Project: Alberta Arts Residence
Architecture: Ment Architecture
Location: Portland, Oregon, United States
Area: 2200 ft2
Year: 2019
Photo Credits: Mallory Leasure
Alberta Arts Residence is a revived 1906 Portland bungalow in the heart of the Alberta Arts District. For over 30 years, it sat empty and in poor shape. Ment Architecture spent 12 months renewing every inch. They brought back original charm and added new living spaces.
Concept and Goals
First, the team fell in love with the home’s original moldings and windows. Next, they aimed to honor these features. They kept every detail worth saving. Then, they planned modern updates that would feel natural.
Full Restoration and New Spaces
They stripped the house down to its studs. This let them replace old wiring, plumbing, HVAC, and insulation. Meanwhile, the basement went from empty to useful. It now holds two bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a family room. Also, they matched all new work to the home’s old style.
Exterior Renewal and Landscaping
Outside, the clapboard siding was repaired and repainted. All trim and moldings returned to their original look. The team added new windows that match the old ones. Finally, simple landscaping with native plants frames the fresh front porch.
Interior Updates
Inside, the goal was clear: blend old with new. They saved every floorboard they could. Elsewhere, they replicated worn flooring to match perfectly. New oak floors were top-nailed in the kitchen to keep a smooth flow. Also, bathrooms and the kitchen got fresh cabinets, counters, and energy-saving fixtures.
Challenges and Solutions
Of course, old homes bring surprises. When hidden issues appeared, the team reinforced framing quietly. They rerouted pipes without harming historic walls. They added insulation in tight spaces while keeping wall depths intact. In each case, they chose solutions that kept the home’s character.
In the end, Alberta Arts Residence stands as a fine example of careful renewal. It combines its 1906 roots with today’s comforts. Moreover, it shows how a classic Portland bungalow can live on with style and function.
