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A Visit to K-Station: a Multifamily LEED Project

It’s been a while since our last Earth Advantage Broker alumni function, so after introducing our Earth Advantage Broker class coordinator Annah to architect Shawn Sullivan during an open house in June, we quickly hatched a plan to host an alumni event at his newest project, K-Station, along Killingsworth Street and Interstate Avenue in North Portland.  Not only is this project unique as a multifamily LEED project shooting for platinum status, but it also has financial funding for homeowners through the Portland Housing Bureau.  Funding which will ensure that the units, ranging from 600- 1200 sq. ft., are affordable for homeowners, especially those trying to buy for the first-time. 

A view of the solar shading from the ground floor.

The K-Station project reminds me of one of those ragingly successful revitalization projects on Mississippi and Williams Avenue, projects that have boosted growth, property values, and brought life into what was otherwise dead pockets in the city. Eco-roofs, sun shades, community spaces, modern architecture and over 9,000 sq.ft. of fresh commercial storefront make up the K-Station project.

As we walked through the construction site Shawn explained the sound barrier methods used to block outside noises from Interstate Avenue and neighbors. He pointed out the solar shading while explaining the use of Revit to model where the sun hit each apartment throughout the seasons, and he pulled back wrapping to reveal formaldehyde-free cabinets.

Revit rending of K-Station shows the angle of the sun during different seasons.

As I broke off from the group to walk around the city-block sized project to take pictures, I thought of the positive impact a project like this can have on a neighborhood’s revitalization. How not only do green features pique the interest of visitors, but of how the community aspect of caring home and business owners can bring fresh life into what is otherwise perceived as shady areas of a city. Just as these thoughts filled my head, a man approached me to ask if PDC (Portland Development Commission) was involved in this project. I spoke with him for a bit before realizing he wasn’t interested in the details of the project but rather an unhappy neighbor wanting to complain. Maybe it’s an age thing, but the inability to accept change as potentially positive often shocks me, especially when it comes to rebuilding or improving a neighborhood. I own a home off McLaughlin Boulevard in Milwaukie, which could totally use some help. I thought “bring some love our way, I won’t complain”. 

About the Author

Erik Cathcart

Erik Cathcart, Senior Marketing Manager, is responsible for overseeing the marketing, communications and branding efforts at EAI. Erik recently served as the director of marketing for Quantum Solar Power Corp. a solar PV development company. Previously he has worked with a wide range of startup’s, primarily in the technology and disruptive spaces. These include Firewater Fuel Inc., Direct Energy Inc., Elemetric Instruments and Triton Technology Systems. He received an MFA from SUNY New Paltz and a BFA from the Rochester Institute of Technology.