Block 136 - Mithun

Neighborly Infill

Heartline

Portland, OR

Complementary Pair

Heartline is comprised of two complementary buildings that relate to contrasting parts of the evolving Pearl District, and are joined by a new public courtyard. The brick-clad low-rise is a modern interpretation of historical industrial buildings to the south, while the sleek, glassy residential tower relates to a taller context to the north.

Activity and Amenities

The block’s new programs—retail and offices in the low-rise, and residences in the tower—bring dynamic, 24/7 activity to the neighborhood. Amenities like a bike club, entertaining kitchens and rooftop terraces encourage people to gather and engage in shared interests.

Inviting the Neighborhood

To enrich the pedestrian experience, street-level retail in the low-rise spills out onto raised retail “docks” similar to historical loading areas in this post-industrial district. Dining spaces and bocce activate the courtyard, bringing neighbors together in this vibrant infill development.

Client

Security Properties

Overview

A new mixed use, transit-oriented development incorporating a residential highrise, timber frame office building and central courtyard

Program

218 market-rate apartments, shared amenities, office space, retail, public courtyard and below-grade parking structure

Size

370,740 sf; 0.92 acre

Sustainable Metrics

LEED Gold, Certified

Completion Date

2018

Services

Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design & Planning

Awards

ASLA Washington Chapter Professional Awards, Honor Award, General Design, 2019

News & Ideas

The Heartwood and the Seedling: Portland’s Pearl District Grows More Public Realm

Placemaking in the Pearl

In Portland, Ore., One Project With 2 Styles Reflects Its Neighborhood

The New York Times

Inspired by log jams, the courtyard uses salvaged heavy timbers to create a dynamic public space, day and night.

The publicly accessible courtyard is oriented north-south to capture mid-day sun for anyone wanting to relax and enjoy lunch in this intimate city space.

Stormwater treatment is subtly incorporated in all public spaces, including the bocce court that also serves as a sand filter for the courtyard runoff.

In-ground and integral lighting add to the sense of movement and dynamics within the courtyard.

Defining the highrise entry vestibule is a board-formed concrete wall that features original etched-glass art by Lead Pencil Studio housed within a monumental horizontal aperture.

Defining the highrise entry vestibule is a board-formed concrete wall that features original etched-glass art by Lead Pencil Studio housed within a monumental horizontal aperture.

Hanging above the entry lobby, an acoustic lighting sculpture speaks to the energizing quality of the seedling design concept and brightly contrasts with the blackened steel, vertical grain fir, and board-formed concrete surrounding the seating area.

A perforated white metal ceiling above the spacious demonstration kitchen strengthens the verticality of the building, inviting users to ‘look up’ into an immersive forest canopy.

The bright, warm finishes in this Penthouse home reflect light and accentuate the volume of the gracious living space.

Moments of full-height glazing throughout each home frame spectacular views of the surrounding neighborhood texture.

Crisp interior finishes and exposed concrete structure evoke a sense of home while reflecting the industrial beginnings of the Pearl District.

The brick lowrise features a glulam and steel structure that provides visual warmth and flexibility for tenant workspaces.

Moments of full-height glazing throughout each home frame spectacular views of the surrounding neighborhood texture.

This development capitalizes on the activity along vibrant 13th Avenue NW by locating retail and restaurants along this historic street, which is the heart of the Pearl District Art Walk and other neighborhood activities.

A glassy façade on the north face of the residential highrise acknowledges and reflects the modern development of the North Pearl.

Elevated stoops in front of the townhouses along 12th Avenue NW provide privacy through art and vegetation while connecting to the urban fabric of the bustling Pearl neighborhood through glazed walls, canopies and simple materiality.

A modest palette of materials and color accentuate the building form and subtle complexity.

Clean lines and a simple, glassy façade accentuate the verticality of the highrise, like a seedling reaching for the sun, in contrast to the low horizontal brick “heartwood” building beyond.

A glassy façade on the north face of the residential highrise acknowledges and reflects the modern development of the North Pearl.

Peaceful moments on the roof terrace connect residents with nature and incredible views of downtown and Mount Hood.

An interactive rooftop water feature provides a relaxing venue for views to the city.

The brick lowrise features a glulam and steel structure that provides visual warmth and flexibility for tenant workspaces.

The three main spaces of the project—the office building, public courtyard, residential tower—are distinctly different in program, yet are united through a strong concept.

The “heartwood concept” is further expressed in the colorful planted patterns of the lowrise green roof.

Nestled in the interstitial zone between the historic and modern Pearl District sits Heartline, which pays homage to both.

In-ground and integral lighting add to the sense of movement and dynamics within the courtyard.

Restaurants and retail along 13th Avenue NW are raised up off the street on a reimagined “dock” – a nod to the historic buildings in this artsy neighborhood. This dock level accommodates restaurant seating and retail sidewalk sales, and functions as a perch over the vehicular zone.

The SE corner of the residential highrise at 12th Avenue NW & NW Johnson is the nexus of pedestrians, bikes, vehicles, architecture and art. Board-formed concrete walls and a custom art piece by Joe Thurston pay homage to the former PNCA building.

Neighborly Infill

Heartline