More affordable Street of Dreams on tap

Annual new home showcase will still stress luxury

By Jim Redden

The Portland Tribune, Jan 5, 2010, Updated Jan 5, 2010 (2 Reader comments)

Tribune file photo

Young builders in a construction class worked on a house for the 2007 Street of Dreams in Clackamas County. A year later, the Street of Dreams showcased several expensive Pearl District condos. This year's program will feature new homes in a Forest Heights development.

Embracing the smaller-is-better ethos, the 2010 NW Natural Street of Dreams will feature more attainable and sustainable homes than in some previous years – although still luxurious enough to justify the “dreams” concept.

After a year highlighting existing condominium projects, the 35th annual showcase will once again feature new homes in a new development – this time above Forest Heights in Northwest Portland. At least five homes are scheduled to be built in the new Cresap Summit development near Skyline and Thompson by the July 31 kick off date.

The month-long display is organized by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland. Nancy Haskins, the association's director of shows, says the decision to again feature new homes is not a rejection of last year’s concept, which showcased four Pearl District condominium projects.

“Were were very pleased with last year's show, but there are no new condominium project this year,” Haskins says.

The switch will result in a display of lower-priced homes, however. The nine penthouses in last year’s show ranged from $1 million to $2.5 million. In contrast, this year’s homes are expected to be priced from $750,000 to $1 million. They will also be built to Earth Advantage Silver standards or higher, and will range in size from 2,700 to 3,500 square feet.

“The trend in luxury building right now is to build smaller, more affordable homes that have more flexible living spaces and leave a smaller carbon footprint,” says Haskins.

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