On May 9, Restore Oregon invites you to experience Park and Play in Argay (Terrace), a unique home tour and neighborhood block party event. Argay Terrace is a distinctive mid-century modern enclave known for its winding streets, shared parkways, and stunning mountain views. A community designed for both connection and tranquility.
Developed in the mid-century modern era of design, the homes here offer a mix of family-friendly amenities. From what is touted as the highest concentration of backyard pools in Oregon to the basement bars offering a personal social club experience for the adults, the Argay Terrace vibe feels much like Oregon’s version of Palm Springs.
This event blends design inspiration with family-friendly fun. Explore a curated selection of homes, appreciate preserved vintage details, and discover creative modern renovations. Interactive activities are woven throughout the neighborhood, inviting you to spend the entire day exploring, playing, and getting inspired.
From iconic interiors to beautifully designed outdoor gathering spaces, each stop offers fresh ideas and a glimpse into the enduring appeal of mid-century living.
A dramatic standout that expertly pairs preserved mid-century details (original terrazzo, restored hardwoods) with thoughtful updates. Highlights include an unforgettable basement bar and a Palm Springs-inspired backyard perfect for entertaining.
Home #2 - with the Decor (1961)
Step back in time with this lovingly restored home that celebrates originality. With vintage cabinetry, three fireplaces, and a rich collection of mid-century decor, it offers an authentic, warm, and inviting experience.
Home #3 - with the Pool (1961)
Comfort and function meet in this updated home. Modernized for today’s lifestyle, it features flexible living spaces, two fireplaces, and a relaxing backyard retreat ideal for both entertaining and everyday living.
Home #4 - with the Art (1961)
This mid-century home balances a respect for its clean-lined architectural roots with modern renovations that prioritize light, openness, and livability. From the owner's original oil paintings serving as focal points to the revitalized outdoor spaces, the house embodies the best of its era while offering a daily connection to community and landscape.
BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY
The homes may be the main draw, but as you walk through the neighborhood, join in the social vibe and play!
This year Restore Oregon is making the home tour family friendly by offering tickets for children, ages 5-17, who will have a play pass to interact with fun stops from yard games to architecture crafts and a scavenger hunt to keep them focused. Each play pass will also include one beverage and snack making it easy to spend the day in one of Portland’s most unique neighborhoods!
Restore Oregon is excited to introduce the Argay Terrace neighborhood, continuing our tradition of exploring Portland’s historical suburbs, particularly those with a Mid-Century Modern aesthetic. Previous tours highlighted similar neighborhoods: the Oak Hills Historic District in 2011 and Bohmann Park in 2023. Both showcased Robert Rummer's work as a builder of innovative modern design. While the architects of Argay Terrace are less known, the neighborhood shares a clear resemblance to these earlier features.
Developed in 1957 by Art Simonson and Gerhardt (Gay) Stavney (the source of the name "Ar-gay"), Argay Terrace was conceived as a family-friendly alternative to downtown Portland's congestion, enabled by the rise of the automobile. The design prioritizes the landscape and the site's topography, featuring spacious homes on large lots for an open feel.
Planning emphasizes circulation and community. Instead of a typical grid, the street layout is curvilinear, minimizing traffic from main arterials and aligning with the terrain. This design also maximizes the number of homes with expansive mountain views, including Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens. Homes are clustered around communal open spaces, called Parkways, accentuating a ‘village’ concept much like Oak Hills, with an elementary school and parks as central focuses.
The neighborhood’s integration with the landscape is a key feature. Specific rules limit fences, and utilities are placed underground. The architecture, often featuring daylit basements or split-level designs that flow with the land, embodies a classic Northwest Regional style, inviting the outdoors in through large picture windows.
