but were afraid to ask.

The Pearl: A Gem Inside A Shell

Showcasing the city’s top galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and loft condominiums, the Pearl District has grown from a crusty, industrial ugly duckling into a chic, urbane swan.

Formerly known as the Northwest Triangle, the area was once littered with manufacturing warehouses and railroad classification yards. In the late 1980s, developers began purchasing the area’s old buildings and converting them into lofts and offices. Artists, designers, and other creative types were the first to discover the gems in inside the rough n’ tough exteriors, and eventually Thomas Augustine, owner of the Augustine Gallery, was originated the term “Pearl District.”

In the last 15 years, the Peal has experienced an urban renaissance like no other. Forward thinking urban planners have: traded in the viaduct and diesel trains for clean, convenient streetcars, large sidewalks, and bicycle lanes; replaced rundown storage facilities with modern Portland landmarks like Powell’s City Books, the largest independent bookstore in the country; and converted dilapidated warehouses into loft condominiums sporting high ceilings, large windows, and gourmet kitchens.

Many of these lofts are “green buildings” meeting the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council. Builders of the condominiums use recycled materials, certified wood, and low VOC-interior finishes and paints. It’s no wonder that Popular Science Magazine named Portland, OR as the country’s greenest city.

Outside the lofts lie innovative public parks including Jamison Square, which is built around a fountain and manmade waterfalls and Tanner Springs Park which features wetlands, walking trails, and a creek.

It’s hard to imagine what Capt. John Couch had in mind for the area when he plotted its borders in 1850, but no doubt he’d be amazed what can be seen today.

937 Condominiums

937 NW Glisan Street

Living in one of the 937 Condos will enable you to help our planet and your finances. When completed in the fall of 2008, this 16-story building will use cutting- edge technologies in sustainable living providing loft owners with lower heating and water bills.

The 16-story building inhabits the a half block site at Glisan Street between NW Ninth and NW 10th avenues. Two levels of parking spaces will lie underneath the structure while retail stores and restaurants occupy the ground floor; above will be 217 units of beautifully designed open-spaced lofts.

The second floor podium will contain 4,000 square foot living vegetated ecosystem and a 130 foot long storm water “flow-thru planter” that will purify the water running from the tower’s roof. Stormwater will reach the podium level flow-thru planter through downspout within the building.

The 937 Condos is vying for a Gold rating for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the U.S. Green Building Council for environmentally sustainable construction. Other green benefits provided are:

• Architecture that maximizes sunlight
• LEED Gold-rated appliances
• High efficiency heating and cooling systems
• LEED Gold compliant windows
• Dual flush toilets
• Externally-vented kitchens
• In addition, 75 percent of the debris from the demolished building the 927 Condos replaced will be recycled into the new structure.

Inside each loft unit will boast twice the amount of glass as other Pearl District lofts; the windows will be eight feet high and two to ten feet wide. Oversized walk-in showers and deep soaking tubs will grace every master bath. Master bedrooms feature expansive windows, sizable closets and lighting, and are separated from the great room with oversized doors. Who said sustainability couldn’t be luxurious?

The Avenue Lofts

1417 NW Hoyt Street

The Avenue Lofts are named for the cobblestone street that extends into the building as stone corridor. Built in 1923 as the Meier & Frank Warehouse and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, each loft owner is given a historic tax benefit which allows for more autonomy and versatility.
Some of the lofts have 18-foot tall windows and 26-foot tall ceilings. Although the majority is traditional one-level units, there are also eight townhouses and 17 two-story penthouses. In addition, each loft will offer the following amenities:

• Gourmet kitchens with state-of-art appliances
• Classic hardwood maple floors
• Exposed columns
• European lighting
• Beautifully tiled bathrooms

A grand 5,500 square-foot atrium lies in the center of the building extending from the third floor to the roof. This large park, open to the sky, yet hidden from the outside world, is like a vast secret garden, and provides ventilation and light for lofts located on each floor of the building’s interior.

The 186 secure, covered parking spaces is simply the cherry on the cake of this historic, luxurious landmark.

Block 90 Condominiums

323 NW 13th Ave

Originally built in 1923 as an industrial warehouse, Block 90 Condominiums stays true to their industrial roots. As matter of fact, Block 90 has been restored to the National Register of Historic Places. Each of the 11 units offer feature high ceilings, hardwood floors, large windows, roomy patios and top-quality finishes. And while Block 90 retains its historic charm, it also provides a host of modern amenities.

Through creative design, Block 90 is equipped with a cutting-edge energy efficient HVAC system which seizes then reuses most of the building’s wasted heat and water. This will help you save money on utilities and help the earth.

Block 90 also utilizes a Sawtooth Roof design that reduces the summer “solar furnace” skylight problem, but still allows warm interior air to rise and touch the exterior roof glass in the cold winter, with significant undesirable heat transfer.

Block 90 contains three stories or 49,000 SF of commercial space for upscale stores and restaurants including the internationally renown Aveda Institute. This is topped with 11 Penthouse condominiums. Each commercial floor contains 20,000 SF, with smaller units available on the first level.

Other Block 90 features include:
• Smooth Concrete Floors
• Historic Building Tax Advantages
• Secure Parking Available
• Tenant Improvement Allowance
• Floor-to-Ceiling Sliding
• Cutting edge finishes & Appliances
• Secure Storage facilities
• Stone/Palm/Wengé Cabinets

Block 90 captures the inherent live/work principles of Portland’s Pearl District.

Bridgeport Condominiums

1130 NW 12th Ave

Bridgeport Condominiums was one of the first Pearl District lofts to offer classic interior design. Each unit is graced with Beech wood floating floor systems, gas fireplaces, and highly coveted stone black slab granite. Expansive sizes, high ceilings, large windows, and in some units, wrap around balconies add a luxurious feel. In addition, huge closets, gourmet kitchens, and state of-the-art appliances make these exceptional homes.

With two buildings housing 123 condominiums – the East Building with 56 units and the West Building with 67 units – Bridgeport offers the finest in having a modern exterior house such traditional floor plans. Both buildings share a beautifully landscaped courtyard, walkways are lined with native plants and flowers and lit artistic sculptures make the communal space unique.

Of course we all know the old real estate mantra - location, location, location. The Bridgeport Condos offer quiet convenience to restaurants, dry cleaners, flower shops, grocery stores, and even Starbucks. If what you need is not walking distance then the Streetcar is simply a block away.

The ground floor retail spaces are home to D.F Restaurant, Via Delizia Italian Dessert House and Cafe, Lolite Salon and Kanani Pearl Spa. Bridgeport’s also faces the eco-friendly Tanner Springs Park.

The Casey

311 NW 12th Ave

Chown Pella Lofts

416 NW 13th Ave

One of the Pearl District’s oldest conversions, the Chown Pella condominiums offer the finest in classic loft living. Originally built in 1912, the Oregon Transfer Company and several Portland manufacturers called this building home until its 1997 restoration. As the first housing renovation in Northwest Portland, the lofts helped spur the neighborhood’s miraculous transformation.

Each of the 68 units boasts 11 to 17 feet-high ceilings of the building’s original planks supported by powerful wooden beams. Yet, the lofts are not at all Spartan - several luxuries include: marble bathrooms; granite kitchens; birch floors; gourmet applianced; as well as built-in TV and stereo cabinets.

The Chown Pella lofts expertly balance the feel of old Portland with such up-to-date amenities as electronic security systems, high-speed elevators, structural and seismic upgrades, and one of the largest indoor parking spaces in the district.

The icing on the cake is a rooftop garden and deck for quiet relaxation or for entertaining a small group of friends.

City Lofts

1011 NW Glisan Street

Originally built in 1905 as the business headquarters of the Eoff Electric Company, the building was renovated into condominiums in 1994 making it the oldest loft conversions in the Pearl District.

These lofts contain elegant and detailed designs, high-end amenities while retaining the building’s historic integrity. For example, each unit boasts exposed brick and heavy-timber structural beams.

You’ll also find 14’ ceilings, floor to ceiling bookshelves with rolling library ladders, and grand master suites with over-sized walk in closets. Kitchen feature new stainless steal gas appliances & rolling islands while many of baths have deep soaking tubs and showers.

Since its mid-1990’s conversion, The Pearl has a cultural renaissance and now offers outstanding restaurants, boutiques and art galleries, and Powell’s, the largest independent book store in the country.

By living at The City Lofts, you’ll enjoy all that the Pearl District has to offer. Plus, the streetcar or MAX light rail to more distant areas like Gresham to the east and Hillsboro to the west.

The Edge

1410 NW Kearney Street

The Edge is one of the most elegant loft condominiums in the Pearl District. Built in 2004, it is the ideal sanctuary for a Portland urbanites who relish hardwood floors, high ceilings, and European designed kitchens. Each unit has exposed concrete ceilings, stunning floor to ceiling windows, stone countertops, Kohler fixtures, and beautiful bathroom tiles.

The sleek building rises 11 stories high with REI, the preeminent retailer of outdoor gear and clothing, occupying 35,000 square feet on the first and second floors. The second, third and fourth floors has about 280 parking spaces, with additional space below ground and next to REI on the first floor.

In addition, if you live at the Edge Lofts, you will not need to expend so many carbon auto emissions. Almost everything in the Pearl is within walking distance, including Powell’s City of Books… the Pearl Bakery… Whole Foods market . . . as well as a host of upscale restaurants, boutiques, and antique stores. When you do need to venture outside of the neighborhood, the Streetcars and MAX light rail are close by.

Elegance, convenience, and social responsibility are just a few of the benefits from living at The Edge Lofts.

The Elizabeth Lofts

333 NW 9th Ave

Built in the middle of Portland’s Pearl District, the Elizabeth Lofts are an Art Deco mixed-use building with ironwork displays adorning its brick facade. Within the abode are 182 chic lofts on sixteen floors.

Each unit is elegantly designed with state- of- the- art amenities including gourmet appliances, granite countertops, ceramic tile, 9’8” ceilings, and hardwood floors. The loft sizes range anywhere between 725 to 3,500 feet.

Concierge service, secured entrances, dedicated parking and storage space are also some high-end perks you’ll enjoy as a tenant at this luxurious condominium.

Ground floor retail tenants include Rich’s Cigar, Judith Arnell Jewelers, Imelda’s Shoes, Louie’s Shoes for Men, Custom by ConstructaVision, The Eye Studio, Trust: A Lounge, and Beppu Wiarda Gallery. The building also sports a dazzling outdoor courtyard which is home to Isabel, a fabulous South American restaurant with outdoor seating.

Yet who says that style and elegance means more money and less conservation? Certainly no one who has ever visited the Elizabeth. For example, this high-rise incorporates carbon monoxide sensors in the parking garage, which saves energy as the ventilation runs only when needed.

The Elizabeth also has a water-loop heat pump system that transfers heat from where it is not needed to a part of the building where it is needed, thus causing the boiler to run less often. In addition, the gas boiler is placed on the roof where it heats water while it supplements the heat pumps.

The Elizabeth Lofts have helped make the terms elegance and sustainable synonymous in every way.

Encore on the Park

949 NW Overton Ave

By the fall of 2008, Encore On the Park will become Portland’s model of urban elegance. The building will have the architectural flourish of sleek lines, bold shapes, and curved frames.

Rising 175 feet, the 16-story Encore will grace the northern edge of the Pearl with its ingenious crescent-shaped facade. The 176 units will include loft condominiums, live/work spaces, and town homes with large garden areas that are perfect for families. If the garden becomes too small, parents and children can take a hop, skip, and a jump to the Pearl District’s newest park, The Fields.

Each unit will include the following amenities:

• High quality European-style cabinetry
• Silestone countertops in kitchens and master bathrooms
• Kitchen appliances include Energy Star Amana refrigerators and Bosch Integra dishwashers
• Kohler®bath fixtures
• Wood flooring in your choice of walnut, oak or mahogany in living areas.
• Porcelain tile flooring and showers in bathrooms
• Seaside collection nylon carpet in bedroom

In addition, each town home will have such additional features as:
• Granite kitchen counters
• Custom medicine cabinets with integral lighting in master baths
• Bosch stainless steel wall oven, cooktop, microwave and a dishwasher with an overlay panel to match cabinets
• Frigidaire island hood and a Sub-Zero wine cooler
• Gas fireplace with stone slab at hearth
• Glass mosaic accent tiles

The secure lobby will contain its own brand of urban elegance with an immense exterior back-lit custom art glass wall. You couldn’t find a more innovative set of condominiums in a more perfect community.

Flanders Street Lofts

725 NW Flanders Street

The Flanders Street Lofts are famous - they have been used in a number of movies including one flick from Gus Van Sant who actually lives in the Pearl.

The original 4-story building was built in 1921, but a three-story addition facilitated its conversion to 28 condominiums in 1998.
Located on 7th Street and Flanders, the lofts have open floor plans, large private patios, as well as all their original exposed timber and oversized beams.

Other features include:
• Secure Entry and Parking
• Oversized windows
• Exposed wood beams
• Walk-in closets
• Original Hardwood floors
• High ceilings

The three story Designer Penthouse Suites boast two decks, many windows, and fantastic views. They also feature gourmet kitchens with state of the art appliances, granite countertops, and even bars with liquor guns. Several of the master baths have dual showers and even their own steam rooms.

The Flanders Street Lofts are the perfect urban retreat smack in the middle of a perfect Portland neighborhood.

The Gregory

420 NW 11th Ave

Easily one of the most exquisite buildings in the Pearl District. The brick and concrete building has a four- story, 30,000 square foot office portion which easily complements the residential lofts in the upper floors.

Units range in size from about 1000 to 3000 square feet, which creates a diverse community within the building including singles, professionals, and young families. Each resident enjoys indoor, secured parking, and separate storage locker in the parking area.
The open loft design are just one of the many benefits of these elegant condominiums. Other features include maple floors, cherry or maple cabinets, stainless steel kitchen counters, gas cooking, stone and tile baths, A/C, and forced air electric heat. Each penthouse has its own fireplace.

Large terraces on the 5th, 11th and 12th floors are perfect for picnics, barbecues, and small parties.

For the environmentally conscious residents, The Gregory boasts huge, energy-saving industrial windows as well as convenient areas to recycle. The lofts are right on the streetcar line to downtown Portland and the trendy 23rd Avenue shopping area, with connections to MAX for access to the airport and much of greater Portland.

On the bottom level are upscale boutiques and restaurants allowing you to enjoy some fabulous Pho Van then a relax with a glass of wine at Vino Paradiso.

The Henry

1025 NW Couch Street

Hoyt Commons

618-634 NW 12th Ave

The Hoyt Commons were one of the first newly built residential buildings in the Pearl District. It is a four-story condominium building located in the Hoyt Street Yards Community. The 48 residential units range from 600 to 1200 square feet, and each loft has 10 feet high ceilings and outdoor terraces.

Other features include:
• Secure Entry/Parking
• Oversized windows
• Close to Jamison Square
• Private decks

With ground floor retail space, Hoyt Commons is home to Georgio’s and PearlDistrict.com.

These lofts appeal singles, professionals, empty nesters, and young families, empty nesters easy access to parks, schools, art galleries, boutiques, and wonderful restaurants.

Living in the Hoyt Street Commons will offer you a wonderful mixture of a close-knit community amidst of urban culture and elegance.

Irving Street Lofts

1314 NW Irving Street

The Irving Street Lofts bring innovation and history to Portland’s Pearl District. The building was constructed in 1924 for the Blumauer & Frank Drug Company – a wholesale pharmaceutical company. In 1937, a drug company, McKesson Robbins, bought to warehouse supplies until until the late 1980s when it was converted to rentals and artists lofts. In 1995, Grancorp, Inc converted the property to loft condominiums.

Each unit has an authentic loft feeling with high ceilings, huge banks of windows, concrete walls, and exposed pillars. Owners also enjoy the tax benefits of living in a historic building as well as the original freight elevator which makes moving a breeze.

Amid the historical ambience are cutting edge amenities like state-of-the art security, parking spaces, storage units, eco-friendly bamboo flooring, maple cabinets, and stainless steel appliances.

The 82 units come in various sizes which are perfect for professionals, empty-nesters, and young families. Loft owners may enjoy a rooftop deck with plants, flowers, and the all important barbecues for small parties.

And of course nothing is more important in real estate than location, location, location! At the Irving Street Lofts, you’ll be just a few steps away from the city’s best restaurants, health clubs, boutiques, and antique stores. What self-respecting Portlander could ask for more?

Irving Street Townhomes

NW 12th & Irving

Johnson Street Townhomes

NW 11TH AVE

Lexis on the Park

1125 NW 9th Ave

The Marshall-Wells Lofts

1420 NW 14th Ave

McCormick Pier Condominiums

NW NAITO PKWY

The Metropolitan

1001 NW Lovejoy Street

The McKenzie Lofts

408 NW 12th Ave

Modern Confectionery Lofts

1240 NW Hoyt Street

North Park Lofts

300 NW 8th Ave

Park Northwest

327 NW Park Ave

Park Place Condominiums

922 NW 11th Ave

Pacifica Tower

1830 NW Riverscape St

Pearl Lofts

1009 N.W. Hoyt Street

Pearl Townhomes

606 – 636 N.W. 11th Avenue

The Pinnacle

1255 NW 9th Ave

Riverscape Townhomes

NW Riverscape ST

Riverstone Condominiums

820 NW 12th Ave

The Streetcar Lofts

1030 NW 12th Ave

Tanner Place

1030 NW Johnson Street

The Waterfront Pearl

1200 NW Naito Parkway