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Greentree Circle – in Lake Oswego’s Palisades Neighborhood
1462 Greentree Circle, Lake Oswego $435,000
A super traditional family home in a most ideal of family neighborhoods, this new listing at 1462 Greentree Circle is a perfect place to settle. An open floor plan with warm hardwood floors, fresh updates and a bonus room over the garage. The home has four bedroom home including a sexy master suite that has hardwood floors and a cozy fireplace.
The neighborhood is quiet and low on traffic and has the nearby Greentree Park with swing-sets and half-court basketball courts. another great convenience of the area is that from this home it is easy to walk to either the Palisades Elementary School and Lakeview High School. So for the just the two years of Waluga Middle School will parents find themselves juggling rides to school!
An attractive home for $435,000.
First Thursday is Back!
We stopped in last night at the opening of a new showroom for Kalkhoff Bikes at 11th and Glisan and it was deja vu all over again. A swarming crowd turned out in the Pearl District’s First Thursday for brats and beer to see the latest new thing. No, it wasn’t condos or lofts – duh. This night the new new thing is innovative bikes for urban commuters. Cool and techie products were displayed and played-with in a gallery space reminiscent of an Apple store with white walls, cool stuff and trendy people. It was great fun!
The bikes are awesome! Electric battery powered models from performance sport styles to jazzy all-about-town, (read practical and possible to pedal anywhere) cruisers. High style, high quality and enabling of the high life of Portland – e-urban sustainable and really, practically useful for getting up hills!
What does this have to do with real estate? Not much. It was reminiscent of the days we sold Civic lofts from the B-Street Gallery on 13th – and invigorating to be so engaged again in a new concept. And the fresh activity for the first Thursday of the month speaks positively of the marketplace in general.
The evening and the event are market relevant because people are out again to check out what’s new and be part of product innovation worthy of the Portland culture. Here’s to Kalkhoffusa.com for bringing their marvelous new bike and commuter technology to Portland . . . and for bringing back the party to the Pearl!
Pennoyer Street Townhomes at South Waterfront
Our property focus this month is Pennoyer Street Townhomes. these homes are a special offering the marketplace for several reasons. Legally, they are like all the homes in The Meriwether, but they are different in the lifestyle they offer and the type of homeowner they attract. Townhome people prefer the convenience, community and location of an urban area, but they also seek the independence of their own front door and garage. For some, it is a case of walking right out the door and being outside in the neighborhood, while for others it is the handy, private and full size garage which doubles as secure parking and personal storage. Ultimately, these differences produce a feeling more akin to a single family home than a condo.
On Pennoyer Street there are distinguishing features specific to Pennoyer townhomes.
Jackson Group listing at 835 SW Pennoyer #1006120
First, Pennoyer itself has the special characteristic of being a limited access street, which is to sale that is is really a pedestrian plaza. Further, this plaza adjoins the courtyard of Atwater Place and connects residents of all buildings in the district to both the waterfront greenway and the District’s Central Park. Urban master planning of this kind, creating open space and pedestrian connectivity, is hard to find for townhouse infill projects around the city, so the Pennoyer Street Townhomes have a special quality that is related to their location in the heart of South Waterfront, steps from the river and parks that distinguish the area.
A recent story in The Oregonian quoted claims from an economist that “tree-lined” streets add $7000-$13,000 in value to homes nearby. Pennoyer Street Townhomes have the potential of becoming a one-of-a-kind opportunity in Portland with the pedestrian plaza, Willamette Riverfront, public parks, etc.,adding value to the neighborhood and the homes themselves.
Arbor Creates a New Generation of Solidly Built Custom Homes
by Sarah Norton
Arbor Custom Homes has invented a new genre of homes for the Portland area. Since 1988, this local developer has distinguished their architecture, their neighborhoods and the quality of their product far above their competition. From Wilsonville to Bethany, offering condominiums to manor homes – every Arbor home is built with a high standard of design and function – utilizing space and location to optimize what buyers really want. Arbor has honed in on what connects with home buyers, even in a difficult market. And they sell homes doing it! So why, you ask – why does an Arbor home sell faster and for more money that other options?
Arbor neighborhoods simply WORK! Each one has a special sense of community and usually has a neighborhood park, pool or play area for residents to gather and have fun. Arbor’s lots are smaller so residents tend to get outside the private space of their home and gather with other families in the neighborhood’s public spaces, sideways, driveways and low-traffic streets. The homes are always well maintained and the front lawns are usually maintained and nicely manicured by the HOA.
Arbor floorplans are very livable. They have a wide variety to choose from- master on the main level, den spaces, loft spaces, formal spaces, extra bonus rooms, storage- big and small. The room spaces are always substantial and flow nicely. Most of their floorplans come in three “elevations” or exterior styles- French, English and American. Each elevation looks different from the street which gives the neighborhood good dimensions even if the homes are the same floorplan. Arbor generally builds 2 level homes with a great room on the main level and most of the bedrooms on the upper level- standard but again- very livable. Arbor also has a campaign for GREEN building- check out this link for more information on this effort. Arbor Builds GREEN
Arbor finishes are high quality with a very pleasing aesthetic. You’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven when you visit their design center in Beaverton to custom select the finishes for your home. The design center consultants have a keen eye for design and can help you choose your finishes. The offer a wide variety of built-in components, granite and paint selections, cabinetry, outdoor kitchens, travertine tile, light fixtures, high energy efficient systems, appliances – the sky is the limit. All these upgrades come with a price which adds on to your “sticker price” prior to the closing date/completion of your home.
Most importantly, Arbor builds solid homes. Their structural warranty is solid but you probably won’t need it because Arbor has perfected their structural building practices. They know what works for homes in the Northwest and how to best keep the structure dry and rot free – which is a major concern in our neck of the woods. Arbor also educates residents on proper maintenance and has great customer service and emergency maintenance on call for any problems you might experience.
Some home buyers think of Arbor as a developer who just builds homes on “postage stamp” lots with a common aesthetic, one right after the next. This is partly true – if you want ½ acre with a private backyard then Arbor might not be for you. But if you are looking for a solid home, great finishes in a wonderful neighborhood – you should consider an Arbor neighborhood. And even Arbor is making deals in this market so give one of us a call and we can help you choose a neighborhood that best suites you and your family.
The Jackson Group recently helped some clients purchase a home in the Arbor Oaks neighborhood off Springville Road, near Rock Creek Community College. These clients had been looking at homes in the Bethany area with a good “walkability” factor- near walking trails and shopping areas. The Arbor Oaks neighborhood was at the top of their list from the beginning. They just sold their home and needed to move within 45 days so building a home was not a possibility. The sales office at Arbor Oaks has been busy making deals on custom homes and move in ready homes. Their inventory of move in ready homes was minimal but they still had a variety of homes and floorplans available in a range of prices. Our clients had one home in particular in mind but they had to act quickly to secure the home because there had been a lot of interest. This home was ideal for them- lovely finishes, about 2900sqft with a bonus room and 4 bedrooms. Their offer was accepted and now they will move into the home and neighborhood of their dreams. We wish them well!
SOLD! In Five Days!
Yes! it can still be done. Last Tuesday The Jackson Group put a new listing on the market in Bridlemile at 4907 SW 39th, which, by Saturday, received 5 offers and sold for over asking price!
SOLD!
There are several bits of good news in this.
- The new buyers are thrilled with their purchase – they have been waiting and watching for the right home to be for sale and now they can move out of an apartment (they already sold their prior home) and into the home that is the right fit for their family now.
- The sellers are thrilled to have the deal done so that they can move on with their relocation out-of-state without delay or separation of the family waiting for a house to sell.
- And, for those of us watching the market or selling a home, it is encouraging that there are still 4 buyers out there who are ready, willing and able to purchase a home provided the right package of features, location, condition and price are in place.
The lesson here for home sellers and brokers is that a good property, priced right and looking good, will sell in any market. That says something about the 11,000 listings in the Portland metro area that are not sold! Sure, sometimes there are issues about a property that make it more challenging to sell, but there is a point here that if presented well – starkling clean and professionally staged – and priced for the market - properties will sell.
Backyard- one of the highlights of the home
Council Crest Open House Tour This Sunday 5/17
Clear skies will highlight the stunning city views that will be on display from some of the homes on Council Crest’s Collaborative Open House Tour this Sunday, 5/17, from 1-4pm. Join us and take advantage of the opportunity to view a group of homes in an iconic Portland neighborhood.
The Jackson Group has organized a group of Realtors with listings in the Council Crest area to open their “for Sale” properties as a group to make the tour more efficient for buyers and more effective for brokers and sellers. Council Crest has a distinctive nature as a neighborhood with its high altitude, numerous parks, diverse architecture and convenient location to downtown, Northwest Portland or Hillsdale. The schools are among the best in the city and if you in a view location it is also the best the city has to offer.
4405 SW Council Crest Offered at $1,395,000
The Jackson Group listing being featured is 4405 SW Council Crest Drive located at the far east end of the neighborhood and offering a panoramic view of the city and mountains to the east. Join me there on Sunday to see a traditional mid-century 4 bedroom home in the French Colonial style.
See you then,
Becky Jackson
For a map of the tour click here and download the PDF: council-crest-open
Portland’s Mounted Patrol Force
by Sarah Norton
Last week, I was walking in the Pearl District from the Henry back to the office and stumbled upon this scene at the intersection of Couch and 11th. It was one of those moments that made me distinctly appreciate our Portland community. A community that has both the old and the new intertwined even in the middle of one of the busiest intersections of the downtown area.
Portland Mounted Patrol
I have run by the stables for the mounted patrol horses- it is located on the waterfront next to the new Waterfront Pearl condominiums – and I’m always curious what types of problems these equestrian agents of the Portland Police force have to deal with. I found out that the mounted patrol is very effective in the downtown corridor at controlling crowds and small crimes. The police officers are able to see and hear more because of their higher position on top of the horse.
I love that not only do these horses help the police fight crime- they also take me back to another era. Portland still has many throw backs to our “wild west” days- the underground smuggling network of tunnels, the horse tie up rings that are now blocked with car parking stalls, the smoke stack in the Brewery Blocks, even the streetcar has a certain element of nostalgia. The charm of Portland’s blend of the old and new struck me especially on this particular day even though we get to experience it often in the Pearl.
Portland Farmers’ Market is Open!
A favorite stop of mine on Saturday mornings after my Pilates and Aerobics classes is the Farmers’ Market at the Portland State University campus. The Portland area has several farmers’ markets, on different days and in different locations, but this one fits my schedule and location best. Another good one for me location-wise is the Thursday afternoon version at the Patagonia Building in The Pearl. Either one of these or the others on the schedule are great open markets of seasonal fresh produce and farm products, dairy and meat offers, flowers and fun stuff. It is fresh, local good food and a totally fun experience. My niece Ashley and I meet up there on Saturdays about 9:20. Ashley arrives from South Waterfront by streetcar, so she is totally sustainable, and we drink coffee and share our interest in food, cooking, gardening and family. We have our favorite spots, the ‘Tart’ Lady from Hood River, the mushroom stand, the grilled pepper man, and any one of the fresh veggie and fresh egg providers.
The crowd is increasing now that the sun has come out! Hope to see you there sometime!
Becky
South Waterfront keeps building and growing . . . in spite of the recession!
A field of dahlias is not the only thing being nurtured at South Waterfront! In a town hall styled meeting last night the public was invited to hear an update of what’s happening in this iconic Willamette River development.
A few of the details . . .
Dike Dame, of Williams and Dame Development, offered opening remarks to kick off the update about the district and its future. His comments covered site development and the status of the green spaces of South Waterfront. The undeveloped waterfront lots will get some temporary improvements, with, yes, a dahlia field on the lot to the north of the Meriwether and hydro-seed cover on the lot south of Atwater Place. Both will help tidy up the undeveloped sites that are adjacent to the current condominiums.
Robin Grimwade of Portland Parks and Recreation provided the welcome news that the neighborhood park is on budget and on schedule! Construction of the two block park will run March – August, with the ‘urban garden’ open in August and a grand opening party planned for October. The waterfront greenway is still likely to have a beach and launch area. Construction for the greenway has been delayed due to site clean-up that is being completed by the developers prior to turning it over to Portland Parks and Recreation.
The Meriwether and Atwater Place in South Waterfront
A report on sales and rentals of residential homes in the district came from a representatives from Realty Trust and Gerding/Edlen Development. Here the story is a reflection of the general slow-down in home sales in all neighborhoods; slow, and steady, at a lower pace than when the project was launched in 2004.
Mark Williams of OHSU brightened the mood again with an account of projects underway for OHSU sites both south and north of the Ross Island Bridge. Mark spoke encouragingly of a potential collaboration with the Oregon University System on a life-sciences building. Clearly there will be lots to come from the engine of OHSU in this area.
The Portland Development Commission, the Bureau of Planning and the Bureau of Transportation all gave reports on the status of their separate and combined activities which have completed substantial infrastructure already (the Tram, Streetcar, streets and community improvements) and the ultimate plan for connection with the Light Rail that will cross the river near the South Waterfront. Construction of the pedestrian bridge over the freeway is due to begin this summer. Other projects that are ’shovel ready’ may get a boost from Federal Government stimulus money.
One of the most important comments of the evening, in my view, was the statement from Patrick Quinton of the Portland Development Commission that Vestas, the Danish wind turbine company, is definitely in negotiations for a site at South Waterfront for a sizeable office development. Vestas has plans to open offices in South Waterfront that will start with 350 employees and grow quickly to 500 and ultimately to as many as 800. This is no official announcement because negotiations are still ongoing, but for Patrick to speak so confidently of their commitment to Portland and South Waterfront is a strong validation for the prospects of the district.
The evening’s presentations wrapped up with updates on the Mirabella and the District retail – two very different reports altogether. The Mirabella, an upscale continuing care community, reports fulfillment of a 93% pre-sale goal in spite of the recession. The building is the tall one going up to the north of the John Ross. Retail, on the other hand, continues to trickle in and, while the current merchants and restaurants are popular and provide appreciated activity and services, the pace of new leases is slow. Frankly, this is true for more fully developed neighborhoods as well, such as the north blocks of Portland’s Pearl District.
The evening wrapped up with some Q & A mostly related to residents’ specific concerns. And, oh yes, the beer was good too!
The Jackson Group represents several sellers in the South Waterfront District with listings in the Meriwether, The John Ross and Atwater Place. We consider ourselves South Waterfront experts, having participated in sales and marketing efforts for these properties since their pre-sale days. Call us for details! 503-416-4177.
Becky
Cabaret!
Last night my husband, Gene, and I had the pleasure of seeing Cabaret, directed by Chris Coleman of Portland Center Stage, at the Gerding Theater at the Armory. We loved it! And, we were so pleased to observe how Portland has produced – through Portland Center Stage and the Gerding Theater – such remarkable talent and success with this production and with the theater in general.
Our date began with a quick drink and dinner a The Henry Tavern in the Brewery Blocks. The place was jam-packed and we were lucky to find a table opening up in the bar or we likely would have had a too little time for dinner before the show at 7:30. We observed that the big crowd at Henry’s was a sign of Portland prosperity and the Pearl District’s neighborhood energy! Truth is, any number of places in the Pearl neighborhood near the Gerding Theater that we might have chosen for our dinner would have been busy. The District is always lit up with life and energy and activity. That’s why so many people want to live here.
Off to the theater we went and there we experienced again the intimacy and comfort of the renovated building. Here was a striking example of what we love about Portland. The commitment of Portland people, both businesses and individuals, to do what is right and give back to the community, the culture and the future of our city. Gerding/Edlen Development’s commitment to bringing the old Armory into the modern age while at the same time preserving and protecting it’s historical character is a winning example of that ethic.
Then, there was the show! It was awesome! From the rousing, raucous and racy opening that had us smiling big and feeling the heat – to the tense, tender and unfortunate ending – we were gripped.
Wade McCollum, playing the emcee, is extra-ordinary! He is the part he plays, the stimulating, seductive and provocative “ground” for the audience, and the “tease” for Sally Bowles, who is swept up in the push-pull relationships of living for the moment or living for the future. Ultimately, Sally (played by the larger-than-life Storm Large!) is compelled to live in the now, but her tug within is packed with tense energy and excitement and leveled back to her (and us) with hard, cold reality. The show is dramatic, entertaining and real at the same time.
We were totally engaged and entertained. I recommend it!
Becky
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