Rendering of Couch Street Apartments Renters looking to expand their travel options may find the Couch Street Apartments the ideal urban dwelling, with space to store and work on their bicycles inside the building and all four MAX lines within walking distance. The project comes with support from Metro's transit-oriented development program for its use of space and promise of accessibility.
Brad Fowler of Fowler Andrews LCC is developing the five-story building designed by Vallaster Corl Architects. It includes 70 apartments, 7,000 square feet of ground-level retail and live-work space, a rooftop patio, storage for 80 bicycles, and a mere 23 parking spots.
But travel options will not be scarce for residents. Four bus lines, a MAX station and the new Portland Streetcar loop – expected to begin next year – are all within blocks of the building.
Once the apartments are occupied, the number of transit trips is estimated to increase by 41 trips per day. The transit-oriented development program expects that increased use to generate more than $500,000 in revenue for public transportation over the next 30 years and aid in the region's commitment to cutting green house gas emissions and creating livable communities.
The Couch Street Apartments is the first new housing development in the Lower Burnside area in nearly two decades. Recent improvements in the neighborhood, including the new Burnside-Couch couplet, are expected to boost visibility for businesses at the site and provide convenient amenities for residents.
Metro councilor Rex Burkholder joins the ranks of Bremik Construction, Fowler Andrews LCC and Vallaster Corl Architects at the project groundbreaking Rex Burkholder, Metro councilor representing the area, was on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony. He described the development as innovative and necessary for renters seeking affordable, car-free living.
"Projects like the Couch Street Apartments provide good housing choices for people who want to live in the city, close to jobs and exciting opportunities," Burkholder said.
The transit-oriented development program implements the region's vision for managing growth by stimulating private investment in the development of compact, walkable communities near transit. The program provides financial incentives for higher density and mixed-use buildings that would not otherwise be constructed.
The total cost to develop the apartments is $11.8 million. Metro provided $300,000 in funding through its transit-oriented development program.
Portland-based Bremick Construction has begun work on the site, which will be move-in ready by fall 2012.