Portland Adapts to the Sixties - Our Home History

Portland Adapts to the Sixties - Our Home History


By all accounts, the 1960s were a tumultuous time in Portland and the world at large. The relative peace and prosperity of the 1950s gave way to challenge and change and the looming threat of another war. While the previous decade's improvisation with home design continued, strolling through a neighborhood of homes constructed in the 1960s will present several key indicators of the decade's emotional landscape.

Ultimately, we became more private. Energy was still relatively inexpensive so cavernous living rooms with vaulted ceilings made staying indoors feel less claustrophobic. Windows continued to expand, inviting the outside in, but the focus shifted to the back yard. Foundations crept closer to the front of the lot, concealing the activities of the neighborhood. Streets once alive with children playing together out front became more subdued. Two-car garages hid automobiles entirely, making it difficult for passersby to tell at a glance if residents were even home.

But out back, the homes were full of life. The daylight ranch found its stride in the 1960s, taking split-level living to new heights. The sliding glass doors transformed what would have merely been daylight basements into sun-splashed downstairs dens, complete with their own portal to a private backyard. This usually meant a patio ideal for social gatherings and a deck with a safely elevated view of the happenings below. Inside, the advent and increasing popularity of the range hood allowed modern designs to join the kitchen with the dining room, giving birth to the community-friendly cooking space.

Homes became sanctuaries amidst the social and political turmoil of a nation experiencing its growing pains on the world stage. While we still prize our privacy, the 1960s marked the turning point for several hallmarks of the home styles we still embrace today.

Holiday Top 10

1. Volunteer & Donate:

Donate gifts, food and your valuable time to others in need through numerous non-profits.

Toys For Tots

Portland Rescue Mission

Adopt-A-Family

Radio Cab Turkey Project

 


2. Zoo Lights:

Every year the Oregon Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland from November 29th to January 5th. Boasting more than a million LED lights, walk through Zoo Lights as glowing forests, rainbow-lit tunnels and animal sculptures are brought to life.

 


3. Peacock Lane:

Searching for that good, old-fashioned holiday spirit? Look no further than the lights on Peacock Lane --located between SE Stark St and Belmont St. Walk, drive or even take a horse-drawn carriage through the neighborhood December 15-31, and enjoy each delightfully decorated home.

 


4. The Christmas Ship Parade:

Watch over 50 ships parade on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers December 6-21. The fleets will light up the waters each night for a dazzling holiday performance. The free event is on its 59th year, and supported by donations from the restaurants and hotels situated along the waterfront. Columbia River Schedule Willamette River Schedule

 


5. Festival of Lights at The Grotto:

500,000 lights, 160 choral performances, carolers, a petting zoo, puppet shows and hot chocolate are waiting for you at The Grotto's Festival of Lights. One of the largest Christmas choral festivals in the world, explore the brilliant walk-through event November 29th to December 30th. This year's theme, "Angels on High", offers a blend of traditional celebration and serene reflection, featuring five indoor concerts each evening in the 600-seat chapel, known for its cathedral quality acoustics.

Choir Schedule

Volunteer

 


6. Winter Wonderland at the Portland International Raceway:

Enjoy the largest holiday light show west of the Mississippi from the comfort of your own vehicle! The 21st annual Winter Wonderland lights up from November 28th to December 25th on the Portland International Raceway, with over 250 colorful light set pieces and fully animated scenes to enjoy.

 


7. Holiday Exercise:

Feeling a bit bloated this holiday season? Want to shed some winter weight? Looking to donate to a good cause or volunteer? The Portland area offers a wonderful variety of marathons and fun runs that will keep you in shape and motivated. Be sure to sign up early because registration fills up fast... if you miss a race this year, mark your calendars for next year!

December 7: Reindeer Run

December 8: Portland Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis

December 8: Ho Ho 5K

December 14: Ugly Holiday Sweater Dash

December 15: Holiday Half Marathon & 5K

January 1: Commitment Day 5K

 


8. Santa House on the Bricks:

Visit Santa Tom and Santa Phil at the "Santa House" on Pioneer Courthouse Square December 12-24. The 27 year old Portland tradition features the highest rated natural bearded santas, along with chestnuts on the fire, fresh roasted almonds and hot cocoa.

 


9. The Theatre:

In the mood for some sweet holiday tunes or delightful theatrical tales? These events are sure to please any avid theatre-goer. If you miss any this year, there is always next year!

Tuba Christmas --Listen to more than 225 tuba and euphonium players perform holiday music at Pioneer Courthouse Square on December 14th. Free.

The Nutcracker --Enjoy this classic tale, performed by the Oregon Ballet Theatre at the Keller Auditorium.

Twist Your Dickens -- Scrooge, Tiny Tim and those know-it-all ghosts find themselves hopelessly mixed up in zany holiday sketches with anachronistic characters, uproarious improv and an ever-changing stable of drop-in local celebrity guests.

Handel's Messiah --Portland Baroque Orchestra and Cappella Romana perform Handel's masterpiece oratorio at First Baptist Church.

A PLU Christmas --Pacific Lutheran University's Choir of the West, the University Chorale and members of the University Symphony Orchestra perform awe inspiring holiday music at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

The Christmas Revels --Experience winter time in Old Europe at the Scottish Rite Center Theater. The performance is complete with gorgeous costumes and set, fabulous choral music and instrumental music from the Portland Brass Quintet.

Christmas Unplugged at Artists Repertory Theatre --Spend an outrageous Christmas Eve with a churlish Santa, a kidnapped elf and a handful of hapless souls in need of some holiday spirit. Amid the shrapnel of yuletide yearning, broken dreams and poignant revelations, can the magic of the season spark hope in their hearts? A holiday debauchery double-bill for mature audiences.

 


 

10. New Year's Eve Festivities:

Pa'Lante & Jujuba Jam for the Philippines: A New Years Eve Dance Party Join in the fun at the Red Rose Ballroom on NE Alberta for a New Year's Eve Dance Party! Hosted by Laurie Sonnenfeld, this benefit for the Philippines is sponsored by Mercy Corps. Featuring the musical groups Jujuba and Pa'Lante, boogie down to afro-beat, salsa, latin jazz and afro-cuban inspired tunes. Purchase tickets here.

Karaoke From Hell at Uptown Billiards Become a karaoke superstar with the backing of a full live band, while enjoying delicious food and beverages at Uptown Billiards on NW 23rd. A fun, down-to-earth atmosphere and elegant decor are the perfect combination to ring in the New Year!

Sneak Peeks - Hassalo & Twombly

6342 NE Hassalo St: approx. $200,000

Situated in a quiet Northeast Portland neighborhood, this ranch style home features an open, single-level floor plan that provides a connected living experience. In the fully fenced backyard, mature trees and foliage create a private sanctuary --excellent for relaxing or entertaining. Inside, the living spaces flow pleasantly into one another, amply lit by an abundance of windows, while both bedrooms are tucked away for privacy. In the living area, an array of built-in shelves offer room to elegantly display your belongings. Conveniently located near Mt. Tabor Park and local dining, this home captures an ideal blend of comfort and practicality.

Residence Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Total Square Feet: 780

 

View more photos & videos here: 6342 NE Hassalo St Website

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4449 SW Twombly Ave: mid-$600,000 range

Situated in an established Southwest Portland neighborhood, this fantastically updated 1959 mid-century modern home is the perfect union of period charm and contemporary amenities, while offering distant territorial views. Wonderful architectural detail and clean lines can be seen in the exposed-beam vaulted ceiling, open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling windows. While the home's original design remains beautifully intact, the recent remodel has also integrated new stone, wood and tile finishes. This unforgettable daylight ranch will soon be ready for the market - you will love living here!

Residence Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3 Total Square Feet: 2,975

 

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Success Story - SE 30th Ave

- 1410 SE 30th Ave -

Splendid TrueView presentation and a fantastic location excited numerous buyers about this home. With five offers on the table, the 1907 bungalow sold for a whopping $12k over asking price. Combining the guidance of an experienced agent with the beauty of TrueView marketing is a recipe for success!

Home Details

This light-filled bungalow maintains the allure of its 1907 construction, while boasting a multitude of updates including a remodeled kitchen. With over 15k in Clean Energy Works updates, enjoy a newer boiler furnace and insulation. Located in the desirable Hawthorne neighborhood, delight in the abundance of local shops, cafes and restaurants in close proximity.

The front of the home is decorated by easily-maintained landscaping. On the porch, a hanging swing provides a pleasant area for relaxing. Around back, follow the beautiful custom-built backyard landscaping, where a raised wooden boardwalk follows lush greenery.

Inside, hardwood floors, built-ins, arched doorways and classic architectural details emanate from every corner of the home, capturing an ideal blend of Old World Charm and style.

 

View more photos & videos here: 1410 SE 30th Ave Website View 1410 SE 30th Ave SuperFlyer Here

November Success Story

- 11841 SW 23rd Ave -

The success of this home is a story of fantastic teamwork; the agent and seller worked together closely, making sure to invest a great deal of effort into perfecting the home for the market. Renovations included resurfacing the ceilings and undergoing a delightful kitchen makeover. This attention to detail enhanced the effectiveness of the TrueView presentation that captured and highlighted the home's beauty.

The buyers, a family from Alaska, quickly realized it was the home for them --the home was on the market for less than a day when they bought it! Preparing this home for the market and refining its details made this sale a true success.

Home Details

While the front porch is an inviting portal, the backdoor is the true magnet for it leads to the home's heart, its spacious country kitchen.

This magnificent home retains much of its original personality but has been updated by stewards respectful of its era. Besides the country kitchen, the main floor includes an intimate living room, formal dining room, mudroom and a half-bath. An attractive open staircase leads to the second floor where there are two large, sun filled bedrooms and a full bath. The master bedroom and bath are another level up. The home's basement, also remodeled offers an inviting, flexible space.

The gorgeous 3/4 acre, completely level lot feels more rural than urban but it's just 15 minutes from Portland's vibrant city center.

 

View more photos & videos here: 11841 SW 23rd Ave Website View 11841 SW 23rd Ave SuperFlyer Here

November Sneak Peek

 

12510 SW Summer Crest Dr - $399,000

Situated on a coveted lakefront lot beside Tigard's Summerlake Park, this 1966 remodeled daylight ranch will soon be ready for the market! Featuring an expansive backyard sprinkled with trees, this home claims its very own service station for the hobbyist in your life. Inside, enjoy a gorgeously updated kitchen with granite countertops, a glass tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances.

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Total Square Feet: 2,910

 

View more photos & videos here: 12510 SW Summer Crest Dr Website

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Embrace the Rain

The rainy season is here in the Northwest, and "Oregon Sunshine" is drizzling and pouring on our lives and our homes. Now is the time to enjoy beautiful waterfalls at full force and cozy up during a storm or downpour. Some may dread the damp blanket of moisture that covers the sky, but here in Oregon, locals have learned to embrace the rain and positively harness its power. Rain barrels and rain gardens are excellent ways to utilize the 40 inches of fresh precipitation we receive each year; saving resources, money and energy is sure to put a smile on any Oregonian's face.

Rain barrels allow homeowners to collect water for their house plants, gardens and lawns. For every inch of rain that falls on a 1000 sqft roof, a whopping 600 gallons of water can be collected. Simply utilizing this free resource can save a significant amount of money in a season, and will help conserve water usage during the drier months. Rain barrels are easy to make, and readily available to buy, so embrace the rain and start collecting that good ol' "Oregon Sunshine" --after all, it's free!

Rain gardens are another excellent way to make use of the drizzle. Planting native trees, shrubs, flowers and other vegetation in a natural or landscaped basin positioned near a runoff source will collect rain water like a sponge. These gardens are a beautiful way to conserve h2o, reduce stagnant water in your yard and create a wonderful habitat for wildlife. The water slowly filters into the ground before becoming stormwater runoff --that means healthier urban waterways and habitats.

However you choose to welcome the wet weather, remember all the positive ways you can embrace the rain.

Check out this helpful guide for creating your own rain garden: PDF

Also, here's an excellent rain garden How-To Video.

And for creating your very own rain barrel, there's a comprehensive Do-It-Yourself Guide.

Behind the Scenes of TrueView

Behind the Scenes - TrueView


Employing the same instruments as Hollywood, our in-house team of media professionals crafts a TrueView motion picture for each listing. These adept video presentations essentially serve as private showings, transporting the viewer through a distinctive tour of what makes the home stand out.

A fiery orange van filled with the latest camera technology arrives on the scene and deploys a diverse team of filmmakers and photographers. Collaborating with the agent to capture the emotional elements of the property, they present the best portrayal of the home to the buying community.

For most of us, our homes represent the most substantial purchase we make. TrueView honors the human element of that investment by creating marketing with artistic value, inviting buyers to imagine their lives in every home we list.

Fall Festivities

Fall Festivities


Summer has passed and fall is here in full force! The leaves are changing color and fluttering to the ground, it's raining more often than not, and our sunglasses and ever-fashionable tank tops have been replaced with thick scarves and sweaters. Although we're thankful for the occasional hot summer day, we Portlanders know how to get down with autumn!

Located just northwest of the city, Sauvie Island is a popular escape for many during the fall months. You can pick your favorite pumpkin to carve at the Sauvie Island Pumpkin Patch or try not to lose your way in the Haunted Corn Maze. Spend the day at Powell's City of Books, a true Portland staple, which offers shelter from precipitation and thousands of books for everyone to appreciate. With the weather cooling down enough to enjoy a steaming latte, the plentiful coffee shops scattered around Portland are bustling with natives drying off from the rain... because we know better than to use umbrellas!

 

Slip into your rain gear and go for a romp in the classic Portland rain, or cozy up in front of your fireplace with a warm blanket and a mug of cocoa, because fall has arrived!

 

 

 

Sneak Peek - October

 

3235 SW Gale Ave - low to mid $500,000 range


Residence

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Total Square Feet: 2,266

Backing up to forest land that grants the property a private aesthetic, this charming daylight ranch boasts oversize back decks providing elevated views of of the lush greenery. Featuring a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and robust granite, a breakfast nook and hardwood floors, this 1958 remodeled masterpiece is the perfect fusion of modern amenities and Old World charm!

Success Story - October

4701 SE Kelly St


The stunning TrueView presentation of this home generated a frenzy of buyer interest. Pending in four days, the home garnered multiple offers, including an accepted back-up offer, selling for $29k above list price.

Our sellers were looking to downsize after raising three girls here for the past eight years. A fresh family with two young boys couldn't wait to make this their new home, with plenty of project space for their woodworking ambitions!

 

Home Details Nestled in Southeast Portland in the Richmond neighborhood, this daylight ranch is the perfect union of retro charm and modern comforts. A multitude of mid-modern details such as built-in shelving, unique light fixtures, medicine cabinets and toothbrush nooks create a charming and inviting living experience. Classic brick and cedar decorate the home’s exterior. Situated on a double lot, the expansive fenced backyard features a finished patio and a sprawling lawn.

 

The welcoming entryway greets guests into the living area, boasting hardwood floors, oversized windows and a wood framed fireplace. The open floor plan connects the main level and creates a seamless living experience. With five bedrooms, there is plenty of room for all of your guests and loved ones.

Ideally located between bustling Powell Boulevard and Division Street, this home is full of personality and potential.

 

View more photos & videos here: 4701 SE Kelly St Website View 4701 SE Kelly St SuperFlyer Here

Portland Prospers in the Fifties - Our Home History

Portland Prospers in the Fifties


Standing on the rock solid foundation of a post-war economy (lovingly referred by economists as The Golden Age of Capitalism), Portlanders shifted their wartime production focus into one of reproduction. While our industrial workforce began to scatter after the war, fresh new Baby Boomers began to arrive in infant form. As a whole, our population held steady at 373,000 souls for the decade.

Proud parents planned for an optimistic future and had the means for artistic improvisation at home. Some creative attention from talented architects transformed the functional one level ranch home into the progressive mid-century modern. Industrial construction efforts of WWII brought an influx of steel and plywood, offering architects more brushes with which to paint. Floor-to-ceiling windows invited Nature into the living space and encouraged youngsters to connect with the out-of-doors immediately, rather than waiting until they grew tall enough to see out a traditional window. Split-level living conjured texture into the living environment, allowing Portlanders pleasant glimpses of the future right in their own homes.

Traditionalists still took comfort in postwar ranch constructions, as well as stacked colonials and cape cods.

The fifties had something for everybody, poised betwixt Portland's rich history and the bright promise of tomorrow.

 

TrueView Captures a Mid-Century Modern Home

 

Sneak Peeks - September

 

6436 SE 18th Ave - $499,900

Nestled in Portland's popular Westmoreland neighborhood, this 1926 bungalow is primed to hit the market in mid-September. Boasting an oversized double garage with a huge attic, the spacious floor plan features two bedrooms upstairs and two on the main.

Residence Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 1/2 Total Square Feet: 2,548

 


 

N Fiske Ave - $499,900

Currently under construction, this brand new multi-unit dwelling claims the same blueprint and amenities as its next door neighbor shown above. Situated in the timeless University Park and crafted to blend into the community with a classic Portland Foursquare design, it's the perfect blend of modern comfort and Old World charm.

Main Residence Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3 Total Square Feet: 2,328 Garage: 2 Car - Attached

Additional Unit Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Total Square Feet: 754

Total Residence Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 4 Total Square Feet: 3,082 Year Built: 2013

Portland Waterfront Focus

Portland Waterfront Focus

As Portlanders, a point of pride has always been our glorious waterfront. More than merely an aquatic line of demarcation between the territory of Eastsiders and Westsiders, the Willamette and her shores are mother to much of our trademark Northwestern beauty.

Spanned by architectural wonders (the Broadway Bridge was our first bascule bridge- the longest in the world at its time of completion and currently the longest Rall-type bascule bridge still in existence), our waterfront is beautiful to behold, both in broad day and after the sun slips beneath the distant Pacific.

Whether enjoying the river views from the private comfort of a condo balcony, outdoor restaurant seating, on a lunch break in the park or while pedaling along our picturesque, paved bicycle routes... the waterfront signifies a sense of progress while hinting at our history. Our shipyards contributed to the Allied effort in WWII and still construct commercial transport ships today.

Anyone looking to get an interactive tour of our waterfront is encouraged to take a high velocity, highly informative jet boat ride with Willamette Jetboat Excursions. The tours continue through the end of September and are a genuine good time for all ages, Portland natives and visitors alike.

No matter how you choose to embrace it, get out there and experience Portland's amazing waterfront!

TrueView Spotlight: Details

TrueView Spotlight: Details

Home is a place all your own, where one goes to relax, unwind, entertain. Just as every person is unique, so is their home, differentiated from one another by personal touches and details. These details are the driving force behind making a house, your home --customizing and personalizing the little things in order to reflect style, personality and individuality. At M, we realize the importance of feeling an emotional connection to a home, and take pride in capturing these details with TrueView.

Even the smallest variation can make a great impact on atmosphere, like the contrasting textures and patterns of bamboo hardwood floor's light coloring, combined with its thin vertical grain, versus maple floor's warm and rounded organic patterns, or the reflective sheen of a glass tile backsplash, versus muted and soft ceramic tile.

Vaulted ceilings can add depth and space to a room, while exposed ceiling beams change the character completely. Achieve a rustic ambiance with timberframe style wood beams, or maintain a lake house retreat's characteristics with white wood ceiling slats. Brighten up a meal, bedroom, bathroom or entryway with overhead lighting fixtures --whether it be with an elegant chandelier, stained glass pendant or modern recessed lighting, each adds its own unique mood to a space.

When purchasing a home, these details establish connections and help buyers envision themselves in a home. TrueView is able to highlight even the smallest of details, drawing viewers closer and capturing the emotion and personality of a space.

Success Story - September

- 3625 SW Admiral St -

Previously listed with some less than spectacular photos, we decided to let TrueView work its magic on this listing. Our media team had a field day on Admiral Street, expertly capturing the beautiful property with their trusty lenses. The resulting photos and videos were extremely popular, bolstering traffic to the property online and inspiring buyers to come check out the home with our sleek open house post cards.

Buyers fell in love and the home sold for well over list price, a smashing success for all involved. The sellers sold the house, paid off all their school loans, bought a VW bus and drove off on an adventure!

Home Details

This delightful, much sought after 1956 ranch is tucked away in the great SW Portland Bridlemile neighborhood. Nestled in verdant greenery, the facade features a fully-fenced, level yard with foliage and trees. Featuring a finished wooden deck, hot tub, fireplace and hammock, the grounds offer ample opportunities for retreating into nature without ever leaving the property.

The single level floor plan provides a connected living experience, seamlessly flowing from one room to the next. The hardwood floors brighten up the rooms, catching natural sunlight from the windows and glass doors leading to the backyard oasis. Two stately fireplaces are centrally located in the living room and family room, and convey a sense of cozy ambience at night.

Surrounded by local parks and natural areas but still minutes away from access to the greater Portland area, this home boasts the perfect fusion of outdoor living and urban amenities.

 

View more photos & videos here: 3625 SW Admiral Website View 3625 SW Admiral SuperFlyer Here

Success Story - 4750 NE Glisan St

This beautiful bungalow maintains the charms of its 1923 construction while featuring the updated amenities of modern living. The expansive porch and diverse back yard provide endless opportunities for outdoor relaxation and entertainment. Inside, the angled framework around the doors and windows serves as a playfully classic flourish to augment the traditional wood floors and fireplace. The open, vibrant kitchen and its breakfast nook are a perfect combination. Also featuring an enormous family room on the lower level, this attractive North Tabor home is an ideal urban sanctuary.

The sellers moved out of this home to maximize stylistic control for the stagers, allowing them to fully envision each space without incorporating any resident furniture. The result is an artistic portrayal of each room, beautifully captured by the M Media Team. Striving to present what it actually feels like to be in the home, both the photos and videography focused on conveying the open, yet intimate nature of the property.

Such dedication to the emotional experience of the home resulted in a successful sale, after being on the market for less than three weeks.

 

 

 

Sneak Peeks - June 2013

Take a sneak peek at two of July's exciting upcoming listings! The first is a 1942 rebuild loaded with contemporary features, while the second is an attractive farmhouse with vintage appeal.

6009 SW Patton - $1,279,000

Standing at the top of the rise in an open meadow of native grasses, flowers and trees, this custom architect designed and splendidly appointed home seems to emerge naturally from the landscape on the 1/3 acre private lot.

Outside, stone accents echo boulders in the landscape and lend to the organic feel, while the elevated terrace provides private outdoor space for residents and friends enhanced by the gas fireplace and covered barbecue area. Custom construction details protect the structure with with rain shield, Hardiplank, proprietary window wrap, metal roofing and complete drainage eliminating  water and mold intrusion.

Inside, rare care is taken for quiet and simple luxury with every interior wall insulated, solid core stained interior doors, 400 series Anderson low-e wood windows, and quiet flush iron "drops" throughout. Find two more fireplaces, hardwood and Berber carpeted floors, and thoughtfully chosen amenities for ease and comfort in entertaining and daily living.

- 5 Bedrooms - 4 1/2 Bathrooms - 4,262 sq. feet

 

23670 NE Ramsey - $500,000

This charming 1895 farmhouse is the perfect fusion of Old World charm and modern amenities, perched on over two and a half acres in serene Newberg. The peaceful country locale is not far from the city, featuring a back deck without a neighbor in sight, perfect for relaxing and taking in the views of over an acre and a half of lush grassland.

In addition to the beautiful house, the property claims multiple workshops, perfect for any hobbyist's pursuit. Currently tailored to be an automotive shop, the 60' x 20' space features a sturdy 19' workbench and a hoist, hot water plumbed to a utility sink and an abundance of power outlets.

The other shop and storage area function beautifully as an artist's studio, while the garden supplies homegrown fruits and vegetables that provide for satisfying, self-sufficient meals. This wonderful retreat allows homeowners dictate their own preferred speed of life.

- 2 Bedrooms - 2 Bathrooms - 2,120 sq. feet

Portland Perseveres in the Dirty Thirties - Our Home History

St Johns Bridge during construction - 1930

When considering the 1930s, people often wince at the looming shadow of the Great Depression, but this was also the decade we fought our way back to prosperity. More important than the financial downfall that plagued our nation (and the world beyond) were our accomplishments. Despite the collapse (perhaps to spite it), we were building. The St. Johns Bridge was opened on June 13th, 1931 and at the time of completion, boasted the highest clearance in the nation. Hailed humbly by its engineer as "the most beautiful bridge in the world," and there are many Portlander commuters today who would argue the same.

In 1933, the passing of the Beer Act allowed our legendary brewers to restart their production facilities, rekindling employment in that sector and blazing the trail for Prohibition's impending repeal. By the spring of 1937, our industrial production surpassed that of 1929, and after one last hiccup prompted by the Roosevelt administration's attempt to balance the federal budget, the country as a whole was back on track by the summer of 1938. Watch as a Portlander styles himself a stunt driver in his new 1938 Buick, to the applause of gathering crowds and the disapproval of local law enforcement.

Portland Public Market City Central - 1933

Independent Fruit and Produce - 705 SE MLK Ave - 1932

While the Craftsman of the 1920s was by no means out of style, the leaner times shifted new constructions of the decade toward the more modest ranch home, built with its signature low profile, away from the city center. Freshly turning out of a housing drought in present day, there are exciting similarities in our current revitalization as it emanates outward from the core of Portland, just as it did at the end of the thirties. Weathering the nearly ten year storm of the Depression, Portlanders emerged on the other side as prosperous as ever and ready to build, with a breath-taking bridge and the nation's best craft-brewed beer to show for it.

 

NE Sandy Blvd and 41st - 1934

Ratchyes Sandwich Place - 1931

Salem House - 1935

 

Salem House Floor Plan - 1935

TrueView Spotlight: Kitchens

No other space in a home boasts such ample opportunity for customization, and the seamless integration of function and style, as the kitchen.

Hardwoods underfoot may accentuate the grain of hand-crafted cabinetry or inspired tilework can complement granite countertops and match an energetic backsplash. Stainless steel appliances add a modern signature, while white finishes catch daylight for a fresh aesthetic. Luxury homes often opt for hidden refrigerators, clad in corresponding cabinet facings.

Designed to fit effortlessly into the cooking space, islands stand as welcome companions for any chef with entertaining to do. Barstool seating or a vintage breakfast nook can provide casual, connected experiences and transform the kitchen into the hub of the home.

No matter the combination of attractive attributes, TrueView captures the emotional experience of every kitchen, giving these practical yet distinguished centerpieces the attention they deserve.