Union Way
Union Way is a renovation of two 5,000 sf existing properties. The project works as an urban connector that joins SW Stark Street and West Burnside Street with a day-lit covered passage. While the project takes its inspiration from small shop-lined alleys and passageways of cities like Paris and Tokyo, Portland’s climate and culture led the team to a site-specific solution that builds on the energy and momentum of the West End neighborhood to create a retail project that is also a civic gesture.
The design of Union Way reinforces the sense of connection through the block visually and experientially by utilizing several architectural strategies. At the entry, the building enclosure is set back approximately 20' at each street to form a large vestibule framed by cantilevered gates that fold back during the day. At the ground plane, the concrete floor is sandblasted to read as a continuation of the sidewalk.
Existing Buildings
The project combines two dilapidated warehouse structures and transforms them into a new urban passageway with retail programming.
Precedent
The design was inspired by historic retail arcades in Paris and Tokyo.
Concept Sketch
The insertion of skylights along the public path brings abundant natural light to the new mid-block passageway.
5/6
Rob Cote Construction clad the walls of the passageway with the custom-milled FSC-certified boards.
6/6
Hand-formed neon signage by Ramsay Signs respects a historic tradition along Burnside and Stark Streets.
1/6
The concrete slab was removed to create new footings for interior walls and to create a new concrete walkway.
2/6
The interior was gutted to expose the original heavy-timber trusses.
3/6
Collins Wood provided FSC-certified Pacific Albus Poplar boards to Trillium Pacific Millwork for custom milling.
4/6
Barr Casting created the mold for a custom bronze plaque to mark the mid-point of the passageway.
5/6
Rob Cote Construction clad the walls of the passageway with the custom-milled FSC-certified boards.
6/6
Hand-formed neon signage by Ramsay Signs respects a historic tradition along Burnside and Stark Streets.
1/6
The concrete slab was removed to create new footings for interior walls and to create a new concrete walkway.
2/6
The interior was gutted to expose the original heavy-timber trusses.
Related
Existing Buildings
The project combines two dilapidated warehouse structures and transforms them into a new urban passageway with retail programming.
Precedent
The design was inspired by historic retail arcades in Paris and Tokyo.
Concept Sketch
The insertion of skylights along the public path brings abundant natural light to the new mid-block passageway.