South Waterfront Oregon Homes & Real Estate

ALL ABOUT

Oregon’s first green neighborhood, South Waterfront, is also the largest green development in the country. Innovative energy saving and water conservation techniques like LEED certified buildings and the bios wale filtration support the entire neighborhood and minimizes its impact on the environment. The neighborhood was also tested and been certified as Salmon Safe, reflecting their responsible eco-friendly practices to help protect the salmon watersheds. Buildings are made from sustainable materials, use solar panels, and have been designed with a “permeability” concept. In order not to block any of the wonderful views downtown Portland has to offer, buildings are designed to be thinner and to not occupy an entire block, while still building with the same amount of square footage. These buildings are taller, but avoid the uniform rows or canyons of buildings. This also allows sunlight and wind to pass through and makes them less visible on the skylines.

The South Waterfront neighborhood is accessible by the Portland Streetcar that runs from Northwest Portland and the Pearl District through Downtown and Portland State University, an aerial tram, Tri-met bus routes, and a possible Max route in the future.

LEED: http://www.greenhomeguide.org/green_home_programs/leed_for_homes.html

South Waterfront (SoWa as it is commonly called) is Portland’s newest neighborhood, providing convenient downtown urban living in a natural, relaxing setting along the Willamette River. A sophisticated integration of green building practices, alternative transportation, and parks and trails inspire a healthy living lifestyle in this emerging neighborhood. This Portland neighborhood is exceptional in it’s construction, planning, and inspiring design creating a vibrant place to live, work and play.

Enjoy fabulously built condominiums with gorgeous views!  Projects worth mentioning-

• The John Ross

• The Meriwether

• Atwater Place,

• The ardea

• The Mirabella (high end continuing care retirement community)

There are more than 140 miles of trails that run along the east and west banks of the Willamette River, and South Waterfront offers instant access three ways: The River Place/Waterfront paths, the Springwater Corridor and the SW & Marquam Trails. All of these hikes are part of the “40-Mile Loop.” Enthusiasts will love the convenience of biking and hiking right outside their front door.

http://www.40mileloop.org/trail_springwatercorridor.htm

http://www.40mileloop.org/trail_marquam.htm

South Waterfront is located across the Willamette River from Ross Island, and residents enjoy wildlife unlike any other urban neighborhood in Portland.  During the Annual Great Blue Heron Week in June residents can view young herons, osprey, and bald eagles nesting. Hikes, regattas, and year-round expeditions to Ross Island and the 140-acre Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge wetland are hosted by The Audubon Society.

Oak Bottom: http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=490&action=ViewPark

Use the convenient location to your advantage, and check out the opera, ballet or symphony. Hop on the Portland Street Car and head over to the Multnomah County Public Library, or visit Pioneer Square, Pioneer Place Mall and all the retails shops and restaurants that Downtown has to offer.

Portland Street Car: www.portlandstreetcar.org

Pioneer: http://www.pioneercourthousesquare.org/

The Daily Café at the Tram is located on the ground floor of OHSU’s new building in South Waterfront and is a consistent place with piping hot Stumptown brew, vegetarian specials, and offers lots of ready-made sandwiches and drinks made from local organic products. They further help support the neighborhood by showing local artists’ work, too. The atmosphere is cozy and airy with big windows, and plenty of tables are available to sit at and read, people watch, or wait for the streetcar. There is also a friendly and quick crew that keeps the coffee running like clockwork, for you caffeine addicts.

OHSU Tram: http://www.portlandtram.org/

At Rilassi Coffee House and Tea, a staff of expertly trained baristas have handcrafted a variety of espresso drinks. Waterfront dwellers get to experience an authentic Italian atmosphere and enjoy something from the selection of pastries, soups, salads, traditional Paninis, and gelato that the café has to offer. The shop has a grandiose feeling thanks to its wall mural and ceiling fresco, and the spiral staircase that leads to an upstairs open mezzanine seating area. On the lower level there’s plush fireside seating on one side and a scattering of tables and chairs on the other that are separated by an old world fountain, only adding to the Italian authenticity customers want.

Heavy velvet curtains, massive windows overlooking the river, and mood lighting create a beautiful space at Aquariva, whether you are sitting at the bar or in the dining area. The menu is uniquely designed to feature on one side foods best paired with white wine and on the other, foods best paired with red. George, the restaurant manager, loves what he does and makes sure to visit the tables, ensuring happy customers. Customers enjoy the trendy décor and music, one of the best views on the waterfront, the footpath between the restaurant and the river, and outside dining in warmer weather. And afterwards, you get a pink tuft of cotton candy with your check.

 

 

Download a PDF map of Portland Neighborhoods