Floating Condos on Naito

An article by Fred Leeson in today's Oregonian reports that four 10-story condominiums "that would appear to float in large shallow ponds may be headed soon to a 4.4-acre site where the Pearl District meets the Willamette River" on Naito Parkway between the Albers Mill building and the Police Bureau's horse paddock.

Beyond the pond feature surrounding the buildings, which sounds interesting, I was curious just whom the architect was for the project. Reading the name Soren Rasmussen, my response was, "Huh?" But it turns out this is a pretty reputable Vancouver, BC firm.

While perusing Soren Rasmussen's website, it became clear that a good portion of the firm's so-called residential multi-unit work seems more like hotel/resort stuff than apartments and condominiums. Are they the firm to pull off such a visible project along Portland's waterfront?

But if the pictures they have online of the intended Pearl/Naito project turn out to be accurate, the design looks promising. Have a look for yourself and let us know what you think.

Comments

[J]

I think this project is weak and should not receive approval. It is heavy, wide bodied, and too close to the river. The floor plan is bizzare with long deep units and the floating building just seems stupid...there is a real body of water just feet away...why build a pond on top of a parking garage and float condos in it?

[w]

This looks like it belongs in the suburbs as an office park

[Mike Thelin]

The water feature is interesting, the building will work well with the river, and the design is different than anything else in the city. It will be a signature development as the area around it continues to develop. Am I the only one in Portland who likes this project?

[Nate]

It looks like a timeshare from the Florida coastline. I do like that it's not a clone of the other Pearl condos, but it needs work. For one thing, the residents are not within walking distance of anything, especially if they live on the center "islands."

[Michael]

It looks alot like some of the other glass condos that dominate the Vancouver, BC area. Many have water features, and in my opinion will stick out located in the pearl.