Oliver Station

Strengthening Lents' Urban Fabric

Oliver Station promotes stable home ownership by providing affordable housing and retail space in a vibrant, transit-oriented community. As part of a master plan to redevelop Portland’s Lents Town Center, it embodies the mission of the Portland Development Commission (PDC) and the Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) to make Portland a desirable, equitable city by investing in job creation, innovation, and economic opportunity. The two-block development is a transit-oriented addition to the Lents neighborhood that welcomes residents, commuters, and small business owners. A 5-story mixed-use building on site offers 126 affordable and 19 market rate homes, and retail space on the ground floor for women and minority owned businesses. Along the way, we made critical site improvements that have calmed traffic, increased public space, and ultimately, make the Lents neighborhood safer and more welcoming.

...
Portland, Oregon
  • 145 units
  • 5 stories
  • 190,000 sq. ft.
  • Completed in 2018
PROGRAM

Affordable Housing

PROJECT CONTACT

Architecture: Isaac Johnson

Interiors: Alissa Brandt

Planning: Jason Roberts

housing@ankrommoisan.com


Architecture Story

Rebuilding a Community

Inspired by the opportunity to build a stronger urban fabric for downtown Lents, we designed a two-block, five-story mixed-use housing development that creates the conditions critical to healthy living and inclusive economic opportunity. Oliver Station offers 126 affordable and 19 market rate units and active ground floor retail space, a portion of which is reserved for small businesses owned by women and minorities. Direct access to jobs and supportive services is critical for households vulnerable to poverty and homelessness. Located in a key transportation corridor, Oliver Station is designed to support multi-modal lifestyles and encourage pedestrian traffic from the nearby light rail and bike trails. Residents are within walking and biking distance of neighborhood services and amenities, with easy access to Portland's downtown core. The 31,000 sq. ft. retail base at the ground floor rebuilds the commercial core of the old Lents Town Center and creates a dynamic pedestrian-friendly streetscape. Every person deserves a comfortable, healthy home. Oliver Station uses energy efficient design to achieve both. With on-site water management, electric vehicle charging stations, and an extensive rooftop solar array, it keeps utility costs low for both residents and the building’s operator. Clean air ducted directly from the roof makes every unit a healthy one. In 2019, we proudly joined Palindrome Communities, LLC and UEB Builders, Inc. in accepting LEED Project Team of the Year, Earth Advantage’s yearly honor to a project team that rises above industry norms to create an exceptional home.

...

Planning Story

Design Interventions for Protected Public Space

A key goal of the Lents Town Center project is to make the area more desirable for residents and small businesses in order to regenerate the economy of the neighborhood. Oliver Station was our opportunity to carry that vision forward by creating a pedestrian-focused development with improved streets and new public spaces. The plan uses traffic calming measures to make the area safer. A new bike lane and generous landscaping surround the site and recessed pocket plantings integrate into the building facades. A public plaza on the south side provides a buffer from heavier traffic lanes. We also created wider sidewalks, integrated with bioswales, and new on-street parking. Together, every detail reestablishes Lents as an attractive, safe, vibrant town center destination. Lents Town Center businesses, entrepreneurs, and neighbors have nurtured a distinct “Lents Grown” identity. Oliver Station combines this savvy community spirit with a realistic, well thought out development that’s supportive of all those who live, work, and travel in and around Lents.

...

Back