Broker’s Tour in L.O.~Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010

I thought I’d bring you along with Dianne and I to see some of what was on Brokers’ Tour Tuesday in Lake Oswego.

What do we DO on tour??? Well, we check out properties that are new on the market or that have had a major change such as remodeling work or price reductions. We also enjoy visiting with each other & learning more about the properties (this is a great way to find out material information that is not included on the listing sheet), and you should know that Realtors LOVE to eat on tour! Usually we’ve been at meetings all morning and are ravenous by the time we get out to tour.  Dianne calls it the Pavlov Response… she postulates that even when we don’t tour, we automatically get hungry on Tuesdays at 11:00…  I think she’s right!

I was not able to post everything we saw on Tuesday, but I’ve got quite a bit to show you… Let’s get going! (all photos used with permission ~ remember that you can enlarge any photo by clicking on it)

We headed over to Westridge to 51 Hillshire Dr., to visit a custom contemporary home set up above the road and surrounded by luscious landscaping, giving it peaceful views out the many bright windows.  We were met by Debbie Todd who answered questions and showed us around with warmth and hospitality. This one is stately, with 4306 SF, 4 bedrooms, a formal but open entry, master suite on the main floor, high vaulted ceilings, hardwoods, great room with gorgeous kitchen (yes, that’s Dianne in the kitchen), fireplace and access to the spa/patio area (also accessible from the spacious master).  Daylight basement offers pool table area, 1/2 bath, media area, and a beautiful wet bar.  Three bedrooms are upstairs (one non-conforming). The flow of this home is so elegant, and the feel so open and peaceful… I would highly recommend a look.  This one is set & ready to welcome it’s new owners with style & comfort from day one.

From Westridge we drove to 2057 Summit Dr  in Summit Heights where the neighborhood is nestled up the graceful slope from Lake Oswego. This particular home is a totally remodeled 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath 1975 Craftsman with panache. I mean, this home shouts easy, comfortable living from the street as you enter the circular drive.  It is just a ‘superstar’ sitting there waiting for the perfect occupants. Set back a ways from the road, we meandered up the walk and were met by Susy Darm, another charming local Realtor with tons of information about the property to share. It is 4589 SF on a .45 acre lot overlooking the lake with beautiful views from the upper deck & grand master bedroom.  The outdoor living options begin with the main level deck that wraps from the porch around to the side… vaulted with forest views & accessible from the kitchen and dining areas.  Did I mention the kitchen?  Let’s just say stunning slab granite, Dacor Pro stove, Sub Zero, Viking, alder cabinets, and an open/airy feel.  The great room is wired for surround sound, there are three fireplaces, one of which boasts an alluring river pebble fascia. I could go on & on… media & game room, stellar bathrooms… but really, this one needs to be seen in person.

Leaving Susy, we decided to finish up our tour with the new construction  home at 567 6th Street in First Addition. We walked through this one about a month or two ago when it was in full building mode… we gingerly stepped through the home being careful not to trip and trying to visualize the finished result.  It was fun to see the transformation yesterday.  Shari Newman met us in the beautiful kitchen featuring one of my favorites… Carrera Marble for back-splash.  It offers 2568 SF of brand new home, with 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths.  Floors are luxurious, dark hardwoods. Bathrooms feature granite and elegant fixtures & finishes.  The generous master is conveniently located on the main level. Upstairs also opens to three more bedrooms, one of which has high ceilings and could probably also be used as a game or media room.  Little touches than really shine include the brass gutters, and slatted wood ceilings on the front porch.  Style.

Well, that wraps up our Broker’s Tour for this week.  Hope it was fun tagging along with us! We’re always here to take a call & show you property if you find something that “speaks” to you.

If this is making you want to tour yourself, I’ll be holding 371 6th St. Open on Sunday in Lake Oswego from 2:00 – 4:00 PM.  This is a sweet 3 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath custom rowhouse in First Addition. C’mon down! We can chat.

Very Best,

Linda

You may reach me at:  503 318 2116

Market Activity Report for January 11-17, 2010

Here is our latest market activity report. Last week brought us 21 new listings, 10 pending sales, and 9 closed sales.

I want to explain that occasionally a property misses getting into our report. This happens if the property status changes during the week that represents our report, but the data is not changed in the RMLS until after our report is issued. Linda and I want these reports to be as accurate as possible, but we also want them to occur in a timely fashion. We regret that some property data is reported late and thus misses our report.

Here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (Jan. 11—Jan. 17, 2010)

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type List Date
86 KINGSGATE RD $139,900 2 2 849 ATTACHD 1/11/2010
67 OSWEGO SMT $174,900 2 2 1,212 CONDO 1/12/2010
5225 JEAN RD 174900 – 199876 2 2 1,400 CONDO 1/13/2010
4 TOUCHSTONE $199,995 3 2.1 1,351 CONDO 1/16/2010
15 ORIOLE LN $269,900 2 2 1,470 DETACHD 1/12/2010
17350 BLUE HERON RD $330,000 4 2.1 2,880 DETACHD 1/13/2010
3 SAINT HELENS CIR $355,000 2 2 1,472 DETACHD 1/17/2010
240 4TH ST $399,900 2 1.1 1,080 DETACHD 1/14/2010
4729 FIRWOOD RD 439900 3 2.1 2,357 DETACHD 1/15/2010
4725 FIRWOOD RD 449900 3 2.1 2,296 ATTACHD 1/15/2010
64 TOUCHSTONE 449999 5 2.1 3,641 DETACHD 1/14/2010
2705 SW ORCHARD HILL LN 499350 3 2.1 2,841 DETACHD 1/11/2010
3368 SOUTHSHORE BLVD 499990 3 2 2,160 DETACHD 1/11/2010
14279 CAMDEN LN 525000 4 2.1 2,373 DETACHD 1/13/2010
4102 BUCK BRUSH LN 556900 4 3 2,205 DETACHD 1/15/2010
4581 HASTINGS PL 574900 4 2.1 2,985 DETACHD 1/11/2010
19175 EASTSIDE RD 900000 5 4.1 5,263 DETACHD 1/13/2010
18222 SIENA DR 1088000 6 4.1 3,800 DETACHD 1/12/2010
2057 SUMMIT DR 1099000 4 3.1 4,589 DETACHD 1/14/2010
1808 RIDGE POINTE DR 1269000 5 4.1 4,155 DETACHD 1/12/2010
13764 KNAUS RD 1375000 4 4.1 4,805 DETACHD 1/12/2010

PENDING SALES (Jan. 11 – Jan. 17, 2010)

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
12 CERVANTES CIR $105,000 2 1.1 912 CONDO 121
668 MCVEY AVE $164,900 2 1 852 CONDO 9
16250 PACIFIC HWY $170,000 3 2 1,626 CONDO 128
775 BOCA RATAN DR $184,500 3 3 2,401 DETACHD 131
3 SUMMIT RIDGE CT $274,000 2 2.1 1,576 ATTACHD 218
13050 BOONES FERRY RD $332,000 3 2 2,632 DETACHD 170
5460 BAY CREEK DR $424,900 3 2.1 2,358 DETACHD 136
38 DA VINCI ST $625,000 4 2.1 2,932 DETACHD 214
9 HIDALGO ST 649900 4 4.2 5,310 DETACHD 525
5234 WESTFIELD CT 724900 4 3 3,252 DETACHD 8

SOLD (Jan. 11 – Jan. 17, 2010)

Address O/Price Close Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
3433 MCNARY PKWY $100,000 $101,500 2 2.1 1,208 CONDO 212
86 KINGSGATE RD $127,000 $132,000 2 2 924 CONDO 236
520 9TH ST $325,000 $300,000 3 2 1,148 DETACHD 151
16824 SW INVERURIE RD $389,900 $310,000 3 3 1,896 DETACHD 245
16824 INVERURIE RD $279,900 $310,000 3 3 1,896 DETACHD 245
1575 IVY CT $515,000 $495,000 4 3 2,432 DETACHD 56
17479 BROOKHURST DR $699,000 $675,000 4 2.1 3,551 DETACHD 78
13010 KNAUS RD $1,099,000 $930,000 4 3.1 4,312 DETACHD 1128
17404 BERGIS FARM DR 1297000 1065000 5 4.1 5,394 DETACHD 326

Criteria: Homes in the 97034 and 97035 zip code, listed, pending or sold between the dates listed above as reported by the Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS). DETACHD refers to Single Family Detached Residence, MFG refers to manufactured housing, and ATTACHD refers to single-family residences with some portion of the structure attached to another property, but not constituting CONDO ownership. DOM stands for days on market, or the number of days from when the listing became active and when it received an acceptable offer, with CDOM standing for “cumulative days on market” accounting for “refreshed” listings.

Open Houses for Sunday, January 17, 2010

There are 23 houses that will be held open this Sunday.  It’s a nice assortment that represents a wide range of prices, sizes, ages and options.  If you are inclined to want to spend an hour or two looking at houses, you should find some good options.

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type Open
323 CERVANTES $175,000 2 2 1,265 CONDO 1 to 3
5225 Jean RD $179,900 2 2 1,100 CONDO 1 to 3
65 GREENRIDGE CT $199,500 2 2 1,314 CONDO 1 to 4
5373 LAKEVIEW BLVD $329,500 3 1 2,176 DETACHD 2 to 4
18922 REDWING WAY $379,900 4 2 2,076 DETACHD 2 to 4
119 3RD ST $399,900 3 2 1,204 CONDO 1 to 4
4651 HASTINGS PL $454,900 4 2.1 2,215 DETACHD 1 to3
2705 SW ORCHARD HILL LN $499,350 3 2.1 2,841 DETACHD 11 to4
14279 CAMDEN LN 525000 4 2.1 2,373 DETACHD 1 to 3
4581 HASTINGS PL 574900 4 2.1 2,985 DETACHD 1 to 3
13278 ROGERS RD 695000 3 2.1 2,964 DETACHD 12 to 2
2688 RIVENDELL RD 745000 4 3 3,720 DETACHD 1 to 4
1225 LAKE GARDEN CT 829950 4 3.2 3,558 DETACHD 1 to 3
18222 SIENA DR 1088000 6 4.1 3,800 DETACHD 1 to 3
18209 SIENA DR 1178950 5 3.1 3,839 DETACHD 1 to 3
18143 SIENA DR 1197000 5 4.1 4,152 DETACHD 1 to 3
1808 RIDGE POINTE DR 1269000 5 4.1 4,155 DETACHD 1 to 3
18246 BELLA TERRA DR 1294000 4 3.1 4,196 DETACHD 1 to 3
17464 RIDGEVIEW LN 1298950 4 3.1 4,407 DETACHD 1 to 3
664 OAK MEADOW DR 1355000 4 3.1 4,198 DETACHD 1 to 3
18110 Siena DR 1394000 4 3.1 4,311 DETACHD 1 to 3
657 OAK MEADOW DR. 1395000 4 3.1 4,371 DETACHD 1 to 3
17364 RIDGEVIEW CT 1425000 4 3.1 4,436 DETACHD 1 to 3

Have a great weekend!

First Impressions

Front doorFirst impressions seems like the ideal subject for my first editorial post of 2010. It’s time to take that big step forward and I don’t know about you, but I want to make the most of it.

So, as a seller of a home, how can you maximize the first impression that your home gives? Of course you want to mow the lawn, clean the roof, trim the bushes and trees, but is that all? And, in fact, are those items even the most important? No, they aren’t. I believe that the single most important area of your home that you need to spiff up and get ready, is the front door.

When ever I take a new listing I give my little talk about getting the front door ready. Think about it. Typically a buyer is waiting at the front door while the Realtor is finding and opening the lock box. The buyer will pause there for a minute or two and have the opportunity to look at every little detail. Is the area clean? Is the paint fresh? Or is there a sofa and a big bag of Alpo on the front porch? And if there is a pile of rubbish to step around, what do you think that the buyer is anticipating finding inside? I really believe that buyers make their decision about the house at the front door. If they like what they see, they go into the house seeking to reinforce that opinion. They go inside looking for things to like. If they have been put off at the front door, they enter the house feeling critical. Will the bag of Alpo be accompanied by crates of rabbits and a barking dog chained in the back yard? This is just a very, very important place to spend a little time getting your home ready for marketing.

First I recommend a good cleaning and fresh paint. Get out a scrub brush, some soap, and take the time to really clean. Wash not only the door but the threshold, the weather-stripping, the light fixtures and everything around the door. Sweep the porch. Wipe away the moths and spider webs around the light fixture. Make certain the paint on the door is fresh with no scuffs or scratches.

Make sure the door knob and the key work easily. You may want to consider updating the hardware for the knob and the lock.

The National Association of Realtors publishes an annual report that is specific to every region of the country telling what sort of re-sale return can be expected from remodeling. The only item on the entire list, including kitchens and bathrooms, that returned of 100% of the investment was the purchase and installation of a new front door. Seriously. It will make you money to do this right. The estimated cost in the Pacific region is $1353 to install a new door and a return on the sale of your home of $1732. That’s a return of 128% on the original investment.

Once you get the door clean, painted and ready, do a little staging of the exterior entry area. Be careful not to crowd the area with too much. People should not have to avoid or step around anything you display. I recommend a pot or two of seasonal flowers (at this time of year you can display primroses and pansies) or perhaps a wreath on the door. Be careful with holiday decorations not to leave them on too long, but they are certainly appropriate during each holiday of the year.

Take a little time as you get ready to sell your home, and be sure to take time at the front door. Your efforts will help you to realize a better sale and probably even make you some money.

Looking forward to a great 2010, Dianne

Lake Oswego Market Activity Report ~ Jan 4 – 10, 2010

The pace is picking up a bit. According to RMLS, there are 17 truly NEW properties in Lake Oswego this last week, 9 that went to PENDING status, and 8 that SOLD. Interesting to note that of the 17 NEW properties on the market, there are no shortsales in the bunch according to RMLS, and of the 9 PENDING sales, there were 2 short-sales, with another 2 short-sales out of the 8 SOLDS’s. There are a lot of good deals out there that do not fall into the short-sale or bank-owned categories, and Buyers seem to be looking for that “right” house instead of lasering in on short-sales in general. That said, it is hard to tell how many of the “NEW” properties could be teetering that direction. There is a whole different closing timeline to be considered if you get into that situation, so just be aware and consult with your Realtor.

One thing to be aware of is that we are not able to tell in an RMLS listing exactly how far above the “short-sale line” a property’s asking price may be.  There is always the possibility that a property could turn into a short-sale if the negotiated price with the Seller ends up lower than what they owe.  Just sayin’.  Talk with your Realtor about what that could mean for you if you think you may be offering an amount that could bring up this possibility in your transaction.

Anyway, here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (Jan. 4—Jan. 10, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date
47 EAGLE CREST DR $99,500 1 1 666 CONDO 1/4/2010
668 MCVEY AVE $164,900 2 1 852 CONDO 1/4/2010
18025 TUALATA AVE $349,000 3 2 1,970 DETACHD 1/6/2010
2705 ORCHARD HILL PL $374,900 3 2.1 2,250 DETACHD 1/8/2010
2530 PALISADES CREST DR $376,200 4 2.1 2,774 DETACHD 1/7/2010
13213 SW 63 PL $399,900 4 3 2,604 DETACHD 1/6/2010
4651 HASTINGS PL $454,900 4 2.1 2,215 DETACHD 1/7/2010
1641 ASH ST $475,000 4 3 2,825 DETACHD 1/4/2010
16909 CRESTVIEW DR $524,900 4 3 2,553 DETACHD 1/7/2010
17930 MEADOWLARK LN $599,900 4 4 3,300 DETACHD 1/8/2010
72 CONDOLEA WAY $629,000 2 2.1 3,088 CONDO 1/7/2010
51 HILLSHIRE DR $679,000 4 2.2 4,306 DETACHD 1/5/2010
5234 WESTFIELD CT $724,900 4 3 3,252 DETACHD 1/4/2010
14435 UPLANDS DR $799,995 4 3.1 4,822 DETACHD 1/6/2010
17884 SW KELOK RD $949,000 4 3.1 4,124 DETACHD 1/4/2010
15444 BOONES WAY $998,500 3 2.1 3,364 ATTACHD 1/4/2010
5665 BONITA RD $1,279,900 2 1 1,500 DETACHD 1/9/2010

PENDING SALES (Jan. 4 – Jan. 10, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
668 MCVEY AVE $136,400.00 3 1.1 992 CONDO 95
4447 GOLDEN LN $229,000.00 2 2.1 1,980 ATTACHD 521
16546 BONAIRE AVE $239,900.00 3 1 1,064 DETACHD 82
2062 CEDAR CT $299,000.00 4 2 1,800 DETACHD 237
909 CUMBERLAND PL 299000 – 349000 4 3 2,716 DETACHD 43
3634 TEMPEST DR $424,900.00 4 3 2,931 DETACHD 3
4040 VIRGINIA WAY $524,900.00 3 2.1 2,623 DETACHD 243
5310 WASHINGTON CT $624,900.00 4 3.1 3,328 DETACHD 865
1839 PALISADES LAKE CT $899,900.00 4 3.1 4,570 DETACHD 166

SOLD (Jan. 4 – Jan. 10, 2010)

Address O/Price Sold Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
26 WHEATHERSTONE $265,000 $210,000 3 2.1 1,692 CONDO 135
5686 WASHINGTON CT $275,000 $259,800 2 2 1,342 DETACHD 25
5956 FERNBROOK CIR $299,999 $295,000 4 2 1,376 DETACHD 370
4191 CHAPMAN WAY $409,000 $360,000 4 2.1 2,610 DETACHD 194
4 ICARUS LOOP $449,000 $445,000 4 2.1 2,743 DETACHD 57
17675 CARDINAL DR $599,000 $500,000 3 3 3,458 DETACHD 294
2200 PRESTWICK RD $1,095,000 $825,000 4 2.1 3,356 DETACHD 539
17345 BERGIS FARM DR $1,249,900 $1,062,500 4 3.2 5,199 DETACHD 665

Criteria: Homes in the 97034 and 97035 zip code, listed, pending or sold between the dates listed above as reported by the Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS). DETACHD refers to Single Family Detached Residence, MFG refers to manufactured housing, and ATTACHD refers to single-family residences with some portion of the structure attached to another property, but not constituting CONDO ownership. DOM stands for days on market, or the number of days from when the listing became active and when it received an acceptable offer, with CDOM standing for “cumulative days on market” accounting for “refreshed” listings.

Lake Oswego Open Houses ~ Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010

Wow. We have polar ends of the price spectrum on tour this Sunday. 8 over a million, and 5 under $250,000 with a couple in the middle. There are some great properties to see on this list, so get out and enjoy the dry weekend weather & find that “one” to either move-up or buy first-time…. The tax credit time-line is ticking………… Enjoy! & as always, feel free to give Dianne or me a call if you need some help. Here are the Open Houses in Lake Oswego according to RMLS:

Address L/Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type Open
12 CERVANTES CIR $105,000 2 1.1 912 ATTCHD 1-3PM
45 EAGLE CREST DR #122 $199,000 3 2 1348 CONDO 1-3PM
65 GREENRIDGE CT $200,000 2 2 1314 ATTCHD 12-4PM
45 SW EAGLE CREST DR #300 $205,000 3 2 1348 CONDO 12:30-2PM
1248 OAK ST $245,900 2 1 900 DETCHD 1-4PM
136 TOUCHSTONE TER $329,000 3 2.1 1996 ATTCHD 1-3PM
138 KINGSGATE RD $410,000 3 2.1 1600 DETCHD 1:30-3:30PM
4962 BILFORD LN $439,900 3 2.1 2168 DETCHD 12-3PM
18209 SIENA DR $1,178,950 5 3.1 3839 DETCHD 1-3PM
18143 SIENA DR $1,197,000 5 4.1 4152 DETCHD 1-3PM
18246 BELLA TERRA DR $1,294,000 4 3.1 4196 DETCHD 1-3PM
17464 RIDGEVIEW LN $1,298,950 4 3.1 4407 DETCHD 1-3PM
664 OAK MEADOW DR $1,355,000 4 3.1 4198 DETCHD 1-3PM
18110 Siena DR $1,394,000 4 3.1 4311 DETCHD 1-3PM
657 OAK MEADOW DR. $1,395,000 4 3.1 4371 DETCHD 1-3PM
17364 RIDGEVIEW CT $1,425,000 4 3.1 4436 DETCHD 1-3PM

Open Houses for January 3, 2010

Happy New Year one and all!  It looks like it’s going to be a bit quiet this Sunday. For those of you who are hoping to attend an open house or two, there will be 5 homes held open in Lake Oswego, according to the RMLS.

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type Open
1950 BONNIEBRAE DR $200,000 2 1.1 1,056 ATTACHD 2 to 4
1547 BOCA RATAN DR $208,900 2 1.1 1,008 ATTACHD 11 to 1:30
65 GREENRIDGE CT $215,000 2 2 1,314 CONDO 11 to 1
5373 LAKEVIEW BLVD $335,000 3 1 2,176 DETACHD 2 to 4
17755 HILL WAY $339,900 4 3 1,831 DETACHD 1 to 3

Lake Oswego Market Activity Report ~ Dec. 21-27, 2009

There are 5 truly NEW properties in Lake Oswego this last week, 3 that went to PENDING status, and 4 that SOLD.

Here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (Dec. 21—Dec.27, 2009)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date
47 EAGLE CREST DR $90,000 2 1 932 CONDO 12/22/2005
85 OSWEGO SMT $225,000 2 2 1,212 CONDO 12/23/2005
13680 SHIREVA DR $289,900 3 2 1,504 DETACHD 12/21/2005
4962 BILFORD LN $439,900 3 2.1 2,168 ATTACHD 12/20/2005
1400 LEE ST $475,500 4 3 2,804 DETACHD 12/22/2005

PENDING SALES (Dec. 21 – Dec. 27, 2009)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
364 NORTHSHORE RD $399,900 2 2 2,220 DETACHD 465
19 BECKET ST $399,995 4 3.1 3,818 DETACHD 36
4938 MULHOLLAND DR $478,500 3 2.1 2,498 ATTACHD 217

SOLD (Dec. 21 – Dec. 27, 2009)

Address O/Price Sold Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
16200 PACIFIC HWY $368,000 $210,000 2 2 1,208 CONDO 72
15010 TWIN FIR RD $325,000 $260,000 8 2.1 3,526 DETACHD 220
953 A AVE $450,000 $370,000 2 2.1 2,908 DETACHD 134
4688 CHELSEA LN $649,900 $615,500 4 2.1 3,493 DETACHD 9

Criteria: Homes in the 97034 and 97035 zip code, listed, pending or sold between the dates listed above as reported by the Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS). DETACHD refers to Single Family Detached Residence, MFG refers to manufactured housing, and ATTACHD refers to single-family residences with some portion of the structure attached to another property, but not constituting CONDO ownership. DOM stands for days on market, or the number of days from when the listing became active and when it received an acceptable offer, with CDOM standing for “cumulative days on market” accounting for “refreshed” listings.

Lake Oswego Open Houses ~ Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009

Hope all of our Property Blotter readers who celebrate Christmas had a blissful and love-filled day yesterday with family and friends! For those of you who do not celebrate Christmas…. we hope you had a blissful and love-filled day HillWayyesterday with family and friends : ) For ALL of you, we wish you a memorable and satisfying holiday season.

There is just one house listed Open according to RMLS this Sunday, and it is a nice one in a mid-level price range that has recently dropped by $15,000.  (photo used by permission) Enjoy! :

Address L/Price Beds Baths Total SF Prop Type Open
17755 HILL WAY $339,900 4 3 1831 DTCHD 1-3PM

Have a great weekend!

Holiday Notes from Lake Oswego

OrangesA very merry Christmas and holiday season to each of you from Dianne and me!

Here are a few notes from Lake Oswego:

Millenium Park Plaza in Final Phase! ~ The improvements include a small grove of Fuji cherry trees, a water feature and an ADA standard ramp to improve accessibility.  Views of Lakewood Bay will be enhanced, and there will be even more room for Lake Oswego’s famed Farmers’ Market and the Lake Run. The park will re-open in May of 2010 in time for Farmers’ Market.

Historic Belluschi House Moves to Marylhurst ~  A home built by noted Portland architect, Pietro Belluschi will stay in Lake Oswego after all.  Many thanks to Marylhurst University, where it will receive a permanent home on campus, and be restored as a lasting reminder of Belluschi’s architectural legacy.  It is truuly a work of mid-century modernist art, and was about to be demolished until Marylhurst came to the rescue.  Fund-raising efforts are now underway to move and restore the house.  Here is a link to a photo in ModernHomesPortland.com:  Belluschi House

Coat Drive ~ Lake Oswego will be collecting coat for Clackamas County Women and Children’s Centers through the month of February.  If you wish to donate, please stop by City Hall at 380 A Avenue, or call 503 635 0257.

Tree 09 bAdult Community Center New Year’s Luncheon ~ Doors open on Wednesday, December 30th at 11:30 for this fabulous feast & opportunity to celebrate with your neighbors.  Suggested donation is $4.00 for those 60 & older, and $5.00 for all other attendees.  The Community Center is located at the intersection of 5th & G Avenues.

Safety ~ The Lake Oswego Fire Department reminds us to consider safety and the safety of those around us as we move through this beautiful holiday season fraught with its own unusual circumstances.   We are not usually stringing lights all over our homes for instance, and do not usually place trees in our living rooms adorned with lights of their own.  The snaps of really cold weather (which broke many pipes in town a week or so ago) add another twist as we haul out our space heaters on those super frosty days.  Here is a link to some safety tips for you and your family:   Safety at Holiday Time