These days we are known as a new-construction apartment developer, but our roots are really in adaptive reuse and renovation of historic properties.

In December 2011 we closed on the purchase of a beautiful old bricker that we fell in love with: The American Brush Building located at NE 6th and NE Couch Ave. Approximately 12 months later we delivered the substantially complete building, having completed architecture, extensive structural (seismic) engineering, permitting, and construction. The building is already 90% leased, and tenants will complete move-in this winter and spring (including UDP!).  We welcome some great companies including:  Alma Chocolate, Squishy Media, and JDK Design.

The truth is, we love old buildings. It is extremely rewarding to see American Brush restored and brought back to life. We have reclaimed a number of other buildings in Portland as well: The Forest and Garden Apartments, Reliable (technically a renovation and second-story addition), and “the house” at “Move The House Apartments” (3810 Division). We love the idea of preserving history, materials, and beauty.

Here I share some pictures of this fun project.