You've heard of the People's Choice Awards in the entertainment industry. Well, move over Hollywood, because here comes the 20th annual BUILDER's Choice Awards. Not familiar to you? This is understandable, since most consumers don't tend to subscribe to trade magazines for the homebuilding industry. Many do find information about innovative new home designs and planning trends an interesting topic, however. Thus, the reasoning behind this announcement of BUILDER Magazine's “Project of the Year,” from their yearly recognition of design and planning excellence.

Each year, a panel of judges, comprised of an equal number of architects and builders, debate each project entry on the basis of aesthetics, layout, size, cost-per-square-foot, attractiveness, and suitability to the surrounding area. This year, their choice was made to reflect the changing diversity of the American household, where only about 34% of homeowners now have children under their roofs. This is in stark contrast to days past, where the Beaver Cleaver concept reigned, and most neighborhoods were geared towards nuclear families consisting of 2.5 kids. Today, empty nesters, singles, and DINKs (dual income, no kids) dominate the home buying demographic, demanding a departure from the little tract home with a front and back yard on swirling suburban streets.

The judges for the BUILDER's Choice Awards considered 600 entries, including two new categories; in-fill communities and loft homes. This year, the winner of BUILDER's Project of the Year went to (drum roll, please . . . ) the Johnson Street Townhomes, Model A. These hip, high-end townhomes, blossoming from the Portland, Oregon rail yards, were hailed by BUILDER as a “sign of the times,” and a “housing solution for a growing American demographic.” The low-density stoop-fronted townhomes comprise a ½ block within Portland's historic Pearl District, where artists regularly expressed themselves in the area's old warehouses. Now budding full-scale, trendy residential projects, retail stores and restaurants, an entire 22-block area on the former rail yard site is being developed by Hoyt Street Properties to become a mixed-use area with 2700 living units.

Architect James Bodoia of Seattle designed the 13-unit project to consist of primarily 1800-2700 square foot units, most of which sold in the $350,000 to $700,000 price range within the first six months. Considering the growing pains many urban areas are currently experiencing when re-zoning and planning for in-fill projects, the usual politics did not hold up approvals for the Johnson Street project. Designed to blend with its industrial surroundings, the 3-story townhomes' elevations were faced with masonry, concrete, and metal-clad windows.

A glance at the floor plans would convince most lookers that the homes would feel narrow and tunnel-like, but upon further physical inspection of completed homes, nothing could feel further from the truth, according to BUILDER's review. All rooms open to or have windows opening to a center open space, and include a front balcony and a rooftop deck, offering “personal space” to the homes' occupants. Back-loaded, alleyway garages make the design efficient and more attractive. The interiors of each home boast clear maple cabinets, oak floors and fireplaces surrounded with gleaming granite.

On the main level, Plan A includes a good-sized front living room with its fireplace, a step or two up to a formal dining room, an eat-in kitchen with a sink island and eating bar, and a private courtyard. The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, with his and hers walk-in closets, another fireplace and a small balcony. A secondary bedroom overlooks the courtyard below and includes its own bath. Another flight of stairs lead to the top floor, where yet another bedroom with a full bath, a den/office and a rooftop deck are located.

The high-tech aspects of the home are also reflected in its Category 5 wiring and the builder's standard inclusion of the IBM Home Director system (see article, “Lights, Camera, Action, IBM 'Home Director' is in Charge” for more information) enabling homeowner to control their heat, lights, and security systems remotely.

The unfettered design of these town homes reflects the desire of city dwellers to have their own private space without feeling closed in, yet enjoy all that comes with city-centered living, with its shopping, entertainment and convenience to employment bases.

Published: October 18, 2000

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