Creating a Street of Dreams home takes more than construction — it requires vision, detail, and community-focused design. Aker Development brought all three to life at 7476 N Buchanan Avenue, a featured project in Portland’s 2024 Street of Dreams.
A 2024 Street of Dreams Case Study
Creating a Street of Dreams home takes more than construction — it requires vision, detail, and community-focused design. Aker Development brought all three to life at 7476 N Buchanan Avenue, a showcase project featured in Portland’s 2024 Street of Dreams. Here’s how we brought this concept to life — from planning to public debut.
Introduction
The NW Natural Street of Dreams is where Portland’s most compelling homes are brought to life — showcasing innovation, sustainability, and thoughtful architecture. Each year, the tour features a curated collection of new homes designed to push the boundaries of residential building.
For Aker Development, it was an opportunity to present a project that speaks to both the future of housing and the needs of today’s buyers. It was also a chance to challenge the assumption that Street of Dreams homes must be expansive or extravagant. Instead, our focus was on demonstrating how small-lot infill can deliver on comfort, style, and community value.
Located in Portland’s St. Johns neighborhood, our featured build — 7476 N Buchanan Avenue — reflects a commitment to accessible quality, neighborhood integration, and intentional living.
Phase 1: Design That Reflects Community
Crafted for Everyday Living
We designed three detached cottages ranging from 1,250 to 1,400 square feet — each with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and bright, open-concept layouts. These homes were built not for opulence, but for real life: comfortable, efficient, beautiful spaces that offer a sense of calm and connection. Every layout was planned to maximize light, flow, and usable square footage, while still feeling welcoming and personal.
Street of Dreams Expectations
As part of the 2024 showcase, we ensured our homes aligned with the Street of Dreams’ high standards, including:
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- Energy-efficient construction
- Elevated design and materials
- Unique architectural character
- Forward-thinking community impact
We worked closely with the event organizers and other builders to ensure that our vision complemented the larger message of the 2024 tour: that sustainable, thoughtful living is the future of residential development.
Phase 2: Planning and Pre-Construction
Smart Site Selection
7476 N Buchanan sits in the heart of St. Johns — close to parks, schools, and small businesses — making it an ideal place for intentional infill development. The lot’s location allowed us to build homes that not only serve their residents, but also strengthen the surrounding neighborhood by introducing well-designed housing where it’s needed most.
We evaluated the site’s potential not just for buildability, but for how it could enhance the block, provide natural light and privacy, and integrate with the existing street fabric.
Permitting and Coordination
Navigating Portland’s zoning and permitting processes is complex, especially on infill sites. Our team worked closely with the City of Portland’s Bureau of Development Services (BDS) to ensure timely approvals and full compliance with design standards. We also consulted the Portland Residential Infill Project guidelines to align with city goals around density, affordability, and neighborhood character.
This phase required detailed coordination across architects, engineers, surveyors, and city officials — a task made easier by our in-house expertise in small-lot permitting and code compliance.
Phase 3: Building with Purpose
High-Quality Materials, Thoughtful Interiors
From the start, our goal was to show that small-scale development doesn’t have to compromise on materials or finish quality. We emphasized light-filled rooms, high-performance windows, artisan tilework, and quartz kitchen counters — all styled in a warm, modern palette.
Every finish was chosen not only for function and feel but for its ability to contribute to a calming and cohesive interior atmosphere. The result is a trio of homes that feel elevated but grounded — homes that resonate with modern buyers seeking both style and substance.
Efficient Systems and Sustainability
Each cottage was outfitted with energy-efficient HVAC systems, low-VOC paints, and water-wise fixtures. We also worked with consultants to ensure our insulation, ducting, and ventilation systems met or exceeded state and local energy codes.
These homes were designed to be low-impact and easy to maintain — aligning with long-term sustainability goals without driving up costs for the homeowner. We also took care to select locally sourced materials wherever possible to reduce transportation emissions and support regional suppliers.
Learn more about Oregon’s energy-efficiency incentives for new homes through the Energy Trust of Oregon.
Phase 4: Showcase Ready
Outdoor Living and Shared Space
Each cottage features a private yard, while the development includes a common outdoor space that encourages connection and shared moments — a subtle but meaningful nod to community-focused design.
The landscape design features native, drought-resistant plants that require minimal irrigation. We also designed pedestrian paths and outdoor seating zones to foster a sense of community among future residents.
Final Presentation
For the Street of Dreams, we polished every last detail. From landscaping and staging to walk-throughs and quality assurance, we ensured these homes would represent the best of what attainable, urban living can be.
We worked with local staging professionals to furnish the homes in a way that showcased their livability. Visitors to the 2024 Street of Dreams commented on the calm, inviting nature of the space — a testament to how design can impact emotion and experience.
Read more about the NW Natural Street of Dreams and its mission to spotlight excellence in homebuilding across the Portland metro area.
Why Aker Development?
We don’t just build homes — we create livable spaces that reflect real people, real budgets, and real values.
Our team offers: ✅ Deep experience in Portland infill and small-lot construction
✅ Collaborative design partnerships
✅ Full-service permitting and project management
✅ Commitment to sustainability without compromising style
We’re proud to be a builder that listens, adapts, and innovates. From working with local craftspeople to engaging in design conversations with buyers, we’re invested in every part of the process.
Key Takeaways from Our 2024 Showcase Project
✅ Infill housing can be high-quality and high-impact
✅ Function-forward design resonates with today’s buyers
✅ Community-focused building leaves a lasting footprint
✅ Thoughtful details create everyday delight
✅ Sustainability and attainability can go hand-in-hand
✅ Collaboration across trades and agencies is key to success
Our Street of Dreams project was more than a build — it was a case study in how intention and execution can work together to redefine what’s possible in modern residential construction.
Conclusion: From Vision to Showcase
The Street of Dreams isn’t just about luxury — it’s about what’s possible. It’s about setting a new standard for how we build, who we build for, and how homes can serve communities.
With 7476 N Buchanan Avenue, Aker Development demonstrated that sustainability, simplicity, and standout design can live together under one roof — or in this case, three. These homes are not just beautiful; they’re accessible, functional, and built to reflect the best of Portland’s development future.
Interested in bringing your vision to life — whether for a single custom home or a small-lot development?
Contact Aker Development and let’s build something intentional, together.
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