Photo of MorningStar at Laurelhurst

Photo of MorningStar at Laurelhurst

Photo of MorningStar at Laurelhurst

Photo of MorningStar at Laurelhurst

Photo of MorningStar at Laurelhurst

Photo of MorningStar at Laurelhurst

 

MorningStar at Laurelhurst

Close to Home and Family

As one of a few senior communities in northeast Portland, MorningStar at Laurelhurst serves an important dual purpose: allow nearby families and their older relatives to reside within walking distance of each other and offer aging residents of the surrounding neighborhood a comforting opportunity to remain in the same area. Urban on one side, MorningStar at Laurelhurst invites interaction with passersby along the busy commercial street it resides on. Residential on the other side, the senior community responds to the smaller scale of the surrounding houses and provides multiple gardens for residents. Our team designed this project with thoughtfulness and attention to ensuring it will reflect and enhance the historic Laurelhurst neighborhood aesthetically and practically upon completion in 2022.

...
Portland, Oregon
  • 113 units
  • 5 stories
  • 146,000 sq. ft.
  • Completed in 2022
PROGRAM

Senior Living

PROJECT CONTACT

Architecture: Chris Ebert

seniorliving@ankrommoisan.com


Architecture Story

Senior Living Spanning Urban and Residential

MorningStar at Laurelhurst understands that aging in the comfort of familiar surroundings or near loved ones can make a world of difference. Scheduled to open in 2022, the senior community’s key location at the edge of Portland’s largely residential Laurelhurst neighborhood means nearby families can live just a few blocks away from their elderly relatives. Also, older residents of the area will not need to move far from home for assisted living or memory-care options. Bordering both busy storefronts and quiet homes, the 146,000 sq. ft. building’s site challenged our team to cohesively combine elements of upbeat, urban living and intimate, residential tranquility. The flexible amenity spaces are concentrated on the ground floor, at the front of the building along Sandy Blvd., a commercial street. Large retail-style windows encourage residents in the café bistro, art studio, or fitness area to connect with the active energy of people passing by. The main entrance is in the rear, within the residential neighborhood, to enhance safety. This side of the building is scaled down using step backs, from five-stories to one story. Changing the massing and using multiple exterior materials helps the 400-foot-long structure feel more approachable and less overwhelming, especially when viewed alongside the neighboring houses. Brick sections of the exterior compliment the historic Anna Mann Home next door, while dark paneling in other areas creates a modern edge. For seniors moving from homes with backyards, we wanted to maximize access to the outdoors. Lush plantings wrap around the building at ground level, offering a gentle transition as the grade at street level changes from that of the building. Meandering pathways and raised beds in the memory care terrace provide a peaceful outdoor activity space. The roof-top terrace features an outdoor fireplace for resident gatherings, with sweeping views of Southeast Portland, all the way to Downtown and the West Hills. Even the lid of the garage ramp is a green space. As one of our client’s first urban campuses in Oregon, MorningStar at Laurelhurst is designed to embrace dynamic city life without losing the comforts of home. Our goal was to create a vibrant, modern senior community that will be a catalyst for positive future development on Sandy Blvd. The building stays true to Laurelhurst’s historic, residential qualities—enhancing and refreshing the neighborhood with thoughtful modern touches and gardens.

...

Back