Hillsboro - Page 5

Downtown_Gal · #81 Posted: **Sep 8, 2011, 3:58 AM**

My husband is an electrician at Intel and watched the big crane get built... it apparently took six weeks to build and it took 200 semi trucks to deliver all the parts. Also, at least parts of it are from the same crane that collapsed in Milwaukee back in 1999 - at least according to some of the Intel guys.

zilfondel · #82 Posted: **Sep 9, 2011, 6:56 PM**

I saw the cranes from highway 26 a few weeks ago, and it was truly massive. I can't believe how large the cranes are!

Sekkle · #83 Posted: **Sep 22, 2011, 1:42 AM**

image pulled from http://www.djc.com/news/co/12033395.html

This project is a couple blocks from my house, so I should be able to provide some photos during construction if anyone is interested. It's a block from the Orenco/NW 231st MAX station, one of a few remaining lots between the MAX line and Cornell Rd, where the Orenco Station "Town Center" area is located. They have the lot fenced off and have been moving dirt for a couple weeks now. I'm happy to see this getting underway, as it's the first thing built at Orenco since 2007 or 2008.

It was designed by LRS Architects, which I know many on here seem not to be too fond of. This is the first rendered drawing I've seen and it's fine with me. I don't know anything about architecture, I'm just happy to see something built on this lot, especially something with a few retail spaces on the ground floor.

Here's a link to a City of Hillsboro development notice with a PDF showing the site plan. http://www.ci.hillsboro.or.us/Planni...es/ddp2-11.pdf

JoshYent · #84 Posted: **Sep 22, 2011, 3:18 AM**

So excited =D

NJD · #85 Posted: **Sep 22, 2011, 3:43 AM**

^^ Better than some developments in that area*. I think it will be good for that location.

*From an urban design or architecture perspective this thing can be seen as terrible, cheap and defeating. If Orenco Station wasn't previously made into such a poster child for 'urbanism' this kind of project would be more welcome, but as it stands today the Orenco area will never be an actual urbanist success in most designers, planners and architects eyes. The developers are following basic suburban market rules: prefab construction, off-the-shelf design, loads of car parking, dull color palette, hodgepodge of faux architectural elements, etc... no surprises here. The ground floor retail aspect is great for the continuation of the original Orenco Station Blvd. design, especially closer to the actual MAX station.

I believe we will only be able to truly judge the success of Orenco after 20-30 years of people actually living there, and build outs like this only improve the area.

I welcome any photo updates on this project, it'll be interesting to see how it comes together. Thanks for the info!

2oh1 · #86 Posted: **Sep 22, 2011, 5:55 AM**

I always wanted to live in an outlet mall. Where's the food court? </snark>

That comment is strictly about the design. Ugliness aside, this is a good thing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJD

I believe we will only be able to truly judge the success of Orenco after 20-30 years of people actually living there, and build outs like this only improve the area.

Absolutely.

eric cantona · #87 Posted: **Sep 23, 2011, 3:45 PM**

Architecturally this is horrific, but typical of the area. I'm too lazy to look up Hillsboro design standards for Orenco Station, but I'd guess that there are requirements to lessen massing by using different materials and colors to make a large building look like several different structures. To me this will always produce designs that are, at their core, dishonest. Everything ends up looking fake, like walking down Main Street, USA at Disneyland. I'm sure architects more concerned with rigor and aesthetics (LRS? Ha!) could come up with a more innovative solution, but at it's heart the development still relies on deception to alleviate a perceived negative (bigness).

For me, the sad thing is that we're producing more urban developments in the suburbs (the good) but those jurisdictions continue to codify this level of design response (the ugh). Throw in a developer who could give two shits about design and an architecture firm with little/no imagination and we'll continue to see this type of development.

RED_PDXer · #88 Posted: **Sep 25, 2011, 8:45 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by eric cantona

I'm too lazy to look up Hillsboro design standards for Orenco Station, but I'd guess that there are requirements to lessen massing by using different materials and colors to make a large building look like several different structures.

It really is ironic that this is the outcome. The zoning regs favor large lot development and actually require it in many ways (parking requirements, ever increasing minimum lot sizes, higher densities with large lots, etc.). Yet planners attempt to also require developments to not look so bulky and simulate the type of development that would occur naturally in a built up urban area over time. Two wrongs don't make a right.

Sekkle · #89 Posted: **Sep 28, 2011, 2:36 PM**

a quick article about this on the Oregonlive website...
http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro/...n_new_mix.html
In addition to the retail space, it mentions "a recreation center, a clubhouse, swimming pool and sports field." A recreation center and "clubhouse" I could see... and possibly a small pool (though I doubt it, and don't see it on the site plan), but a sports field? Unless they're building a small putting green or something, I don't see how there's any room for a field on this site.

Anyway, here are some drawings for your critiquing enjoyment (from a PDF found here)...

Orlando · #90 Posted: **Dec 2, 2011, 8:11 PM**

Can anyone give us a photo update? The only time I'm out there is at night.

philopdx · #91 Posted: **Dec 4, 2011, 5:04 PM**

Ask and you shall receive! Taken 12-3-2011.

MarkDaMan · #92 Posted: **Dec 7, 2011, 1:11 AM**

Could more homes, retail be coming to Hillsboro's Orenco Station? Vancouver-based Holland Properties considering development
Published: Tuesday, December 06, 2011, 2:26 PM Updated: Tuesday, December 06, 2011, 2:34 PM
Casey Parks, The Oregonian

Vancouver, Wash.-based Holland Partner Group is looking at the feasibility of adding housing and retail to Orenco Station, according to an email sent by Holland representative Wink Brooks to the Orenco Neighborhood Organization. Brooks, who served as planning manager for Hillsboro for 23 years, said the development company wants to meet with neighbors to show them conceptual drawings and answer any questions.

In September, Holland Properties broke ground on the 190-unit "Living Green at Orenco Station" development. But Brooks' email suggests something much larger. He writes: "The plan includes potential development of four sites north of the MAX light rail line south of Cornell. It's Holland's hope to create a development that will include a mixture of retail and residential space, development that Holland hopes will spur the area to grow economically, while providing additional neighborhood amenities available for all Orenco Area residents to enjoy. A mix of housing is proposed, including traditional townhomes and apartments, mixed with ground-floor retail space. The number of units could range from 800 to 900, depending upon feasibility."

To accomplish that, Brooks writes that the city will have to make some land use changes. He writes that a hearing for those has been tentatively scheduled for early February. The group has also planned an open house for early next year, he said.

In an email to the neighborhood group, President Bonnie Kooken said, "What is built on these properties will have a definite effect on our community. The residents of historic Orenco are being given the opportunity to have some input into this development before it is started."

-- Casey Parks

http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro/...il_be_com.html

Nunya · #93 Posted: **Dec 7, 2011, 7:14 PM**

I've been lurking forever but figured I should actually contribute something since I've enjoyed all the information I've gotten from all of you.

Quote:

In September, Holland Properties broke ground on the 190-unit "Living Green at Orenco Station" development. But Brooks' email suggests something much larger. He writes: "The plan includes potential development of four sites north of the MAX light rail line south of Cornell. It's Holland's hope to create a development that will include a mixture of retail and residential space, development that Holland hopes will spur the area to grow economically, while providing additional neighborhood amenities available for all Orenco Area residents to enjoy. A mix of housing is proposed, including traditional townhomes and apartments, mixed with ground-floor retail space. The number of units could range from 800 to 900, depending upon feasibility."

To accomplish that, Brooks writes that the city will have to make some land use changes. He writes that a hearing for those has been tentatively scheduled for early February. The group has also planned an open house for early next year, he said.

The rumor I've heard is that Holland has plans for all of these sites already and will be developing them very soon based upon the low vacancy rates. The next development will also be taller which is the reason the City code needs to be revised to allow taller buildings for the sites.

MarkDaMan · #94 Posted: **Dec 7, 2011, 9:54 PM**

Thanks for letting us know Nunya! I'm curious to find out how tall, "taller" is.

Nunya · #95 Posted: **Dec 8, 2011, 5:32 AM**

My understanding is that the next block slated for development is supposed to be six stories so not terribly taller but defiantly taller than the surrounding developments. Similar plans have been tentatively developed for the other lots.

Orlando · #96 Posted: **Dec 10, 2011, 12:26 AM**

Thank you. I helped design the building to the left.

philopdx · #97 Posted: **Dec 10, 2011, 1:28 AM**

So I'm assuming the big building is the actual fab? What's the building you worked on? (If it's not breaking your NDA)

MarkDaMan · #98 Posted: **Dec 10, 2011, 3:27 AM**

Man philopdx! What a pic!

Dubai and China may spend a crap load of money to create the 'tallest' building in the world, but we, America, build the world's most technologically advanced building. That this low rise, non descript building is in our own back yard. WOW, this is exciting.

Q Resident · #99 Posted: **Dec 14, 2011, 9:40 PM**

Here is where we are today, December 14th 2011. As always, leveling the site and getting the foundation set took a great deal of time. Last week the first wall went up and so far most it's all stick built with some iron support beams. I am a resident of the Q and my balcony faces the new development. Below is a link to a picture I took moments ago. Sorry about the quality.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/72131369@N06/6512616603/

philopdx · #**100** Posted: **Dec 19, 2011, 2:15 AM**

Update from Dec 18th, 2012: