Madison Street Home Leveled by Portland Development Group

PORTLAND, Ore. – An 1896 home in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Southeast Portland has been torn down.

The 949-square-foot house, reported on by the Portland Chronicle in July, was located on a 6,600-square-foot lot.

Photo credit: Portland Chronicle

Photo credit: Portland Chronicle

At the time of the previous article a sale had not been recorded by the city and county although the demolition application process was underway. The sale was recorded in July, showing that Portland Development Group purchased the property from Eric Piper for $500,000. The house had most recently sold in 1999 for $129,900.

In June the developer applied for demolition of the 119-year-old house. The permit was issued Aug. 26 and the house has been razed.

Photo credit: Portland Chronicle

Photo credit: Portland Chronicle

Portland Development Group has not applied for construction of any new residences on the property, however the demolition application states the “excavated basement” will be reused for a new house. The property is located in an R2.5 zone, which would allow multiple units on the 6,600-square-foot property.

There is an underlying lot line on the east quarter of the property, which the city received an application to reopen and adjust the placement of, allowing multiple new lots without applying for a land division process.

That adjustment application, however, lists its status as “void” as of Sept. 4. An itemized procedure list shows the void status came during the planning and zoning review process. It is unclear whether the entire application is void or whether that status applies to just one step in the process.

Photo credit: Portland Chronicle

That application was received in May, suggesting it was submitted by the previous property owner as the sale had not taken place — then again, the demolition application was submitted in early June, listing Portland Development Group as the applicant, although the sale was not recorded by the city and county until July 20.

These cases and others suggest the city allows a developer to begin application processes on a property the developer does not yet own.

Portland Development Group is registered to Mike Hubbell.

Photo credit: Portland Chronicle