Located at the geographic center of the city of Portland, YARD is a 21 story mixed-use building that combines residential, commercial, retail, office and parking.

Positioned in the rapidly changing central east side of downtown Portland, at the base of the iconic Burnside Bridge and skate park, the site presented a multitude of challenges, both at an infrastructure and cultural level.

As a podium + tower design, YARD connects seamlessly with the neighborhood via the intersecting streets and across the city skyline.

The podium at level 5 is open to the public, offering spas, co-working space and eco-roof encouraging Portlanders to take advantage of unprecedented views of the city.

Above the podium is a residential tower rotated along the river and oriented to maximize connections to the urban landscape to the west and dynamic mountain views to the east.

YARD is a catalyst project born of the city’s effort to revitalize entrepreneurial development. It’s the spark of a new neighborhood, a rare opportunity to remix pre-established elements (like the iconic Burnside Skatepark) with groundbreaking design and an underutilized riverfront location.

Project Data

Client—Key Development Corporation

Location—Portland, OR

Size—343,100 sq. ft.

Project End Date—June 2016

Architects—Skylab

Contractor—Andersen Construction

LEED Certification—LEED Silver

Collaborators—2 ink Landscape Architecture, KPFF, PAE, Berg Electric, American Heating, Peninsula Plumbing, Patriot Fire, GeoDesign, JLC Architectural Consulting, Code Unlimited, SSA Acoustics, The Facade Group, Brightworks, Open Studio Collective

About Skylab 
Established almost two decades ago in Portland, Oregon, Skylab is a band of makers—curious, industrious and experimental. As architects, designers, creators and entrepreneurs, Skylab works together across a wide range of landscapes and locations. Their designers are futurists, making today what they believe will inspire and connect people tomorrow. By exploring, curating and innovating, they are always looking ahead to create what may shape tomorrow. Skylab reveals the unseen for those willing to seek it. 

Offering unique and customized services, Skylab’s greatest value is in their holistic approach to problem solving across the following disciplines and offerings: Architecture, Interior Design, Branded Environments, Planning.