Lents Community Mixed Use

Propel Studio, alongside Palindrome, Prosper Portland, and the community, have woven a story where redevelopment isn't just about structures; it's about fostering connections and creating spaces that resonate with the essence of Lents.

The Lents Community Plaza is a key component of the investment Prosper Portland made in the redevelopment of the Bakery Blocks—a total of 40,698 square feet of existing buildings. This initiative aimed at transforming the area into a vibrant neighborhood commercial center, featuring not only the plaza but also a neighborhood tool library and renovated commercial spaces.

In collaboration with Palindrome, Prosper Portland, and local residents, Propel Studio played a crucial role in shaping the conceptual design of this new plaza. Simultaneously, the project involved the removal of a single-story carpet warehouse to create room for a transparent backdrop. This blank canvas now hosts an expanded brewery adorned with a captivating glass facade, enriching the Lents community with a dynamic and inviting space.

The transformation doesn't stop at structures; it reshapes Lents' urban fabric. The former carpet store and parking area evolve into a dynamic urban plaza. SE 92nd Ave hosts a flexible, community-driven private street, adapting for everyday needs and blooming into a weekend extension for local events.

Within this communal haven, elements echo your spirit—a chorus of new seating, shade structures providing refuge, and public art that speaks your language. Nature becomes a silent collaborator as new plantings sprout, and a water feature murmurs tales of serenity, inviting you to pause and connect. Simple offerings—a gathering of seating, shade, public art, greenery, and a water feature—become threads in this shared narrative. Nature and functionality unite as stormwater management blends seamlessly with bioswales and ground infiltration.

For more information about our experience and process as architect on community design, please visit this page.