Located at the industrial edge of Portland’s Pearl District, between the Willamette River and I-405, The Rodney is a mixed-use apartment building that seamlessly blends modern design with the neighborhood’s industrial heritage. The design reflects a deep understanding of the community's history and character. At street level, the building anchors itself with a robust, ordered base that echoes the district’s legacy of industrial architecture. As it rises, however, The Rodney transforms into a slender, shimmering tower of glass. This juxtaposition of industrial solidity at the base and modern, vertical elegance above bridges the gap between the historical, grounded feel of the industrial district and the contemporary, urban scale of modern architecture. Early in the design process, we engaged with neighborhood associations and the Portland Design Commission, all of whom emphasized the importance of the building blending with the area’s unique character. Situated at the intersection of the Pearl District’s sophisticated charm and its working-class history, the Rodney presents an opportunity to merge these two design traditions. The result is a mixed-use tower that honors its industrial surroundings while asserting itself as a modern residential landmark. The design concept centers on a smooth transition from the historic street-level context to the contemporary tower above. A solid, warehouse-like podium anchors the base, providing a tactile connection to the industrial past, while the tower above lightens and stretches upward, its sleek glass facade gradually thinning as it rises. This thoughtful massing creates a harmonious dialogue between the building and its environment. At 16 stories tall, the Rodney is LEED Platinum certified and crowned with a 360-degree rooftop deck that offers panoramic views of Portland’s West Hills, downtown, the historic brick warehouses along 13th Avenue, the Willamette River, and Mount Hood beyond. Inside, 230 units range from urban studios to expansive penthouses, offering a diverse living experience for a variety of demographics. In response to community needs, the design also includes a new public plaza, which was built on a nearby parking lot and extends the building’s footprint by three additional floors. This outdoor courtyard space provides a vital connection to the neighborhood, enhancing both the building’s functionality and its sense of place. The Rodney is a successful fusion of modernity and history, a building that integrates thoughtfully into its context while making a distinct and memorable statement.