Marla Manor Apartments
Faced with years of neglect, Marla Manor Apartments is a 40-year old affordable housing property located in Portland, Oregon. The property features four buildings with twenty-five units which provides much needed housing to the local community. In 2020 it received an extensive facelift, both inside and out.The project began with removing the aging siding and trim, failed windows and repairing the broken patios. Siding was replaced with a combination of cedar and fiber cement cladding using a rainscreen system to better handle the wet northwest climate. All sheathing and exterior wall penetrations were inspected and repaired as necessary.
Crews removed the existing windows and sliding glass doors and replaced with new, energy efficient units to increase the insulation value of the building envelope and reduce drafts, moisture issues, and energy loss. The existing cracked concrete patios were repaired and new canopies and privacy screens were built for all ground floor units. The main courtyard was rebuilt with new concrete and ADA ramps to make the area more assessable for occupants with disabilities.
The interiors of each unit were renovated to include more efficient ventilation systems and upgrades to the bathrooms. This included updates to the existing wiring, installation of Panasonic “whisper” ventilation fans and quartz countertops and backsplashes.
With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the client and architect worked closely with Charter to ensure three main goals were met with this project: create a better place to live, healthier and more comfortable indoor environment for tenants, and extend the life of a naturally affordable apartment complex. Charter works tirelessly with its clients to repair and renovate existing buildings by “preserving a brick in place.” The successful completion of the Marla Manor Apartments project represents the continued positive relationship that both the client and Charter have built and will continue to have for many years to come.
Architect: Propel Studios
Location: Portland, OR
