Fountain Place Apartments

Location: Portland, Oregon

Year Constructed: 1911

Work Completed: 2022

Nominator: Lorentz Bruun Construction

Project Budget: $18.5M

DeMuro Award Recognizes: Oregon Heritage, Reuse, Affordable Housing, Equity, Federal Tax Credit, Creative Seismic Upgrades

History: Strongly associated with Portland’s exponential growth during the decade following the Lewis and Clark Exposition of 1905, the building formerly known as the Wheeldon Annex was designed by MacNaughton & Raymond and completed in 1911. Significant for making high-end residential apartment living in downtown Portland both acceptable and fashionable for wealthy Portlanders, the building featured a U-shaped layout first utilized in 1907 for upscale apartments in Portland’s exclusive “Nob Hill” neighborhood. Portland’s African American population was both marginalized and segregated at this time, so it is important to acknowledge the damage caused by the Wheeldon Annex’s exclusionary practices. While this project in no way remedies past harm, it has breathed new life into a housing complex that now welcomes all as the Fountain Place Apartments.

Overview:  As a Federal Historic Tax Credit project, retaining original historic features while updating safety compliance and occupant comfort was critical. Thus, proper preservation practices were followed to retain historic character while also adding future-proof improvements. One of the most exceptional aspects of this renovation was its unique approach to seismic safety which provided much-needed, structurally sound, affordable housing without compromising historic integrity. Equity was also a strong focus of this project as the design team included highly qualified COBID – Minority, Disadvantaged, and Emerging Small Business Enterprises and exceeded the economic equity goals with a 22% participation.

Congratulations to the entire project team:

Lorentz Bruun Construction

Peter Meijer Architect

Salazar Architect, Inc.

Home Forward

KPFF Consulting Engineers

Lorentz Bruun Construction

Reyes Engineering

MD Electrical Services

Glumac

Bridgeport Interiors

Chosen Wood Windows

D & F Plumbing

Fought & Company

Milne Masonry

Norse Ironworks

Northwest Waterproofing

PLI Systems

RCI Architectural Sheet Metal

SonRae Painting

Superior Interiors Inc.

Timber Tech Framing LLC

Topline Counters, LLC

United Brothers Cabinets, Inc.

Vanco Contracting

 

Photo credits: Nick Grier, Lorentz Bruun Construction, Peter Meijer