[65MAX]

This is AMAZING!!!! Another Portland first..... Thanks to Zilfondel for bringing this to our attention. :tup:

http://portlandcitystorage.com/index.html and the Land Use Review (http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=149366)

http://portlandcitystorage.com/db3/00275/portlandcitystorage.com/_uimages/12-11-064-WEB.jpg

http://portlandcitystorage.com/db3/00275/portlandcitystorage.com/_uimages/12-10-061-WEB.jpg

http://portlandcitystorage.com/db3/00275/portlandcitystorage.com/_uimages/12-11-062s-WEB.jpg

[bgwah]

Very interesting.

[pdxskyline]

:omg:

Not only are these things useful, they're really really gorgeous!

On the first picture, the taller tower reflects Downtown, but the shorter one's reflecting some red Smith Tower-looking thing. Something at SOWA in the works?

[AJphx]

thats awesome. im surprised places like new york havent done something like this already.

[NW Mike]

:ahhh: That is Freaking Sweet!!
I've never seen a storage Facility like that...Oh my god, I want it:psycho:

[WonderlandPark]

Looks like a car is coming down one of those ramps into the river.

Like I said before::slob: drool, please build this :slob:

[NW Mike]

or a silver bayliner

[65MAX]

Looks like a car is coming down one of those ramps into the river.

That's what I thought at first, but it's a ski boat being backed down the ramp (or going bow-first up the ramp). Just like you would with a boat trailer.

[Dougall5505]

amazing. first storage tower in the united states?

[sirsimon]

This is remarkable!

So those will be (crosses fingers) located just south of OMSI?

I wonder how close to happening this thing is?

[PDX City-State]

This proposal is couple of years old, but I've never seen renderings. I think it's amazing.

[Dougall5505]

the height could be even higher here is a exact quote from the land use review

the building will include two towers over a two-story basement. Two options are proposed for the height of the towers. Both include a 5 story center section flanked by two taller towers. In Option One the tower include 18-25 tiers of storage racks (elevation +240), and in Option Two they have 20-39 tiers of storage racks (elevation +431). The uses of the facility are identified as self-service storage, retail, community service, and basic utility.

does the elevation mean above sea level? but that wouldn't make any sense. so it looks possible the highest tower could be 431'! I also found it interesting they are going to try and incorporate retail into the design. I don't know how smart that is in a dead, industrial area of town.

[sirsimon]

Perhaps the retail would be boat oriented?

[urbanlife]

very Portland.

[65MAX]

the height could be even higher here is a exact quote from the land use review



does the elevation mean above sea level? but that wouldn't make any sense. so it looks possible the highest tower could be 431'! I also found it interesting they are going to try and incorporate retail into the design. I don't know how smart that is in a dead, industrial area of town.

When they say "elevation", that means height above sea level. The Willamette is right about sea level, but can get as high as 30' during floods. This tower probably sits about 10' above flood level, 368' + 40' = 408', which is right about where it looks like the top of the taller tower is now. So maybe it's going a little higher (20') or it's sitting higher than it looks (elevation wise).

[mcbaby]

does anyone remember the last link and renderings for this project. i believe there was an article about it in the tribune or oregonian a year ago.

[Dougall5505]

ya i remember the render is was a circular building with all blue glass, this render looks a lot better, plus theres two tower! i remember that article was some time last summer

[MarkDaMan]

Me likes! It appears the neighborhood association isn't going to object to this project either...I'll believe it when they start, but this is promising!

[mSeattle]

Those are cool!

[westsider]

I have my doubts about it's buildability but willl be thrilled if it happens.

[brandonpdx]

The reflection in one of the towers would be something from the OHSU campus. I'm sure it's not truly reflective of anything.

I think retail would work will in the form of cafes overlooking the river and a boat/kayak centric store.

[Dougall5505]

The reflection in one of the towers would be something from the OHSU campus.
im pretty sure both of the reflections are of downtown, on the taller building is the police building that will soon be shielded from view by either first and main, or the courthouse building(i forget). and the shorter building has the hawthorne bridge and the koin tower in the reflection
Me likes! It appears the neighborhood association isn't going to object to this project either...I'll believe it when they start, but this is promising!
mark here on the weekend? :tup:

[brandonpdx]

^very observant. That's deffinitely the Hawthorne bridge. it seems weird that the buildings would be reflecting downtown in the renderings when they're going to be across from the future OHSU campus.

[65MAX]

amazing. first storage tower in the united states?

Yes, there's a storage tower at the Volkswagen HQ in Wolfsburg, Germany, but as far as I know, that's the only one. And it's actually a tourist attraction. That's how they derived the original circular rendering we saw last year. Obviously they've progressed A LOT since then. Mr Hanna is determined to see this built, and he's lined up an impressive team of backers and allies including the neighborhood associations.

Also, if you read the Land Use Review doc, it's only a Type II review. That's practically just a formality. If it was a Type III, it would have more hurdles. They could be breaking ground before the year's over. Depends on how fast they can get the permits.

[PacificNW]

↑ I agree with 65MAX on this...it has been my understanding, all along, that Mr. Hanna has the financial and neighborhood backing for this project. There doesn't appear to be much opposition....at least I hope there isn't.

[65MAX]

↑ I agree with 65MAX on this...it has been my understanding, all along, that Mr. Hanna has the financial and neighborhood backing for this project. There doesn't appear to be much opposition....at least I hope there isn't.

Yes, money's not a problem for Mr Hanna, just like with Mr. Moyer or Mr. Weston. He's a believer in this new building type as a 21st Century growth opportunity and he's willing to be the pioneer. Just like his father (grandfather?) was a pioneer in the automated carwash industry. These towers will be a prototype that he can replicate in other cities like NY, Boston, SF, LA....

[zilfondel]

I think it's awesome. Crazy and awesome, all at the same time. =D

[pdxtex]

this is GOOFY!! the last thing portland needs is a green/eco friendly high rise storage facility on the river. last time i checked, we did not have a huge lack of storage space......

[NW Mike]

Not that Goofy! With all the Housing going UP and people will need to put all that crap everywhere. I Run a stoarge facility and it always at 95 to 100% occupied. The Storage Industry is an incredible market. You would be surprised how fast those storage towers will fill up. Large Storage facilitys have about 400 to 500 storage units, so these towers look to by right on that target or a bit larger.

[brandonpdx]

this is GOOFY!! the last thing portland needs is a green/eco friendly high rise storage facility on the river. last time i checked, we did not have a huge lack of storage space......


Actually there aren't many places to moore a boat in downtown Portland. All those rich condo owners need to be able to moore their boats somewhere.

[pdxstreetcar]

wow one of these towers would be the taller than all these 325 footers

[65MAX]

wow one of these towers would be the taller than all these 325 footers

:D

[PDX City-State]

The Hannas are loaded. They also own Yo Cream and Skibowl. Financing won't be a problem.

[tworivers]

The more I think about it, the less sure I feel about the scale of these towers relative to their location. I like the current two-tower design much better than the old circular one, and of course I like the eco-friendly features (starting with the footprint), but I can't help but wonder if they'll just look out of place and scale. Portland already has the skyline of an awkward adolescent, with Big Pink representing some sort of arrested sexual development, lots of peach fuzz in the form of all the undeveloped land between the towers of South Waterfront and downtown, and acne in the form of the Lloyd District. Now some rich guy is going to throw up two of the tallest towers in the city next to the Ross Island Bridge on the eastside? For storage? I'm just a little skeptical.

[zilfondel]

It's a strange, strange world we live in. =D

[pdxman]

How likely is it that these towers get built? What other hurdles does this project face?

[65MAX]

Well, let's see....

Financing? Check.
Hanna can self-finance this.

Community Buy-in? Check.
He already has the endorsement of all the affected neighborhood associations, the business community, SoWa's residents (who will be storing their big toys here), and city bigwigs.

Business Plan? Check.
Hanna knows this is a risky venture (he's pioneering a new building type here), but he's obviously willing to take the risks in the hopes of a huge ROI.

Design Review? Check.
This is zoned Heavy Industrial with a Greenway overlay. He's already addressed the greenway, removing an old seawall, restoring the bank to a more natural state and allowing public access along the entire site for a continuation of the Eastbank Esplanade. Mega bonus points with the city. And Heavy Industrial zones have almost no design limitations, including no height limits. Only usage limitations, of which storage is one of the allowed uses. The Land Use Review is only a Type II, practically a formality.

I don't see ANY hurdles here. Am I missing anything?

I hope they're planning a large viewing area for all of the tourists and locals who want to come and watch this building in action.

[pdxman]

^^Yeah, thanks 65...this just seems like one of those projects that are too good to be true. Everything comes together too smoothly and without protest-so i guess i'm just waiting for something to derail this. Hopefully not...

[Drmyeyes]

tworivers, I hear you about your concerns relative to the scale of the towers. Mainly, I'm reserving my opinion about them for now. I've heard that the neighborhood association (Brooklyn/Abernethey, is it?) does not oppose them. One possible reason opposition isn't so readily forthcoming in this location compared to others, is that people live some distance from them. It's a bit of blank slate. On the other hand, I wonder to what degree people from the neighborhood closest to the tower site have considered how the towers might impact their neighborhood.

Scale is relative. Most likely more buildings will be built along the river near these towers. Could be it will be company in the form of more tall buildings. Together, they'll be defining they're own new place, if that's what people want to happen.

[65MAX]

Scale is relative. Most likely more buildings will be built along the river near these towers. Could be it will be company in the form of more tall buildings. Together, they'll be defining they're own new place, if that's what people want to happen.

Works for me....:tup:

[zilfondel]

You forgot something: the towers are going to be covered in solar panels, so it helps the city's green-energy initiative. Double-check.

Scale is relative. Most likely more buildings will be built along the river near these towers. Could be it will be company in the form of more tall buildings. Together, they'll be defining they're own new place, if that's what people want to happen.

I kind of doubt it; the towers are very close to the cement manufacturing plant. Not exactly a pleasant place to be, with all the cement trucks, machinery, and dump trucks going in and out. Not to mention the new freight rail tracks they laid down next to it, the Big Pipe CSO project, and MLK Viaduct Replacement, and MAX Caruthers Bridge/Milwaukie extension... it's a pretty busy, industrial site!

http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=150769

[65MAX]

You forgot something: the towers are going to be covered in solar panels, so it helps the city's green-energy initiative. Double-check.

That's right! AND it's going for LEED Platinum. Major bonus points.

[Drmyeyes]

100,000 sq ft of solar panels on the south sides of the buildings and the roofs. That sounds like a lot. I wonder how much power those components can produce. No data on the website that I could find. Wonder if they'd respond to an email. Accessing those panels for maintenance might be interesting. I suppose it would involve something similar to window washer apparatus.

tworivers must have figured out by now that the site is way south of the Ross Island Br. A good thing. Correction: Monday 3/19...sometimes I can't concentrate for beans....Max is right about the site being North of the Ross Island....I was thinking the Hawthorne, saw the site map and could see it clearly wasn't north of it...completely blanked the Ross Island from my mind...anyway, this location is still relatively a good thing.

zilfondel, you make sense about people not wanting to live in tall towers in that area, assuming that's what you meant.

[65MAX]

100,000 sq ft of solar panels on the south sides of the buildings and the roofs. That sounds like a lot. I wonder how much power those components can produce. No data on the website that I could find. Wonder if they'd respond to an email. Accessing those panels for maintenance might be interesting. I suppose it would involve something similar to window washer apparatus.

tworivers must have figured out by now that the site is way south of the Ross Island Br. A good thing.

zilfondel, you make sense about people not wanting to live in tall towers in that area, assuming that's what you meant.

I bet they would respond to an e-mail, they're very upfront about everything and PR savvy. I imagine it would be enough to fully power the building and sell the excess back to PGE.
Oh, and this site is a few blocks NORTH of the Ross Island Bridge.

[JoshYent]

nice!

[JoshYent]

Should be interesting to watch the different types of towers that are going to be built in Portland in the coming years! hopefully these two will spawn the growth of some other interesting types!

[kvalk]

Are you sure they have provided the "public access" for a continuation of the Eastbank Esplanade. I actually heard the opposite that they were still fighting that and in oppostion to the idea... which could be a major roadblock with design review and the neighborhood.

I also believe that the HAND neighborhood has not offered a final backing, as they are meeting this week, March 20th is the date I heard.

[anp]

Are you sure they have provided the "public access" for a continuation of the Eastbank Esplanade. I actually heard the opposite that they were still fighting that and in oppostion to the idea... which could be a major roadblock with design review and the neighborhood.

I also believe that the HAND neighborhood has not offered a final backing, as they are meeting this week, March 20th is the date I heard.

You're referring to the SK Northwest proposal, which is proposed to be built on a neighboring parcel.

[NJD]

EDIT: ANP got it

[65MAX]

Are you sure they have provided the "public access" for a continuation of the Eastbank Esplanade. I actually heard the opposite that they were still fighting that and in oppostion to the idea... which could be a major roadblock with design review and the neighborhood.

I also believe that the HAND neighborhood has not offered a final backing, as they are meeting this week, March 20th is the date I heard.

Yeah, what ANP said.

Hanna has stated publically that he wants to provide public access to the river here, and in fact, if you look at the Land Use Review (http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=149366), there's a plan and a section showing just that. The public walkway is actually bridging over the boat launch ramps. Very cool!!

[sirsimon]

"The public walkway is actually bridging over the boat launch ramps. Very cool!!"

Nice!!

[WonderlandPark]

The land use review says option 2, the taller tower is 431' whoa

[zilfondel]

Are you sure they have provided the "public access" for a continuation of the Eastbank Esplanade. I actually heard the opposite that they were still fighting that and in oppostion to the idea... which could be a major roadblock with design review and the neighborhood.

There is no design review for industrial sites, only central city ones (downtown, Lloyd District) where they have a 'design review overlay.'

[65MAX]

Right, this is just a Land Use Review. It's almost a formality since storage uses are allowed outright in Industrial zones, no limitations. There is a Greenway overlay here, but he's already addressed that, and BES has buy-in on it.

Even though there's no design review, Hanna has kept the neighborhood groups in the loop all along. He's not taking anything, or anybody, for granted.

[PacificNW]

Isn't this proposal intended for storage of boats and autos? Maybe many of the new condo owners have more than one auto. This might be a good option for them...

[65MAX]

The land use review says option 2, the taller tower is 431' whoa

That's Elevation 431', not height. If the taller option is 368' high, that means the ground floor of the building sits at 63' above sea level.

[kvalk]

Thanks Zil & ANP. I meant to refer to the the Greenway review rather than design review, because obviously then the connection to the river would be a big issue. However, I didn't realize that there are TWO proposed storage tower developments. Seems kinda excessive, but that's just my own opinion, I like to keep my storage needs to a minimum.

Also, this is besides the point, but there are design review overlays in areas other than the central city, and design review typically means a land use review, type 2 or 3 depending on the scope of work, unless the community design guidelines are met for the particular area...

[InlandEmpire]

wow! I really hope these pan out. I remember the proposal someone posted on here earlier in the year for a storage tower; these ones are really much better looking. Portland showing us all up again with its' innovation. :tup:

[NW Mike]

My Jaw has been open for days on this one. I'm still in awe over this. With the simple guidelines for storage facilitys, There is so much money to be made in storage, I would think this would be happening all over the country in big citys. It is so beautiful how it is incorporated into the river use. Turning an industrial location into something great.

[mcbaby]

i'm curious as to why they changed the design from the circular building to the twin structures. anyone know?

[tworivers]

OK, OK! I retire my skepticism!

[zilfondel]

Also, this is besides the point, but there are design review overlays in areas other than the central city, and design review typically means a land use review, type 2 or 3 depending on the scope of work, unless the community design guidelines are met for the particular area...

Sort of - historic district overlays, such as the one on Mississippi Ave & NW 23rd - require a design review for the purpose of making the building fit in. However, they are generally limited to specific areas of the city. This is an industrial zone.

[kvalk]

actually Zil, check the zoning map for the NE, there are little pockets of design overlay all over the place, up williams, mlk, even Alberta has a couple blocks, way out on interstate, and they are not all for historic districts. The city planners commonly use the design review overlay when changing zoning to appease concerned neighbors. The fact that it's zoned for industrial uses doesn't have much to do with whether it has a "d" design overlay.

[anp]

However, I didn't realize that there are TWO proposed storage tower developments. Seems kinda excessive, but that's just my own opinion, I like to keep my storage needs to a minimum.

Actually, the SK Northwest proposal is not for a storage facility, but for a repair facility for motorized watercraft such as jetskis. It sounds like there would also be a retail showroom for watercraft. The story is covered pretty thoroughly at bikeportland.org:

http://bikeportland.org/2007/03/12/sk-northwest-tries-again-for-springwater-development/

[kvalk]

Thanks for clarifying anp. I guess because the sites are right next to each other I combined them into one thought.

[zilfondel]

actually Zil, check the zoning map for the NE, there are little pockets of design overlay all over the place, up williams, mlk, even Alberta has a couple blocks, way out on interstate, and they are not all for historic districts. The city planners commonly use the design review overlay when changing zoning to appease concerned neighbors. The fact that it's zoned for industrial uses doesn't have much to do with whether it has a "d" design overlay.

hmm, very interesting! :)

[pdxman]

Any news on this? Is it still a go?

[Boiseguy]

i hope those get built... they have great angles, and lines, not to mention serving a purpose and adding to the skyline.. very impressive.. portland proper is near seattle in population.. its time for you guys to be on their scale

[NW Mike]

I really want to see this happen.

[tworivers]

Looks like the Greenway review was approved (http://www.portlandmaps.com/detail.cfm?action=Permits&folder=2624061&propertyid=R197255&state_id=1S1E10AA%20%20500&address_id=673447&intersection_id=&dynamic_point=0&x=7647603.292&y=677116.422&place=306%20SE%20IVON%20ST&city=PORTLAND&neighborhood=HOSFORD%2DABERNETHY&seg_id=119567) in July.

Also found this (http://www.jetsongreen.com/2007/09/portland-city-s.html).

This is the kind of thing future humans will really be scratching their heads over.

[pdxman]

^^^Why do you say that? Out of curiousity...

[NJD]

^ from the greenway review:
Construction of a six-story building with two 300-foot tall storage towers (Exhibit C.7.z and C.7.bb)

hmmm...

[tworivers]

Why do you say that? Out of curiousity...

You have to admit that there is something uniquely nutty about constructing 300 foot towers for the sole purpose of storing people's stuff. Not to live in, or work in, just storage. That said, if the alternative is those ugly sprawling one story complexes, then this seems on the surface like a pretty cool idea. Plus, the largest solar facility in the northwest. I just envision (assuming that life is always in flux and nothing, including our civilization, stays fixed) future races of humans trying to figure out how and why we lived the way we do. Plus, I'm going to have to have this conversation: "Wow, are those condos?" "No, they're, uh, storage towers." "Storage towers? Like, full of stuff?" "Uh, yyyeah." "Crazy. That seems like an awful expenditure of resources just to put people's excess stuff in storage..." "Sure, but... look at those solar panels..."

[pdxman]

Haha ok, i get what you're saying.

[tworivers]

Thanks for your email, we are hoping to be open the summer of 2009.
Derek

I just received this today. They must be planning to break ground soon.

[joeplayer1989]

good to know, cant wait to see this thing go up!:banana:

[Room 606]

I came across this photo on the Portland City Storage website today:

http://portlandcitystorage.com/db3/00275/portlandcitystorage.com/_uimages/12-14-07wideviewprotectWeb---PCS3.jpg

Looks very different than what's been posted on here before:

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa254/pdxprojects/ptlstorage.jpg

Has anyone heard more about this? Very disappointing if this ugly stubby thing is the new design.

[Dougall5505]

thats a bummer, this had a lot of potential

[joeplayer1989]

lame

[sirsimon]

I wonder if they were never serious about building the 300'+ buildings, but instead put it out there to get a lot of press?

[urbanlife]

I wonder if they were never serious about building the 300'+ buildings, but instead put it out there to get a lot of press?

that sounds about right.

[pdxman]

This is a huge let down...but i guess i should have seen this coming. Nothing is as good as it seems, at least around here.

[onebulgar]

I really think they were never serious about building the towers. I propose removing the "Storage Towers | 368 and 294 feet | 31 and 26 floors | Proposed" title as this will never happen. :shrug:

[tworivers]

In a way, I have to admit that i am relieved that these got radically shortened.
It just seemed like such an odd place for such tall towers, regardless of use (though I would have been more consistently into the idea if they'd been planned as housing).

On the plus side, aren't those wind turbines on the roof? And solar panels on the side, possibly? It will also greatly increase access to the river around there, and will increase pressure on the PDX Spirit/jetski nutjobs to help connect the waterfront trail.

The MAX bridge should touch down just to the north, right? Right about where the PDX Spirit pier is?

[PDX City-State]

In a way, I have to admit that i am relieved that these got radically shortened.
It just seemed like such an odd place for such tall towers, regardless of use (though I would have been more consistently into the idea if they'd been planned as housing).

I agree.

[NW Mike]

Today in the Seattle DJC.com Small article about Portland City Storage Winning AIA award.
Wind farm on the roof!
AIA judges said Portland City Storage is a great example of a “regenerative building,” that is a project that creates something better than what was there before.
http://djc.com/news/en/11199730.html

http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/42296/2919802110010327891S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2919802110010327891xjLSNj)

[MOPIdaho]

Wow what a change in design, now that it's a box it's sure to get built.

[sopdx]

It may be a box, but it doesn't fit within a box. I think what is important about this structure is that it incorporates energy generating components. I'm sure that more impressive structures will be built in the future with the same goal.

[MOPIdaho]

:previous: your right it's the content not the wrapping, I just liked the other rendering better.:(

[JoshYent]

this is really nice, i like the concept :)

[MarkDaMan]

This is the third rendering I've seen. Is this likely the one they will use? Why do they keep changing the design? First the circular, then the stunning sibling towers, now the boxy building with a wind farm. Don't get me wrong, I think a wind farm that will be viewable from most towers in downtown that can see the Willamette is a GREAT thing for Portland. I just want to see something stick and construction to start!

anyway, from http://portlandcitystorage.com/index.html

http://portlandcitystorage.com/db3/00275/portlandcitystorage.com/_uimages/4-7-08homePCSWEB1.JPG

http://portlandcitystorage.com/db3/00275/portlandcitystorage.com/_uimages/3-24-08Web-PCS2.jpg

http://portlandcitystorage.com/db3/00275/portlandcitystorage.com/_uimages/3-24-08Web-PCS4.jpg

http://portlandcitystorage.com/db3/00275/portlandcitystorage.com/_uimages/3-24-08Web-3PREMIMUMB1.JPG

http://portlandcitystorage.com/db3/00275/portlandcitystorage.com/_uimages/3-24-08Web-PCS5mission.jpg

[Dougall5505]

seems more realistic

[rsbear]

I wish this wasn't going in. That area, bounded by the Hawthorne and Ross Island bridges, Grand/MLK and the River could be wiped clean and a whole new South Waterfront/Pearl neighborhood developed, the riverbank turned into a park and the OMSI parking area put underground. It's right along the proposed east side Streetcar route, too. And someday, do I dare dream, I5 could be buried or completely removed. If the city keeps allowing development like this without a greater vision the east side will never live up to it's potential. :(

[urbanlife]

the plus side, this new design shouldnt block any views for anyone buying in the SoWa.

[sirsimon]

I wish this wasn't going in. That area, bounded by the Hawthorne and Ross Island bridges, Grand/MLK and the River could be wiped clean and a whole new South Waterfront/Pearl neighborhood developed, the riverbank turned into a park and the OMSI parking area put underground. It's right along the proposed east side Streetcar route, too. And someday, do I dare dream, I5 could be buried or completely removed. If the city keeps allowing development like this without a greater vision the east side will never live up to it's potential. :(

I tend to agree with you. While I applaud the environmental features of the project, at the end of the day it is just an (IMO ugly) garage for rich people to keep their boats in. The east side could be so much more if the city would look beyond the next 10 years.

[tworivers]

Discussion over at PDXArchitecture.

Does anyone else find this rendering confusing, in terms of perspective and background cityscape?

http://chatterbox.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c86d053ef00e552aa250c8834-pi

[bvpcvm]

^ not at all - those are just the towers of downtown milwaukie in the background. :-)

[rsbear]

:previous: :previous: In the "old" days I think we'd say the negative was flipped, as the Hawthorne bridge and Lloyd towers should be on the left, not the right.

[tworivers]

I get annoyed with inaccurate renderings like this.

[Okstate]

At least the water is flowing in the right direction...and the guy in the blue kayak is waving at us.