By Andy Meeks, September 19, 2019
This is a rare opportunity to own a coveted design from one of Portland’s most influential early-century architects. The Rosegate building, located in the Hollywood neighborhood, was designed and built in 1932 as a cutting-edge apartment building by Ewald Theodore (E.T.) Pape, active in the city from 1920-1945.*
The Rosegate is located 4353 NE Halsey Street and is a gated community of 20 units tucked discreetly off of the main street and just one block from the Hollywood MAX station. It combines modern conveniences with classic design, a secure gated entrance and private, garden-level entries. Unit #4 boasts a spacious 2 bed/1 bath layout with gleaming hardwoods, original light fixtures and preserved details like a leaded-glass china cabinet and handmade wrought-iron railings. It’s been well-maintained, lovingly cared-for, and it retains so much original charm from the 1930s (also considered the height of the other Hollywood’s “Golden Age”).
Pape is credited with introducing and refining the two-story townhouse apartment design to Portland. One of the hallmarks of Pape’s designs was that each unit in his buildings had an individual floor plan and was considered innovative for the era “with major emphasis on livability and eliminating the stigma of apartment living by providing individuality and separate entrances for each unit.”** It really is a perfect combination of modern living with vintage, throwback style.
According to the ABT-UNK website that has thoughtfully researched the building’s history, “[a] July 26, 1931 article in the Oregonian entitled “New Apartments Ready” had “Landscaping is Feature” in its subtitle, and a whole paragraph on the topic:
‘Landscaping of the project, which is built around an open garden plot, is extensive. Rock gardens, grass plots, shrubbery clumps and a large pool with double waterfall are included in the landscaping scheme.” It appears some of the landscaping has changed a little over the years, but that has not diminished its loveliness.'”
And it’s true: the first thing that strikes you when visiting the Rosegate is the absolutely gorgeous, English-style gardens full of vibrant rose bushes, boxwoods, coiffed trees, and precisely-manicured lawns. ‘Charming’, ‘inviting’ and ‘secluded’ jump to mind, despite being centrally-located in the vibrant Hollywood neighborhood and business district.
[Read more below the photo gallery!]
The large living room greets you upon entering the home and is kept bright by the three south-facing windows looking out to the gardens, highlighted by the quality top-nailed hardwood floors. Period details abound with the restored, original light fixtures, handmade, wrought-iron railings, and an original built-in china cabinet in the dining room with leaded glass. The entire first floor is devoted to living space, with the dining room connecting through a graceful arched ceiling and flowing to the kitchen. The kitchen is set-up for efficient prep work and abundant storage, and includes new sink hardware, gas range, dishwasher, granite countertops, and a well-placed sink window and back door that promote refreshing cross-ventilation in the warmer months.
There are two large bedrooms upstairs, both featuring hardwoods and bright south-facing windows. The master bedroom features custom closet organizers, and is slightly offset from the hallway to provide an added measure of privacy. The bathroom features a geometric, black-and-white tile floor, jetted bathtub with a smart glass enclosure, and an east-facing window. The bathroom closet contains a stacked washer-dryer for easy laundry days.
Quite simply, and true to the intent of E.T. Pape, the Rosegate puts a premium on convenience, livability and privacy.
Private, covered and deeded parking is included, and the HOA fees include all utilities and heat (except for electricity), as well as the extensive landscaping and exterior maintenance. (There currently isn’t another condo unit on the market in this area with deeded private parking in this price range.) Rental cap space is still available, if you decided to rent out this unit at a later date. Also, there is no smoking anywhere on the property – in the common areas or in the units themselves. This is the result of a forward-looking, engaged association that is constantly working to make improvements, as well as help create a comfortable, livable environment. The community is very strong, as a result of low turnover and engaged residents who are committed to being connected with one another.
Finally, the location is exceptional in the heart of Hollywood, and couldn’t be more ideal for all sorts of transit modes and destinations. The Hollywood MAX is less than one block away, and nearby amenities include Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, the Hollywood Theater, the Hollywood Farmer’s Market, Fleur de Lis Bakery, The Moon and Sixpence, Sizzle Pie, and the Hollywood branch of the county library system, to name just a few (but what else do you really need?). And if you do have a car parked in the private, deeded, covered carport that comes with this unit, you can easily scoot downtown via Broadway, Sandy or the Banfield, or quickly jet towards PDX or Mt. Hood on I-84 with entrance/exit ramps all within two blocks. The Walk Score is 94 and the bike score is 92.
Care-free (car-free?) modern living with vintage style. This truly is the Golden Age of Hollywood!
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*BONUS: here’s some additional information about E.T. Pape’s influence on Portland apartment architecture from a fascinating 1997 application by John Tess and Robert Mawson to the National Register of Historic Places for multiple two-story apartment buildings and condominiums designed by Pape in Portland from 1920-1945:
“The essence of E. T. Pape’s contribution to Portland housing was the refinement of a particular apartment house type which he had introduced, namely, the two-story townhouse. The projects were well constructed and well appointed without being luxurious. The hallmarks of these complexes are adopted as the registration requirements for the multiple property submission. In addition to the basic requirement of integrity, to be eligible, the apartment building must be two stories in height, have individualized floorplans, and place more emphasis on liveable space than exterior showiness. It must have separate front and rear entrances and individual street numbers, and it must have interior features of some quality.”
**Architects of Oregon: A Biographical Dictionary of Architects Deceased – 19th and 20th Centuries, by Richard Ellison Ritz, noted by the ABT-UNK website.]
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ANDY MEEKS
Living Room Realty
Licensed Oregon Broker | Earth Advantage REALTOR®
andy@livingroomre.com | 971.400.0195 | PDX
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Andy Meeks
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The choice to become a real estate broker was a joyful combination of two very different careers. Prior to moving to Portland in 2008, I was an environmental and title closing attorney in Massachustts. Since then, I've served as a program manager and fundraising professional for Portland-based non-profit organizations Friends of Trees, The Freshwater Trust and Ecotrust.
While not scouting homes and helping clients, you can find me riding bicycles, skiing, digging in the garden, experimenting in the kitchen, and exploring the stunning beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Please let me know how I can help you or someone you know. Thank you!
*I'm licensed as an attorney in Massachusetts and can't offer any sort of legal advice.
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