Historic charm meets urban convenience in Northwest Portland
The Empress Building, a five-story brick structure completed in 1927, stands as a testament to Portland's architectural heritage. Located in the vibrant Northwest District, this condominium complex houses 72 units, offering residents a blend of historic charm and modern urban living. Originally constructed as a luxury hotel, the building has been thoughtfully converted into condominiums, preserving its classic appeal while providing contemporary comforts. The Empress Building's prime location puts residents at the heart of one of Portland's most desirable neighborhoods, known for its diverse dining options and eclectic shopping scene.
Compact living spaces with character and functionality
The Empress Building offers a range of floor plans to suit various lifestyles, from cozy studios to more spacious two-bedroom units. Studios, the most compact options, range from 208 to 444 square feet, with prices starting around $100,000 and reaching up to $159,000. These efficient spaces often feature original hardwood floors, large windows that flood the rooms with natural light, and clever storage solutions to maximize the available area.
One-bedroom units, spanning 310 to 558 square feet, provide a bit more room to spread out and typically sell for around $210,000. These apartments often include separate sleeping areas and living spaces, allowing for a more defined layout. Many units in the building boast period details such as crown moldings and vintage tile accents, adding to their charm and character.
For those requiring more space, two-bedroom units offer approximately 700 square feet of living area. These larger apartments, while less common in the building, provide ample room for small families or those who desire a home office or guest room.
Regardless of size, many units in the Empress Building have been updated to include modern amenities such as in-unit washers and dryers, dishwashers, and efficient appliances. Some apartments feature wall-mounted Murphy beds, a nod to the building's hotel past and a practical solution for maximizing space in smaller units. Many condos also offer views of the surrounding cityscape or the West Hills, providing a picturesque backdrop to daily life.
Practical amenities with a focus on security and convenience
The Empress Building offers a selection of amenities designed to enhance residents' daily lives while maintaining the building's historic character. One of the most notable features is the building's seismic retrofit, providing peace of mind in a region known for seismic activity. This upgrade demonstrates a commitment to preserving the structure while ensuring resident safety.
The building's gracious lobby serves as a welcoming entrance, reflecting the property's past as a luxury hotel. For those with bicycles, a secure bike storage room is available, catering to Portland's cycling culture. Additional storage options include personal storage lockers and a secured lower level, allowing residents to maximize their living spaces by storing seasonal items or less frequently used belongings.
Security is a priority at the Empress Building, with a secure entry system in place to monitor access to the property. This feature provides residents with an added layer of safety and privacy in their urban home.
The Empress Building is pet-friendly, welcoming furry companions up to 40 pounds with a refundable pet fee. This policy allows residents to enjoy the companionship of their pets while living in the heart of the city.
While the building may not offer extensive resort-style amenities, its practical features and prime location more than compensate, providing residents with a comfortable and convenient urban living experience.
A vibrant urban enclave with endless exploration opportunities
The Northwest District, home to the Empress Building, is a dynamic neighborhood that seamlessly blends historic charm with modern urban living. This area, often referred to as Nob Hill, is renowned for its walkable streets lined with a diverse array of boutiques, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Food enthusiasts will find themselves in culinary heaven, with options ranging from casual cafes to upscale dining establishments. Just a short walk from the Empress Building, residents can indulge in artisanal pastries at Ken's Artisan Bakery or savor innovative dishes at Bamboo Sushi. For those with a sweet tooth, Papa Haydn offers an impressive selection of decadent desserts.
Shopping options abound in the neighborhood, with Northwest 23rd Avenue serving as a hub for boutique retail. Here, residents can browse family-owned clothing stores, explore antique shops, or pick up unique gifts at stores like Wildfang or Anthropologie. For everyday necessities, a Whole Foods Market is conveniently located within a five-minute walk of the building.
Cultural attractions are plentiful in the area. Book lovers can lose themselves in the vast collection at Powell's City of Books, while sports enthusiasts can catch a Portland Timbers or Thorns game at nearby Providence Park. The neighborhood also offers easy access to natural escapes, with Washington Park and the expansive Forest Park just a short distance away, providing miles of hiking trails and lush green spaces.
For those seeking entertainment, the historic McMenamins Crystal Ballroom hosts live music and events, adding to the neighborhood's vibrant nightlife scene. The area's rich cultural offerings extend to numerous art galleries and theaters, ensuring there's always something new to discover.
With its central location, the Northwest District offers residents of the Empress Building the perfect balance of urban convenience and neighborhood charm, making it an ideal home base for exploring all that Portland has to offer.
Effortless connectivity in a highly walkable urban setting
The Empress Building's location in the Northwest District provides residents with a multitude of transportation options, making it easy to navigate both the immediate neighborhood and the greater Portland area. The area's exceptional walkability means that many daily errands and activities can be accomplished on foot, reducing the need for frequent car use.
For those times when public transportation is necessary, the building is well-served by Portland's comprehensive transit system. Multiple bus lines operate in the vicinity, with stops just steps away from the Empress Building. The W Burnside & SW 15th bus stop, served by the Burnside/Stark line, is a mere one-minute walk from the building. Additional bus lines, including the Broadway/Halsey and Belmont/NW 23rd routes, have stops within a five-minute walk, providing easy access to other parts of the city.
Light rail options are also readily available. The Portland Streetcar stop at NW 11th & Couch is about a five-minute walk from the building, offering a convenient way to explore downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. For longer trips, residents can access the MAX Blue and Red lines at the PGE Park station, also just a five-minute walk away. These light rail lines provide direct connections to destinations throughout the Portland metro area, including Portland International Airport.
Cyclists will appreciate the neighborhood's bike-friendly infrastructure, with numerous bike lanes and routes making it easy to navigate the city on two wheels. The building's secure bike storage amenity further encourages this eco-friendly mode of transportation.
For those who prefer to drive, the Empress Building's location provides easy access to major thoroughfares. Interstate 405 is nearby, connecting residents to other parts of Portland and beyond. However, given the neighborhood's excellent walkability and transit options, many residents find they can comfortably live without frequent car use.
The combination of walkability, robust public transit, and cycling infrastructure makes the Empress Building an ideal choice for those seeking a car-light or car-free lifestyle in the heart of Portland.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
High Crime
Crime Score®
7/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
86/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
99/ 100
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score®
90/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Forest Park
5 min walk
North Park Blocks
9 min walk
Trails
Playground
Couch Park
9 min walk
Trails
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Director Park
10 min walk
Pioneer Courthouse Square
10 min walk
Shemanski Park
12 min walk
Jamison Square
12 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Burlingame Park
14 min walk
Tanner Springs Park
14 min walk
Trails
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
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View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Disclaimer: Please note that this building may not be in these schools' attendance zones.
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