St. Francis
Owner: St. Francis Limited Partnership
Architect: GBD Architects
Location: Portland, OR
Size: 90,000 sf
LEED: LEED Certified
With 132 affordable apartments, ground floor retail and a community meeting room, this building will play an important role in the revitalization of Portland’s West End. Located at the corner of 12th and Main, this 7-story concrete frame structure is designed with the streetcar line in mind. As the streetcar approaches from the North, riders will see welcoming balconies and steel canopies made of steel and translucent panels. Daylight will give this design a subtle glow and at night, it will be illuminated, becoming a beacon in this developing district. The building will also have a private outdoor courtyard where residents can retreat from urban living.
Under the guidance of Portland Development Commission’s “Green Building Criteria for Affordable Housing,” the St. Francis will be an environmentally-friendly place to work and live. Its proximity to public transportation and the diverse neighborhood will reduce the need for car travel. Items such as a fireplace and door hardware were salvaged from the old St. Francis prior to its demolition. Increased insulation and shading from high-performance unit glazing will reduce energy consumption throughout the new building. Healthy paint and adhesives, along with ceiling tiles and carpet that contain high percentages of recycled content will improve air quality.