[MarkDaMan]

What is the per floor square footage (tower) for the John Ross and Ardea?

Actually I think John Ross is 12,500 per floor. How much is the Mirabella? I'm totally stoked by this tower, don't get me wrong, but the form doesn't look thaaat much different then when the John Ross first started to rise.

[MarkDaMan]

^I really like this bridge.

Imagine, you're driving north on the I-5 into Portland for the first time. You see Mt. Hood in the distance, the Willamette River in valley below, and then you round the Terwilliger curves and and BAM! SoWa. Add in the aerial tram and this bridge...what an awesome southern gateway.

I've always enjoyed watching the face of friends when I take them through the 26 tunnels from the forested mountains for that first impression of Portland. I think when built, this will be an ever better approach.

[Okstate]

I think it's a great...if not the coolest approaches into the city as well (from HW 26 eastbound). I've often thought about picking up my family (whom some haven't came to visit yet) & introducing them to Portland from this angle. Coming from the airport I guess you'd have to drive around I-205 through HW 217 then head back east on HW 26. Quite exhaustive.

-Actually coming into town on I-84 westbound wouldn't be so bad if a few less than attractive buildings (IMO) weren't in the way ( i.e. the huge storage building that's an aqua blue color).
-One positive thing about that approach is that with the new hospital addition on the north end of I-84 near Hollywood it should block the view of those quite hideous highrise residential towers.
-If the Lloyd district could create an iconic skyline of sorts then we'd have great gateways of I-84 westbound into downtown, I-5 northbound, HW 26 eastbound, & I suppose I-5 southbound isn't too bad either... especially if you exit & cross over the Fremont.

-I know it's a heated debate on either side (& many merits can be attributed to either case) but the amount of paved highway on the eastbank is just overwhelming. I can just see the city officials greeting some out of country ambassadors & the whole car ride into downtown our people are touting Portlands' awesomeness (sustainability, less cars by american standards, more euro-centric etc etc...) then downtown comes into view & it looks like a mini Los Angeles in the foreground. It really is the ugly stepchild in town that needs to grow up & move out.



http://farm1.static.flickr.com/163/402420687_8d6119c05c.jpg?v=0
Photo by http://www.flickr.com/photos/mightyacorn/.

I always thought this was a pretty sweet ped. bridge crossing an interstate (in denver) but I think ours may come away on top.

[dkealoha]

Did anyone go to the open house last night? I figured all the info I needed to know I had already seen on this forum so what was the point ;-)

[CUclimber]

I love the design of this bridge, and I agree on the comments about it providing a great first impression of Portland for drivers coming north on I-5.

It's just a shame that I'm probably going to be moving out of the Lair Hill neighborhood this summer after living there for 4 years. I would have loved to have this right down the street from my apartment.

[sowat]

3-19-09

the "pincher" ends are taking shape

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/5435/mirab31909a.jpg

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/9443/mirab31909b.jpg

[Artist]

It is exciting to watch the progress of Mirabella's tower. Leaving a quiet half-acre of well-loved Mediterranean/English/Desert garden for a balcony is hard to do. Your photos, information and commentary on Mirabella's forum, as well as other forums on this site, make the transition much more interesting. Will the vicarious pleasure live up to the real thing of living in and interacting with the South Waterfront? We think it will. Thanks.

[cronked]

I went to the open house. They had a bunch of large images of the bridge along with detailed information. They had a computer generated animated video running on a laptop of what it might look like to cross the bridge. It was cool. Most of the information is already out there but I did learn a few things. What looks like a water feature behind the elevator is actually a place that collects the rain water which lands on the bridge. What also looks like chain linked fencing is actually something much nicer looking. They had a sample of it there. The staff was very helpful and answered a lot of my questions. Not only did they do a great job in designing this bridge but they did a great job in getting the publics comments and making information available.

Here is a picture of that water section I was talking about. I would imagine that there would be times of the year when this would not have water in it? I'm a little concerned about having standing water there. I specifically asked if there was a pump system to move the water back to the top to keep it moving and they said no.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3368166713_7302667ed3_o.jpg

[mmeade]

The onsite rainwater feature is becoming more popular now that the City of Portland is not allowing new connections to the storm water system. When all rainwater has to be infiltrated on site, it can become a large part of the program. The feature will likely only be this full in the largest of storms. Just guessing, but I would assume that it is designed to create a waterfall with all of the rainwater from the bridge, and only infiltrate in the lowest basins to prevent destabilizing the hillside. The only problem with these features is that they are at their most attractive when you least want to be there.

[sowat]

3-20-09

I'm not going to photograph it everyday, but this gives you an idea how quickly they work. After yesterday's 4th floor slab pour, today they formed the columns and began pouring some of them, raised the water mains (or are those sewer lines?) by hoisting them up from the crane above, adding sections in lower floors I assume. They began building the elevator core forms, and 5th floor forms in the sidecar L-section.

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/7627/mirab32009.jpg

[Artist]

The things with the green tops have the rusty appearance of cast iron--if so, they are sewer. Cast iron is supposed to be quieter than PVC, but I can't imagine how it survives in such a humid climate.

My thanks are general, to several posters who, like Sowat, are good observers of what is going on.

[sowat]

yes, sewer/wastewater lines sounds correct (the green-tipped pipes). I remember now that the water mains in the John Ross are in the central core stairwells.

[MarkDaMan]

Prices Slashed At South Waterfront’s Atwater Place

meriwether1Until fairly recently new construction price points had remained sticky at Portland’s high-end South Waterfront developments. Faced with increasing carrying costs and an overall dismal outlook, developers are now settling for as much as 25% below asking pricing.

Here’s what closed last month at Atwater Place:

Unit #2204: listed at $ 1.9M, SOLD for $1.4M

Unit #335: listed at 399k, SOLD for 356k

Want to know where price points are at for other developments? Talk to me.

http://agent503.com/2009/02/19/prices-slashed-at-south-waterfronts-meriwether/

[MarkDaMan]

Friday, March 20, 2009
Questions abound over stimulus cash
Portland Business Journal - by Wendy Culverwell Business Journal staff writer

The $787 billion federal stimulus package could dramatically affect Oregon’s health care system by transforming the South Waterfront, pumping up sales at medical supply companies and putting electronic medical records in the hands of doctors statewide.

The money, which could ultimately exceed more than $1 billion for Oregon, could help Oregon Health & Science University develop roads, streets and other infrastructure it needs to transform the Schnitzer Campus at the South Waterfront. Stimulus cash for renewable energy projects could also help OHSU and other health care campuses become carbon neutral.

The university is pursuing a variety of stimulus-related funds. The school sees opportunity well beyond the items spelled out in the “health care” section of the stimulus package.

Yet it’s difficult to predict which Oregon health care projects will get funding.

The problem is that Tom Daschle, President Barack Obama’s first choice to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, withdrew from consideration. Obama’s second choice, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, has yet to be confirmed.

Upon confirmation, Sebelius will be responsible for interpreting how the health care money in the federal stimulus package will be spent.

For now, organizations like OHSU aren’t counting on anything.

“For budget purposes, we’re not assuming a dime of this,” said Steve Stadum, vice president for administration at Oregon Health & Science University.

Several “health care” aspects of the federal stimulus, however, are clear.

More than half of the $145 billion in the stimulus bill for health care will help states preserve Medicaid funding. Of that, Oregon will receive $807 million for the Oregon Health Plan, the state’s Medicaid program.

Nationwide, another $24.7 billion will pay health care costs for recently unemployed workers. The money will fund 65 percent of the premium cost for workers who purchase Cobra insurance. Oregon’s portion of the Cobra money will depend on how many people choose to participate, but with the nation’s second-highest unemployment rate, it’s likely that Oregon will get a decent share.

The other big chunk of the federal stimulus is $17 billion to encourage doctors and hospitals to adopt electronic medical records. Individual physicians could be eligible for roughly $44,000 over a three-year span, nearly enough to pay for a digital records system. Hospitals can expect roughly $2 million each to purchase electronic medical records systems. (See related story on Page 7).

That leaves $8.7 billion for grants designed to promote disease research, rural health clinics and educating health care professionals. The grants will be distributed by a myriad of federal and state agencies.

The Oregon Medical Association, the trade group that represents 7,500 physicians, physician assistants and medical students in Oregon, says the funding for electronic medical records is the most important piece of the package.

The group’s also interested in Medicaid reimbursement rates. Current reimbursement formulas penalize Oregon for its lower-than-average hospital usage rate, and physicians have had their rates cut in efforts to balance budgets without cutting other benefits.

The stimulus package temporarily boosts the federal Medicaid reimbursement rate by 9 percentage points to 71 percent. Oregon’s rising unemployment rate will soon push it into a higher category, putting the reimbursement rate at about 72 percent.

The stimulus money will replace tax revenue and is meant to prevent states from having to cut their Medicaid rolls to balance strained budgets.

The plan covers about 25,000 Oregonians.

Another 600,000 Oregonians lack health insurance, an issue that isn’t addressed in the stimulus package.

wculverwell@bizjournals.com | 503-219-3415

http://portland.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2009/03/23/story3.html?t=printable

[sowat]

John Ross sales promotional email:

Sales Update

John Ross has seen tremendous recent sales activity with 5 new sales in the past 30 days, leading Portland's new construction condominium sales. Please inquire about recent price reductions and incentive opportunities to purchase.

Lease-to-Own

We are excited to announce the re-launch of the John Ross Lease-to-Own program, available for a limited time on a select group of homes. Although it is a terrific time in the market to buy a new home because of competitive pricing and attractive interest rates, we would like to offer an alternative option to those whose timing may not be immediate. For qualified applicants, the John Ross Lease-to-Own program offers an exclusive opportunity to lease a home in the building and apply up to 125% of paid rents towards the purchase price when the time is right to buy. Please inquire for details.

Featured Homes

1202
studio/1bath
available for purchase
- $219,000
- 635 square feet
- NW view orientation
- Approximate monthly payment*: $1,425

#1310
2 bedroom/1bath
available for purchase
- $479,000
- 1,207 square feet
- SE view orientation
- Approximate monthly payment*: $3,000

#2304
1 bedroom-loft/1bath
available for Lease-to-Own
- Monthly Rent: $1,575
- 788 square feet
- NW view orientation
- 12 month lease

#1410
1 bedroom/1bath
available for Lease-to-Own
- Monthly Rent: $2,425
- 1,207 square feet
- SE view orientation
- 12 month lease

For further information about residential opportunites at the John Ross, please contact Kelsey Mazzotta or Niki Brown with Realty Trust City.
Appointments available Wednesday - Sunday 12-5pm, Monday & Tuesday by appointment.

thejohnross.com
503.227.2871
3601 SW River Pkwy 97239
*Prices and availability change daily. All information is deemed reliable but not gauranteed. Price and square footage are subject to change without notice.

[dkealoha]

There is heavy equipment in the park and a work trailer was just dropped off this morning. Looks like work is set to begin soon!

[dkealoha]

Above ground now, forming the 2nd floor.

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr227/keal2312/3-25-09.jpg

[sowat]

still unnamed neighborhood park is now under construction :banana:

[erinkg]

I'm glad they are starting work on the park but I'm VERY annoyed that they've blocked off the sidewalk. We're normally a straight shot down Bond to the streetcar at OHSU. Now, with the construction at the Mirabella closing that sidewalk and the city closing the other sidewalk, one must walk an entire block in the wrong direction to get there. I think I'm going to call and complain about that - I thought that one sidewalk must remain open in situations like this.

[erinkg]

I just called the city and it looks like the contractors for the park didn't get a sidewalk closure permit. I was also told that they generally do not allow the sidewalk to be closed on both sides of the street like that. They will be sending out an inspector to check it out. I hope sooner rather than later!

[JordanL]

*Prices and availability change daily. All information is deemed reliable but not gauranteed. Price and square footage are subject to change without notice.

Whaa?

:jester:

[dkealoha]

I just called the city and it looks like the contractors for the park didn't get a sidewalk closure permit. I was also told that they generally do not allow the sidewalk to be closed on both sides of the street like that. They will be sending out an inspector to check it out. I hope sooner rather than later!

Thanks Erin!

The construction workers at the Mirabella allowed me to walk just inside the cones blocking the right hand lane this morning since I was about to get hit by an OHSU shuttle walking in the road... I hope they at least open the north half of the sidewalk across from the Mirabella.

[sowat]

5th floor work-in-progress

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/6412/mira32609.jpg

you can see a tiny bit of new park construction in the upper left.

notice also where they're "joining" the tower with the sidecar on the left. There's a wide visible gap in the slab in all floors.

[dkealoha]

Well uh... the sidewalk is gone now.

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr227/keal2312/park3-26-09.jpg

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr227/keal2312/park3-26-09a.jpg

[MarkDaMan]

LOL...as my boss says to me all the time, "it is easier to take action and ask for forgiveness, than ask for permission up front"

WOW, not even a permit to close the sidewalk and now it's gone???

[65MAX]

You do realize that SoWa is still a construction zone, that it will be for several more years, right? It's great that some of you are pioneers in the neighborhood, but complaining about noise or blocked sidewalks sounds kinda ridiculous.

[sowat]

The Mirabella posted a brief March 20 update:

http://www.mirabellaretirement.org/portland/2009/032009.htm

[cronked]

That is hilarious!

We knew what we were getting into when we moved into South Waterfront. There will be construction down there for years to come. I for one don't want to complain about anything that might impede the progress down there. The sooner they get started on a project, the sooner it will get finished.

[dkealoha]

You do realize that SoWa is still a construction zone, that it will be for several more years, right? It's great that some of you are pioneers in the neighborhood, but complaining about noise or blocked sidewalks sounds kinda ridiculous.

Yes OBVIOUSLY it's a construction zone. I am still the only one on my floor and had construction workers daily outside my door for months.

The thing that is weird about this sidewalk is that it wasn't the black asphalt in the other "temporary" areas around here, it was finished concrete. Seems like a waste of taxpayer money to pour a nice sidewalk and then rip it up only to pour it again.

[sowat]

You do realize that SoWa is still a construction zone, that it will be for several more years, right? It's great that some of you are pioneers in the neighborhood, but complaining about noise or blocked sidewalks sounds kinda ridiculous.

Everyone who lives in the area eagerly wants construction to proceed and be finished, but just because there are still buildings under construction and plenty of vacant lots doesn't mean builders, developers and the city don't have to respect the quality of life of the pioneers who moved here. After all, it's the people who moved here, and who plan to move here, who make all this development possible. Sometimes the city and the construction companies need a reminder that they can't just trample all over the place like they still own it. Hoffman supervisors told me a few people in Meriwether West felt the need to complain about loud foul language by some of the construction guys. That's not anti-progess, it's just a friendly reminder that lots of people already live here. Residents have every right to complain if they feel overly-inconvenienced or endangered.

A surprising amount of traffic, bikes, pedestrians, joggers, and the streetcar already use SW Bond Ave on a daily basis. To suddenly have the sidewalk on both sides of the street closed is a hazardous situation. Everyone already knew construction of the park would be tricky with the Mirabella already underway. But, we all can't wait for the park to be built!

ps. I was the only one complaining about daytime noise, and I moved away from my noisy apt. to where it's infinitely better, so no more noise complaints by me ;) yeah.

[65MAX]

Residents have every right to complain if they feel overly-inconvenienced or endangered.

I didn't say you COULDN'T complain, I just said it sounded ridiculous for new residents to move into a construction zone, then complain about the construction. But that's just my opinion.

[erinkg]

I'm not complaining about the construction, per se, I'm complaining about the fact that they left no alternative for the numerous people walking down Bond Ave to the streetcar stop (other than walking 1.5 blocks out of the way). They've moved the fences in so there is at least some room to walk in the parking areas now, and I think the Mirabella might be leaving a little path when they are not working. However, I still think it's ridiculous that the construction company did not get a proper permit to block and/or tear out the sidewalk. The guy I talked to at the permit office said they specifically look for situations like this when issuing permits. I think that this one slipped through because they aren't constructing buildings - only doing landscaping - and probably didn't realize they needed to go through the same process for the sidewalk/parking closure as contractors constructing buildings. Regardless, it sucks to have to walk in the street when walking to get to the streetcar.

[WestCoast]

it sucks that a company has to get so many permits just to make a park.

[dkealoha]

Bring yer muddin' trucks...

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr227/keal2312/park3-30-09.jpg

[erinkg]

It's fun watching them work on the lot. Anyone know how long it's supposed to take?

And I'm glad they put in a temporary sidewalk. I feel much safer now that I don't have to walk in the road or in a construction zone.

[sowat]

Anyone know how long it's supposed to take?

from an SWF community relations email today:

"According to Portland Parks and Rec. the park will be open for business in late August/early September."

http://www.djcoregon.com/articleDetail.htm/2009/02/20/South-Waterfront-gets-first-neighborhood-park-Portland-park-being-built-by-Nutter-near-OHSU-will-hav

officially scheduled completion for all areas "Oct 09":
http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/index.cfm?c=45404#schedule

[Okstate]

We really need a sticky thread of project completion estimations thingys.

[sowat]

some more semi-interesting tidbits from today's South Waterfront E-CURRENT

Additional South Waterfront Events

- Every Saturday & Sunday at 7:00 a.m.:
Le Hana serves an American-style breakfast until 2:00 p.m.

- Every Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m.:
South Waterfront poker league at Le Hana

- April 1 at 7:00 p.m.:
South Portland Neighborhood Association meeting at Umpqua Bank

- April 11 at 5:00 p.m.:
South Waterfront Game Night at Umpqua Bank

- April 17 at 5:00 p.m.:
Wii Bowling League at Umpqua Bank

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC


South Waterfront 20/20 Committees
SWF 20/20 is a resident-led project that aims for early, ongoing participation and leadership by South Waterfront residents and businesses in visioning, planning and acting toward a sustainable present and future at South Waterfront. Each of the four resident-led committees has its own area of focus. Email the group leader for more information on committees, meeting times and locations.

* Art, Culture & Science meets the first Monday - artculturescience @ gmail.com
* Health, Wellness & Social Spaces meets the third Tuesday - hwsscom @ gmail.com
* Sustainable Lifestyle & Transportation meets the second Tuesday - sustainablelifestyle @ gmail.com
* Nature & Green Spaces meets the third Monday - naturegreenspace @ gmail.com


North Macadam Transportation Development Strategy:
On Wednesday, April 8, the Portland City Council will be voting on whether to approve the North Macadam Transportation Development Strategy (NMTDS) and its accompanying funding tool, the Transportation System Development Charge (TSDC) Overlay. The NMTDS represents the culmination of two years of hard, dedicated work by South Waterfront residents, neighbors and businesses to finalize the long-term transportation plan for the emerging South Waterfront district. This comprehensive strategy includes pedestrian and bicycle facilities, the Gibbs pedestrian bridge, new light rail and streetcar projects, motor vehicle improvements and even water taxi service on the Willamette River.

The City Council places heavy weight on citizen endorsement when considering proposals of this magnitude, so everyone is encouraged to come down to city hall (1221 SW 4th Ave, council chamber is on the second floor) to testify or just show your support for the next big step in South Waterfront's development. The hearing begins at 2:00 PM, but get there early to sign in and get a good seat.

For more information, please contact Christian Smith at the Portland Bureau of Transportation: 503-823-6194 or christian.smith @ trans.ci.portland.or.us


Retail Update:
Urban Works Real Estate is working with district partners to constantly target recruitment efforts at quality neighborhood retailers looking to open a business in an urban environment in one of Portland's newest (and greenest) neighborhoods. If you have an idea for a prospective business or simply have a question related to the South Waterfront retail environment, please contact Ashley Heichelbech with Urban Works Real Estate, at 503.228.3080.

[sowat]

double-barrel 5th floor pour this wintry rainy day

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/5154/rainypour.jpg

[pylon]

ZZ Top has already been on the tram (howabout some old-school hotrod flames painted down its side!). Now Indiana Jones? Based on the topic of the movie that will begin filming here this month, I'd say the producers would be remiss to miss out on the cinematic opportunity our flying burritos provide.

http://wweek.com/wwire/?p=19299

From another WWeek article...
"Meanwhile, a movie actually shooting in PDX—the medical drama Crowley, starring Harrison Ford and Brendan Fraser—will film two scenes in May at the Portland VA Medical Center, including a shot in the skybridge between the veterans’ hospital and OHSU."

Another opportunity would be to use some of those empty condo/apts. in the SoWa for the characters to reside in. Lots of natural light/nice views in those floor to ceiling glassed units.

[sowat]

U.S. approves Milwaukie MAX line
by Dylan Rivera, The Oregonian
Wednesday April 01, 2009, 2:41 PM
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/04/us_approves_milwakie_max_line.html

The Federal Transit Administration has approved a new stage of development for a $1.4 billion Portland-Milwaukie light rail line, a major milestone for the project, the TriMet transit agency said today.

The administration approved the beginning of preliminary engineering, which means the TriMet transit agency can spend money to plan the details of the light rail line and be assured that at least 50 percent of its expenses will be matched by federal dollars.

Construction and planning will create up to 12,300 jobs and generate up to $490 million in personal earnings until the line opens in 2015. Construction could start in 2011.

The 7.3 mile line will include the first downtown Portland bridge over the Willamette River in more than 30 years, which will handle trains, buses, streetcars and bicycles -- but no cars. The line will run from Portland State University to the Oak Grove area of Clackamas County. Along the way, it will connect several neighborhoods, including the South Waterfront, Brooklyn, Eastmoreland and Sellwood.

In preliminary engineering, TriMet will spend the next year hiring construction managers, designing the new Willamette River bridge and planning for utility relocations, spokeswoman Mary Fetsch said. Details of what stations will look like also should emerge, she said.

"It moves from sort of concept to more specific details, so you can get more certainty about costs of different elements," Fetsch said. You'll have more design and details of what the bridge will look like."

In applying for preliminary engineering, TriMet sent the transit administration a six-foot stack of documents on the project.

Details of the project's financing still have not been finalized.

The state legislature approved $250 million in 2007, which gave the project a big boost, and local governments are expected to add more. But TriMet still does not have money for the line's operating expenses.

- Dylan Rivera

TriMet project web site:
http://www.trimet.org/pm/

http://img397.imageshack.us/img397/7735/map.jpg

some cool simulation photos: [though no bridge sims yet]
http://www.trimet.org/pm/abouttheproject/slideshow.htm
lots of elevated sections. this is a pretty serious project.

[Artist]

I'm behind the times: How can they pour concrete, and have it set up properly, in the rain???

[WestCoast]

I'm not a composites expert, but it's a chemical reaction that occurs.

So concrete should cure under water if one wanted to.

[WestCoast]

cool. More well planned transit is good transit and one of the few good uses of federal money. nice!

[sowat]

a small amount of drizzle doesn't penetrate or mix in with the concrete while they pour it, and westcoast is right, the setting is a chemical process, not a drying-out process. they were using big squeegees to wipe off excess water though, while they polished the slab.

concrete fans should definitely check out this article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/31/science/earth/31conc.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=concrete&st=cse

[Artist]

Thanks for the concrete lesson--I had no idea that so much is being done with it.

[sowat]

mirabella taking shape 4-8-09

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/3742/24467505.jpg

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/1982/37592706.jpg

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/8548/56912633.jpg

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/9456/55256199.jpg

first glass:

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/7342/90527535.jpg

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/223/76114158.jpg

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/7475/89230072.jpg

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/9349/38508600.jpg

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/8542/48848894.jpg

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/8015/77588902.jpg

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/4702/10774755.jpg

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/9314/73093491.jpg

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/9765/18932419.jpg

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/4333/65877714.jpg

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/5338/86725078.jpg

[PacificNW]

Thanks for the update, sowat!

[mmeade]

a small amount of drizzle doesn't penetrate or mix in with the concrete while they pour it, and westcoast is right, the setting is a chemical process, not a drying-out process. they were using big squeegees to wipe off excess water though, while they polished the slab.


Rain isn't usually an issue for structural concrete, because it is typically covered by flooring. Rain will hamper the finishing of exposed concrete, like sidewalks.

[sowat]

Thanks for the update, sowat!

you're welcome :tup:

[Artist]

Today was like Christmas! Thanks, Sowat, for all the images. Mirabella also posted an update today.

[dkealoha]

There are some mounds of dirt built up in the park. A large mound is on the east side as you can see in the picture which I assume is the "hill" shown in the renderings. But I thought that it was supposed to be on the west side of the park facing towards the river?

http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr227/keal2312/park4-8-09.jpg

http://www.hargreaves.com/projects/PublicParks/SouthWaterfrontNeighborhoodPark/SWNP_2.jpg

I guess from this plan view of the park it could be that the hill is on the east side. The above rendering makes it look opposite though.

http://www.hargreaves.com/projects/PublicParks/SouthWaterfrontNeighborhoodPark/SWNP_4.jpg

[sowat]

how ironic. it's usually when I get bored waiting for their updates I go shoot it myself ;)

http://www.mirabellaretirement.org/portland/2009/040109.htm

I see he found a new perch, on top of the Riva. Pity his photos are kind of small. (I assume it's a he)

[sowat]

when I walked by today that looked like an ordinary pile of dirt, to me, but I didn't really inspect it for it's "sculptural qualities." I suspect mounds of construction dirt will appear and disappear all over the block before the final forms take shape. They probably have to do loads of irrigation, drainage & electric first, no?

[erinkg]

I was thinking it looked like they were building it up for the sloped part as well. I also thought the sloped part would be facing the river. According to this- http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/index.cfm?c=45404&a=200574 -they've either screwed up or it's just a pile of dirt, because it clearly shows the slope being on the west side of the lot.

It really looks like they screwed up, but I guess we'll find out in a few days.

[dkealoha]

Glad you found that map of the park! The dirt mound looks too groomed and packed down to be just a temporary pile of dirt so it'll be interesting to see how long it stays there.

[65MAX]

I suspect that it's just a pile of dirt, and that it will get bigger as they landscape the rest of the park. The plan shows this spot as just a wide open grassy area, thus it will require the least amount of preparation and construction. It makes sense to store the dirt there while the more sculptured areas of the park are built. The hill will require more fill than just plain dirt, otherwise settling would be a big problem.

[pylon]

Latest News: On Wednesday, April 8, Portland City Council voted unanimously in favor of the North Macadam Transportation Strategy and accompanying TSDC Overlay.

http://www.portlandonline.com/TRANSPORTATION/index.cfm?c=44478

The Naturopathic School, my neighbor, was by far the most represented during yesterday's testimonials. It looks like they'll play an even bigger role in the area in the future. One interesting comment by one of their faculty was that education is downtown Portland's biggest "industry", which I guess will even be more so when OHSU's Schnitzer Campus builds out. I can't wait for that wasteland between the Marquam and Ross Island bridges to get cleaned up and filled in, and help connect the South Waterfront to the rest of the downtown waterfront. Federal stimulus money for cleanup anyone?

[MarkDaMan]

South Waterfront park takes name after settler
Daily Journal of Commerce
POSTED: 04:00 AM PDT Thursday, April 9, 2009
BY TYLER GRAF

City Council on Wednesday recommended that Portland Parks & Recreation name the new South Waterfront neighborhood park after Elizabeth Caruthers, a little-known Portland settler.

Caruthers was among the first in the 19th century to settle near the Willamette River. She owned the land on which construction has begun for the two-acre park.

The park is the second city project to be named after Caruthers: The region’s planned pedestrian-and-transit bridge spanning the Willamette River, from Oregon Health and Science University to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, is called the Caruthers Bridge.

The name choice came from within Portland Parks & Recreation after it sought input from the community.

“I am personally very, very pleased that the park is being named after a woman,” Parks & Recreation Director Zari Santner said.

Construction of the park is expected to be completed in August.

http://www.djcoregon.com/articleDetail.htm/2009/04/09/South-Waterfront-park-takes-name-after-settler

[WestCoast]

I took a walk through the neighborhood today.

Compared to last year, the place is really looking nice. As Riva, Ardea and the others fill up, it should start to really grow into itself.

There is lots of open retail, which probably won't get filled anytime soon, but.... there is just something about it that feels a bit more mature.

The trees are budding, and a little bigger.

More walkways are open to explore. There are a few shops there doing business.

I am starting to like it. It get's a rep as 'stale' and I think that is to be expected of a brand new development.

But it is starting to show some charm, the fountains, the plants, the buildings.

There is a ways to go to be a 'neighborhood' I guess, but with the park and all that, I think we are starting to get close, and I like it.

[pylon]

On Friday evening we hiked up to Pill Hill and rode the tram down. After landing we headed over to Le Hana; based in the Merriwether. The place was very busy, I imagine mostly due to the 8:30pm - close happy hour (everyday) going on. We watched the Blazers' win there and enjoyed seeing that level of activity in this up-and-coming neighborhood. Sadly Bambuza, the Vietnamese Bistro was empty.

http://www.lehana.com/index2.php
http://www.bambuza.com/

A walk up the hill, a ride down (esp. around sunset), and food/beverages after landing makes for a nice South Portland evening.

Current tram schedule
Weekdays - 5:30AM to 9:30PM
Saturday - 9AM to 5PM
Sunday - Closed

http://www.portlandtram.org/

[Okstate]

I have been thinking lately how cool it would be if Pill Hill could build some density of residential units where people could commute downtown by tram/streetcar. Has anyone else ever thought about doing this? A tram annual pass is also good on the streetcar.

[sowat]

hope the photo's not too big. I wanted to try get a shot showing the extraordinary amount of prep and various materials that go into each slab. (the guy was photographing everything in detail, for the record I guess)

not the best angle, very compressed with the zoom, and shot through my window.

6th floor pour tomorrow probably.

http://img382.imageshack.us/img382/2102/img0701intoslab.jpg

[cronked]

Nice shot, sowat. It is amazing how much prep work goes into those floors. And what if you forget something!

[cronked]

Here's one more that I took today after the concrete pour (4-14-09).

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3592/3442001679_7f5b8e0b11_b.jpg

[zilfondel]

Huh, they have a more hybrid construction - those steel columns w/green caps. Have never seen them before in PDX construction - and they sure don't look very substantial. Steel must be falling a lot, and must let them achieve longer spans.

[sowat]

I'm pretty sure those steel columns with green caps are not structural. Artist and I wondered a while ago if they are cast iron waste lines, but actually they are using those green caps during construction to attach safety tethers for all the workers until outer wooden safety barriers are erected on each floor. (you can still see some cables attached to the green caps two photos above) So either they are waste lines, doubling as safety tethers, or strictly utilitarian for construction purposes only. Next time I see a supervisor I'll find out.

[Artist]

Next time I see a supervisor I'll find out.

I look forward to the supervisor's answer. These columns are clearly more than one-story tall when compared to the construction worker--something I had not noticed before. I'm going back through Mirabella's postings to see if they enlighten.

[Artist]

Mirabella's site did not discuss the tall pipes topped with the green things. I looked back through images on this thread, blew some of them up, and I'm not sure anything comes out the bottom end (in lower floors.) Take a look. Maybe they are temporary.

[pdxhome]

I believe the tall pipes with the green things support the fall protection system for the workers. OSHA requirement. I have seen similiar devices on other construction projects and they are temporary.

[mmeade]

The amount of concrete on the bottom of those poles even before the pour would lead me to think that they are being reused from floor to floor. I would assume that they are safety poles for workers tie offs.

[sowat]

sowa this bright spring morning

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/4325/sowaspring.jpg

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/5388/sowaspring2.jpg

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/8525/sowaspring3.jpg

Some general park forms are starting to take shape. Also, it's a little hard to see in this photo, but there is scaffolding around the rooftop mechanicals on Riva [Alexan], so thankfully, it looks like those will be screened.

[dkealoha]

...there is scaffolding around the rooftop mechanicals on Riva [Alexan], so thankfully, it looks like those will be screened.

I saw that the other day and just about screamed with excitement.

[pylon]

[QUOTE=sowat;4199559]sowa this bright spring morning

suweet, sowat!

[PacificNW]

Amazing! Tks for the pics/updates!

[Artist]

The amount of concrete on the bottom of those poles even before the pour would lead me to think that they are being reused from floor to floor. I would assume that they are safety poles for workers tie offs.

My husband asked Mirabella what the poles are for and was told they are safety poles that move up with each floor, just as MMeade says. It is not good to be the purveyor of misinformation, and worse to lead others down a wrong path. My apologies.

[cronked]

Park update! More digging and general moving of dirt. There is a new strip of gravel along the bottom there.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3485/3460883465_c63cea3eb1_b.jpg

[cronked]

Windows!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3489/3460893217_44c535bff4_b.jpg

[Sioux612]

I really hope they don't use the same glass as what the John Ross and 3720 used.

[urbanlife]

is there a design for that park? I was thinking they were gonna leave it as a sheet of grass for a while.

[RoseCtyRoks]

^^ Yeah, here's the park plan website. The design is growing on me.....I think this is one of the touches that will make SOWA seem more complete.

http://www.hargreaves.com/projects/PublicParks/SouthWaterfrontNeighborhoodPark/

[cronked]

They put a lot of effort into the planning process. They took a lot of things into account like wind, sunlight, views, noise, etc. There were a lot of open meetings where they took input from the public and the public demand really drove the design priorities. I thought they did a great job on assembling this design. The only things we really didn't get that was in big demand was a water feature ($500,000) and a bathroom (really expensive, can't remember the price) due to budget constraints.

[urbanlife]

quite the impressive landscape architecture firm working on this.

the design for this park reminds me of the design of the smaller park next to the Encore buildings next to the waterfront. Which I really like that little park.

While I have my issues with this district and what we are getting out of it as a whole, I must say there are things like this that I have to just like about that area. It will be great seeing this park when it is finished.

[Quantum]

These pics are in Portland?! You guys have some serious work going on there.

[rsbear]

These pics are in Portland?! You guys have some serious work going on there.

Yes and yes.

[Artist]

Mirabella posted a 2-photo update.

[sowat]

three photos now. here's the URL:
http://www.mirabellaretirement.org/portland/2009/041609.htm

interesting that he specifically addresses the green-capped fall protection poles. (wonder if he's reading this forum?)

recently they mounted a concrete pouring crane onto a huge white steel column centered at the core, for higher up pours. The sidecar roof pour & tower 7th floor pour might be as soon as Monday or Tuesday.

[Artist]

Mirabella is our future home, so we are in frequent contact with people there. I asked them about the green caps, although I did not doubt MMeade, SoWat and PDXhome's input. We've drawn this thread to Mirabella's attention, but I don't know if they follow it. We appreciate the contrast of their formal information vs the realism of community observations.

[tworivers]

Is it just me or does Portland seem to be under a pall of bad news lately?

From this week's Tribune:

Stalled stimulus

When the City Council unveiled its $503 million economic stimulus package on Jan. 13, Adams and city commissioners said 84 projects could be started within the following 12 months. At least one is going to take a little longer, however.

That project is the middle section of the greenway along the Willamette River in the South Waterfront area. Work on it was originally supposed to start this August. But now the schedule has been pushed back because an Oregon Department of Environmental Qualify survey found contaminated soil on a portion of it. After discussions with the DEQ, the city agreed to conduct more tests on the property in May. The results will then be submitted to the Army Corps of Engineers and National Marine Fisheries Service, which must issue permits for the project.

The results are scheduled to be submitted to the agencies in November, which means that work on the project probably cannot begin until next year, at the earliest. It was originally budgeted at $4 million, but the costs could easily increase if the contaminated soil must be removed or capped.

[sowat]

8th floor prep work, as the tower begins its ascent off its base

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/3403/mirab42909.jpg

loads of HVAC work on lower tower floors, and some exterior framing underway now too.
The gaps between the tower section and sidecar section on the left were filled on the 3rd floor only, you can just see a little plastic wrap. This is the only one they've filled so far, perhaps as a test?

[pylon]

There's a new waterfront greenway public art project beginning down by the SW condos which "recycles" a couple of old ship prows.

[sowat]

There's a new waterfront greenway public art project beginning down by the SW condos which "recycles" a couple of old ship prows.

this installation was removed today. It did blow over in the strong winds twice in recent days, which is probably why it was taken down.

[sowat]

from a Realty Trust email today:

Experience unparalleled river views at unprecedented prices.

We are excited to announce that prices at Atwater Place have been significantly adjusted to below market value on a select number of homes for a limited time. Please call Realty Trust City for your private showing today.

Atwater Place, located on the Willamette River in the heart of the South Waterfront district, is an elegant glass tower with exceptional river views and LEED Gold Certification designed by nationally recognized architect Thomas Hacker and GBD Architects.

To download a complete list of price adjustments on available Atwater Place homes, please click here:

http://www.mylasso.com/FileWarehouse/Users/User_4488/Documents/Atwater_Availability_5-7-09.pdf

[WestCoast]

:previous: yikes

[sowat]

Mirabella April 29 construction update:

http://www.mirabellaretirement.org/portland/2009/042909.htm

the window glass is pretty clear, and separate glass wall sections have a nice pale bluish color, just visible in the 4th photo of their update. The window frames/trim is a pale gray-beige color.

today (5/7) they poured the tower's 8th floor.

[pylon]

It looks like it might add some variety to the collection down there.

Once this, the park, and the apts. are finished we should begin to see even more of a neighborhood feel.

Do you know if the ped bridge still on schedule?

Thanks.

[JordanL]

from a Realty Trust email today:

Experience unparalleled river views at unprecedented prices.

We are excited to announce that prices at Atwater Place have been significantly adjusted to below market value on a select number of homes for a limited time. Please call Realty Trust City for your private showing today.

Atwater Place, located on the Willamette River in the heart of the South Waterfront district, is an elegant glass tower with exceptional river views and LEED Gold Certification designed by nationally recognized architect Thomas Hacker and GBD Architects.

To download a complete list of price adjustments on available Atwater Place homes, please click here:

http://www.mylasso.com/FileWarehouse/Users/User_4488/Documents/Atwater_Availability_5-7-09.pdf

By definition, if they remain unsold, they are priced above market value. :rolleyes:

[Leo]

:previous: yikes

Apparently, even at their "below market" pricing (which, as JordanL points out, must by definition still be above market, since they haven't sold), one-bedroom units are still pushing over $350/sf. In my opinion, that's too high for that neighborhood.

SoWa is not going to attract many urban pioneers unless they offer people a price that is lower than already established neighborhoods. This has been a problem with SoWa's marketing strategy from the beginning.

[urbanlife]

Apparently, even at their "below market" pricing (which, as JordanL points out, must by definition still be above market, since they haven't sold), one-bedroom units are still pushing over $350/sf. In my opinion, that's too high for that neighborhood.

SoWa is not going to attract many urban pioneers unless they offer people a price that is lower than already established neighborhoods. This has been a problem with SoWa's marketing strategy from the beginning.

that is always the bitch when it comes to building costs.

[CUclimber]

Agreed-- those prices are still crazy for most people. A $2100/month mortgage plus a couple hundred in HOA fees for a tiny 1BR apartment?

I just don't understand who thinks that's a good deal or a smart purchase.