Low-energy-use units coming to N. Williams
Updated: Jan. 10, 2019, 9:42 p.m. | Published: Jan. 28, 2010, 7:53 a.m.
By Steve Beaven, The Oregonian
Works Partnership ArchitectureThe new Eco Flats building on North Williams Avenue will have solar panels and low-energy-consuming features.
Construction is expected to start in February on a building in the 3900 block of North Williams Avenue that will include 18 apartments and ground-floor retail space.
The project, called Eco Flats, is scheduled to be finished by March 2011 at a cost of $3 million. There will be room for offices, a restaurant or shops on the ground floor.
How big are the apartments?
Developers Doug Shapiro and Jean-Pierre Veillet say the one-bedroom units are 700 square feet with rents of about $890, and the two-bedroom units are 750 square feet with rents of about $1,200. The commercial space will be about 3,500 square feet.
Why call this project Eco Flats?
"It's really a low-energy model," Veillet says. "We're trying to take basic technology and make a low-energy-consuming building."
Solar panels will generate some energy on site, and there is no common entrance or central hallway, which cuts heating and cooling costs.
Are people going to rent these apartments simply because the building is eco-friendly?
"I think that does definitely plays a factor," Veillet says. "I think people will respond to a low-energy-consuming environment. You see people just feverishly recycling their toilet paper rolls or driving a Prius. And these things have a minor impact compared to what buildings consume."
Why build in this area?
"I think this is a great neighborhood," Veillet says. "The whole Williams corridor is incredible. It's the right demographic. It's one of the biggest bike-commuting (areas). The fact that they're riding their bikes to work makes me think they want to live in a low-energy environment. And it's still relatively affordable compared to North Mississippi."
Do you think there's still room for new development along North Williams?
"I do. I'm a native Portlander, so I've seen a lot of neighborhoods change. Portland will always have a need for these kind of entrepreneurial, artistic creative neighborhoods."
What sort of development do you see coming to this area in the next few years?
"We know that more apartments are coming. I think you'll definitely see more living units because of the close commute and the proximity to downtown. Maybe some more commercial redevelopment work on some of the older buildings, more restaurants and retail."
Stephen Beaven