Milepost 5 is an intentional community centered around creative individuals engaged in creative pursuits. This campus of this unique Community for Creatives is located in the Montavilla Neighborhood of Portland, Oregon.

The first phase of the project, The Lofts, opened its doors in mid 2008. Currently (4.09) more than half of its 54 units are occupied by a burgeoning community of talented individuals skilled in a diverse range of creative disciplines. The second phase, The Studios, is scheduled for completion in 2010.

open larger site plan

Milepost 5 sits on a two acre campus located in the Montavilla neighborhood of Portland, Oregon on the site of the former Baptist Manor Retirement Home. The first phase of the project, The Lofts, is a newly renovated 1969 modernist building housing 54 live/work condominiums (completed April of 2008) with a newly added "jewel box" fourth floor.

The second phase, The Studios, is a beautiful 54,000 square foot slate-roofed brick building with a large central courtyard built in the 20's and 30's. The Studios will include up to 104 live/work affordable rental studios, gallery space, performance venue, and space for restaurant and commercial use (completion target early 2010).

Phase 1, The Lofts building has passed 50% occupancy and is growing. A vibrant community is forming with artists and creatives from a wide range of disciplines. Current (4.09) residents include: a poet and writer, two chefs, a college gallery, musicians, a sound artist, a conceptual artist, several painters, two experimental theater groups, and a photographer.

Milepost 5 is a Community for Creatives. The vision is for much more than a building where people with common interests are neighbors. We want to bring creative individuals together and empower them as a group; providing an infrastructure of programs and events that allows the community to showcase its work and provides the community with resources.

Over 100 artists have been invited to turn the yet-to-be-renovated rooms of The Studios building into three floors of installations and exhibits. This 10-day festival will include live music by local bands, theater and performance art, artist round tables, and daily guided tours of the 100+ exhibits.

ShowcasePDX has recently released a terrific short feature about Milepost 5. This project biography tells the story of this ambitious arts project in a rich tapestry of voices from community, arts organizations, civic leaders, and the development team.