping area from the rest of the house. The ground floor bedroom area features many separated spaces created by sliding doors. The ensuite is configured as a half-bath and serves as the first-floor guest power room. When sliding doors are closed, they make a short hallway that also contains the laundry closet. A shower room with an extra sink is adjacent to the bathroom and provides passthrough access to a large walk-in closet. The main bedroom is opposite the shower room and faces the back of the property.

Patrick Donaldson, Principal Architect for Harka Architecture, described the front building as an ideal aging-in-place design. Although the second story features two bedrooms and a full bathroom, all living activities can occur in the ground floor portion of the home. In addition, the front and back of the structure have large floor-level decks that extend the living space outside while not requiring stairs to transition between the two environments.

2nd story carriage house and back residence

The back building contains two more homes, a shared storage room, and onsite parking. Three single-car garages offer parking for each residence. The majority of the first floor serves as storage and parking. The alleyway behind the property provides access to the garages. 

Above the garage is a single-level two-bedroom home with one full bathroom. In addition to an open floorplan living area, it features ample storage and a stacked laundry closet. Access to this unit is via an exterior staircase that leads to a front deck on the second level. 

Front and Back structures as seen from SE Washington Street

Attached to the west side of the rear structure is a three-story residence with access to the first floor through the front door or a side door that leads to one of the single-car garages. The first floor contains a bonus room in the front. The back portion of the main floor has a half-bath, utility room, and coat closet. The kitchen, living room, and another half-bath occupy the second floor. Finally, the third floor contains two bedrooms and a full bathroom next to a stackable washer and dryer closet.

Each of these homes features unique layouts that will appeal to different-sized families in different stages of life. The site layout will foster a micro-community through shared spaces while maintaining individuality through the distinct design of each residence. Look for crews to break ground soon and construction to complete within ten months.

Heavy equipment is onsite ahead of foundation work

Architectural perspective drawings courtesy Harka Architecture

Construction, Demolition, New Residence

Garage Demolished on SE 88th

Earlier this month, crews demolished the detached garage at 8739 SE Washington Street to make way for a new home. Only a concrete slab remains from the original structure. The existing 1947 era home will stay on the property, unaltered by this work.

Demolition permit 20-180023 allowed for the deconstruction of the detached garage. Land Use 19-267610 will separate the property into two lots. The scale and amenities of the future house are not yet known. However, with the demolition completed, progress on this development can now progress.

Garage before demolition
Current empty lot
Construction

Fire Damage Remodel on Washington

A whole-house remodel is underway at 9230 SE Washington Street. Fire damage to the property requires replacing the roof’s structure and a complete interior remodel.

Permit 20-176364 calls for a “new trussed roof to replace fire damaged roof. Complete interior remodel to include new bedroom and 1/2 bathroom. Remove patio cover at rear of structure.”

Work on the project is well underway, with the roof already replaced and new windows installed on the property’s front-facing walls. Updated siding and paint are expected, based on the exposed sheathing caused by exterior alterations. Despite being caused by a fire, this remodel is a positive upgrade for the 1949 home.

Infrastructure

Expanded Corners Come to 92nd

Expanded corners are now present at the intersection of SE 92nd Ave and Washington street. First appearing on 76th Ave, these are part of the Busy Streets program seeking to provide more space at heavily used intersections.

Portland Bureau of Transportation installed these temporary sidewalk expansions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. These street crossings often become crowded with pedestrians trying to cross. This extra space should allow for social distancing while waiting for cars to yield.

Northeast corner
Southwest corner
Northwest corner

Infrastructure

Expanded Corners Come to 80th

Expanded corners are now present along SE 80th Ave on both Stark and Washington streets. First appearing on 76th Ave, these are part of the Busy Streets program seeking to provide more space at busy intersections.

Portland Bureau of Transportation installed these temporary sidewalk expansions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. These street crossings often become crowded with pedestrians trying to cross. This extra space should allow for social distancing while waiting for cars to yield.

South side of Stark Street looking west.
North side of Washington looking east.
North side of Washington looking west.
Infrastructure, View of Montavilla

Expanded Corners Come to 76th

The first Expanded corner of the Busy Streets program came to the corner of SE 76th Ave and SE Washington Street. Composed of paint and white plastic delineators, it extends the corner space out beyond the curb.

Strictly speaking, this corner is on the other side of the street from Montavilla. SE 76th Ave is the west edge of Montavilla between SE Division and E Burnside. It would technically be in the Mt. Tabor neighborhood.

SE Stark Street will also receive corner enhancements at 76th and 80th. Montavilla’s portion of SE Washington Street will get their expanded corners at 80th and 92nd Ave.

The yellow paint chosen is less bright than other street markings seen throughout Portland. Although new, it looks faded. However, it is only a temporary measure to allow distancing at the curb. Ideally, it will become a full extended curb if made permanent as part of the Jade and Montavilla Multimodal Improvements Project.

UPDATE – The crossing of 76th Ave and SE Stark Street in now complete.

Construction, Infrastructure

Busy Streets Program Walkability Improvements

The new Busy Streets program has already made Montavilla more walkable and will extend through the neighborhood. The program seeks to expand pedestrian space in busy areas by reusing parts of the roadway not used for travel lanes.

Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has launched the Busy Streets program as part of its response to COVID-19. The program expands on the Safe Streets Initiative that PBOT has already implemented with the Slow Streets and Healthy Businesses programs.

Last week one of four temporary bus platforms was added to SE Washington Street, north of 80th Ave. Three more are coming to bus stops at SE Stark Street at 82nd, 90th, and 92nd.

Expanded corners make it easier to physically distance while waiting to cross at busy intersections. Made by visible by paint and other indicators, they extend the corner out towards the traffic lane. SE Stark Street will receive corner enhancements at the intersections of 76th and 80th. Three expanded corners on Montavilla’s portion of SE Washington Street are at the 76th, 80th, and 92nd crossings.

A long stretch of SE Stark Street’s north side is receiving an expanded walkway, from 84th to 94th. This extra space allows pedestrians to move off the sidewalk into the street, allowing others to pass at a distance. Added paint and indicator poles should increase safety for pedestrians when they are on the roadway.

These temporary enhancements would be welcomed as permeant additions to the roadway. Perhaps they could become part of the final Jade and Montavilla Multimodal Improvements Project. Details of that project will begin the design phase soon, according to Lisa Patterson Capital Project Manager for Policy Planning + Projects at PBOT.

For now, the temporary improvements should promote Montavilla’s walkability until permeant upgrades are in place. Look for future work in the next few months as these projects complete construction.

Illustrated images are provided by Portland Bureau of Transportation