This ambitious ground-up mixed-use development in Portland’s eclectic Central Eastside has all of the characteristics that make it a highly desirable neighborhood—easy access to jobs and transportation amenities. But we wanted this collection of residential and retail buildings to do more for residents, visitors and neighbors alike. The result is a three-city block “urban living room” designed to be a place for people to stay and play.
Vacant for over a decade, the site had already become a destination for neighbors visiting the resident maintenance crew—a herd of goats who kept the weeds in check year round. The goats eventually found a new home, but the name and the neighboring communities’ enthusiasm for activating this site as a gathering spot stuck.
Now, a total of seven buildings occupy the hillside site, combining a diversity of uses in a relatively small footprint. Two large retail anchors serve the densely populated neighborhood, specialty grocery Market of Choice and national retailer Orchard Supply Hardware. Four apartment buildings add 347 residential units atop the retail spaces. Uniquely different aesthetics, unit typologies and fantastic views offer an incredible residential experience to three distinct market segments.
Smaller retail spaces are woven throughout the Goat Blocks, from vibrant street-level spaces to intimate pedestrian plazas that are home to a coffee roaster, cider taproom, and restaurants as well services including a credit union, chiropractor and on-demand medical care center. The Goat Blocks’signature raised pedestrian alleyways provides additional micro-retail space and views of downtown Portland, fulfilling the vision to create an authentic and welcoming gathering spot that will be a destination for decades to come
Luminaires Used:
Architect:
- Ankrom Moisan
Contractor:
- Andersen Construction
