create.communicate.connect

Neighborhood Notes

old town chinatown

Click on one of the quadrants above to locate your own neighborhood.
...our website for information.
...to receive our newsletter.

old town chinatown news...

Jan 7,2009

Buyers Benefit From Sliding Home Values

by Agent503
cs_october_2008 For the first time since the housing bubble burst, the year-over-year decline in value for residential property in Portland is in the double-digit range. According to the S&P Case-Shiller Index, arguably the nation’s most recognized source for home price changes, Portland homes lost more than 10% since October 2007. But not all neighborhoods have been affected to the same extent. Losses in several close-in neighborhoods have remained in the single-digit range, some have even posted mild gains. In some situations sellers have lowered prices on their homes beyond the neighborhood trend, creating interesting opportunities for buyers. Find out more here .
Dec 18,2008

Made in Oregon Sign Update

by shooter
made-in-oregon-sign The pre-application conference for the proposed change to the "Made in Oregon" sign occurred on December 9, 2008.  The result of that conference was a list of procedural requirements for the applicant, Ramsay Signs , to follow. 

A pre-application conference is a way to get your "ducks" in a row prior to submitting an application to the Bureau of Development Services. 

The next step is for Ramsay Signs to file its Historic Design Review application.  Once the application has been reviewed, a hearing is scheduled, and the public has been notified of the Design Review hearing, the public can comment on the proposal.  Details for submitting comments will be included in the public notice, and we will provide that as soon as the notice is distributed.

If you would like more information, the Bureau of Development Services has created a web page for the proposal.  The page includes a detailed description
Read More...
posted at 12:23 PM 6 comments comments
categories: land use+planning
neighborhoods: old town chinatown
Dec 10,2008

More on the "Made in Oregon" Sign

by shooter
made-in-oregon-sign The Daily Journal of Commerce provides some good insight into the proposed change to the "Made in Oregon" sign.  Most notably, the sign has been changed twice since it was originally erected with "White Satin" for the White Satin Sugar Company.  It was changed to "White Stag" in 1957, then to "Made in Oregon" in 1996.  While the sign itself is a historic landmark, that designation only has influence over the character and design of the sign, not what it says.

The next step for the change is for the application to come before the Historic Landmarks Commission.  We'll let you know when that will happen.

Related links: White Stag Sign, a Portland Icon in Old Town, May Change Soon University of Oregon Proposes to Change "Made in Oregon" Sign
Read More...
posted at 11:30 AM 4 comments comments
categories: land use+planning
neighborhoods: old town chinatown
Nov 25,2008

University of Oregon Proposes to Change "Made in Oregon" sign

by shooter
made in oregon A pre-application conference has been requested to discuss proposed changes to the Made in Oregon sign that resides on the White Stage Building in Old Town.  The proposal is to change the words on the sign from "Made in Oregon" to "University of Oregon."  

According to Brian Libby at Portland Architecture , the deer, typeface and typeface size are restricted, but not the words.  Made in Oregon aren't the original words for the sign and White Stag isn't the original brand, the sign was originally for White Satin Sugar. 

That hasn't stopped critics from voicing their opposition to the change to the Bureau of Development Services, according to the Portland Business Journal .  Critics contend that the change would make sign less welcoming to visitors.

Tell us what you think, should the sign be changed or not?  

Details for the Pre-Application Conference:
When:  &nb
Read More...
posted at 09:38 AM 30 comments comments
categories: land use+planning
neighborhoods: old town chinatown
Nov 21,2008

Historic Preservation Needs Assessment Questionnaire

by pearlgirl
2009-Calendar-Cover Lost any good buildings in your neighborhood lately? If you're interested in or concerned about historic preservation, the Bosco-Milligan Foundation wants to hear from you. Take their historic preservation needs assessment questionnaire and tell them what you think about historic preservation in your neighborhood. The information will be used to develop future preservation programs, technical assistance and training at the Architectural Heritage Center (AHC). Completed questionnaires are due by Friday, November 28. Please mail your completed forms to Val Ballestrem or drop them at AHC . Val Ballestrem c/o AHC 701 SE Grand Avenue Portland, OR 97214   Order your copy of AHC's beautiful 2009 calendar . It's chock full of vintage postcard images from the Bosco-Milligan Foundation's historic collection.   
Read More...
Nov 14,2008

Neighborhood Association and Community Alert!

by pearlgirl
School Bus - Cartoon 7 Portland Public Schools is planning to change their policy concerning the disposition of real property. They are planning to discontinue the notification of the City of Portland, Multnomah County, Portland neighborhoods, and the public when they are planning to declare a property surplus /(see pages 8 - 15 of PPS Final Board Book ). The 1979 Portland City School Policy was developed during the comprehensive plan process and is still ORDINANCE (Ordinance 150580). It states very clearly the intent and importance of a public partnership among School District #1, local government, neighborhoods, and the public. The above policy changes by PPS #1 seem to be in conflict with the City School Policy, Comp Plan and State Law. If you are able, please check into this policy change and let Portland Public Schools know of your opinion about the need for the public to remain part of this process and tell others about it. Thank you very much for any help you can offer, Don MacGillivray<
Read More...
Oct 31,2008

Globe Hotel Pre-Application Conference

by shooter
globe-hotel The Oregon College of Oriental Medicine is moving to new digs in Old Town Chinatown. Their architect, Ankrom Moisan , has applied for a pre-application conference for the proposed renovation of the Globe Hotel building at 88 NW Davis Street. The proposed renovation includes the addition of a 5,000 square foot fifth floor, and 3,500 square feet on the ground floor that may be used for retail.  Another proposed modification to the building reduces the window area on the ground floor along NW Davis.

Founded in 1983, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine is a nonprofit educational institution dedicated to advancing healthcare and the art of healing.  It was one of the first Oriental medicine colleges in the United States to provide masters-level instruction. In 2005, it became the first college in the nation to graduate doctors of acupuncture and Oriental medicine.  The school is currently located at 10525 SE Cherry Blossom Drive. The school has 241 students
Read More...
posted at 10:08 AM 0 comments comments
categories: land use+planning
Oct 30,2008

New Construction Condos Adjust Pricing

by Agent503
John Ross Low occupancy rates among Portland’s new condo developments are increasing the pressure for many developers. As a result prices have started to drop in recent months. Most new construction condos are now discounted by 10-15% and developers are more likely to entertain aggressive offers. Click here to find out more about occupancy levels and price drops at places like The Encore, John Ross, Pacifica and more.
posted at 10:36 AM 1 comments comments
categories: land use+planning
tags: real estate
Oct 22,2008

Gap Widens Between Ask and Sold Price For Portland Condos

by Agent503
price_reduced In a troubled condo market the gap between ask and sold prices is widening. On average over the last six months sellers have typically ended up settling for 10k less than their final asking price. Some of the deepest discounts have been for properties that have lingered on the market for more than 200 days. Click here to find out more about median discounts at selected condos in Pearl, Downtown and South Waterfront.
posted at 09:43 AM 0 comments comments
categories: land use+planning
tags: real estate
Oct 16,2008

City Condos Inventory Update

by Agent503
streetcar_by_starbucks According to a recent article by the Oregonian , there are 884 new construction units available in central city towers. Based on an average of 14 sales a month over the third quarter, it would take about 5 years to sell Portland’s central city new construction inventory. While the re-sale condo market isn’t exactly experiencing a banner year either, the overall situation is considerably different and altogether healthier than new construction. Find out more about how the re-sale market is faring here .
posted at 09:18 AM 0 comments comments
categories: land use+planning
tags: real estate
rss

aboutold town chinatown

grassy knoll gallery
photo: Brian T. Wilson
 
General Meeting
4:30-6:30pm, 1st Tuesday of the month.
Annual meeting and board elections held in March. Other general meetings are periodic.
Port of Portland, Commissioner's Room,
121 NW Everett St.

Board Meetings
4:30-6:30pm, 1st Tuesday of the month
Port of Portland, Commissioner's Room
121 NW Everett Street
 
 
Community Links