Smart Design along Portland's South Waterfront and in Downtown L.A.
Jan 02, 2006
Western Interiors and Design magazine profiles two Gerding Edlen projects that have transformed underutilized urban land into vibrant communities.
The $2 billion South Waterfront Central District located in Portland, Oregon is the largest urban infill project in the United States. Co-developed by Gerding Edlen Development and Williams & Dame Development, the project is a prime example of the transformation of vacant land and property in urban areas of the western U.S. into sustainable, vibrant communities.
Working as The South Group, Gerding Edlen and Williams & Dame teamed up in Los Angeles to revitalize a downtown core that locals considered “a daytime destination.” “The South Group knew from experience that they could change the empty streets into a desirable address,” developing several mixed-use condominiums to add housing, retail and commercial spaces to the South Park neighborhood.
“A new wave of urban development is challenging the idea that a high quality of life can be had only in low-density rural or suburban environments. Called Smart Growth by some, New Urbanism by others, it offers old-fashioned, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods that promise the complete life experience within walking distance: home, work, entertainment and recreation.”