From the Architects

Paul Jeffreys and George “Bing” Sheldon, the SERA architects who envisioned the Corbett Condominiums, share a common goal of connecting the past to the present in a manner that is respectful and refined. And they are able to accomplish this while utilizing contemporary and environmentally responsible materials and design.

SERA Architects has a 36 year history of creating successful, award winning projects. Committed to a sustainable design approach, their architecture strives for a sense of beauty, proportion and specificity of place while maintaining functionality and durability over time.

Bing Sheldon, chairman and founder of SERA, takes an active part in the design of selected projects and brings a passion for master planning and urban infill redevelopment. His involvement with the Corbett Crescent site goes back to the 1980’s. Deeply committed to the community, Bing is the recipient of a plethora of awards for community service, with local publications hailing him as a “visionary.”

Paul Jefferys was born in England, studied at Oxford’s Brooks University and is a UK registered architect, came to the States and Portland in 1998. Prior to joining SERA Paul worked in one of London’s leading design practices on a broad spectrum of design projects but focusing on river front mixed-use developments. Corbett Crescent’s site overlooking the Willamette River was a natural extension of that work. At SERA, he takes a lead role in concept and detail design and has a keen practical interest in how buildings are put together, seeking innovative and pragmatic design solutions.

The Corbett Condominium building represents the final puzzle piece in the Corbett Crescent master plan. The crescent shape concept for the site was conceived to provide an elegant, intimate, and unique solution to an equally unique site with spectacular views. The crescent driveway and three story town houses sweep down and around the site creating a compelling streetscape and unexpected vistas. The homes wrap around a beautifully landscaped courtyard reminiscent of the 18th century Royal Crescent in Bath, England. From the beginning, the goal has been to create a contemporary design that complements and contributes to the traditional Corbett/Lair Hill neighborhood, one that has character and creates a sense of place.

The condominium building itself is an extension of these goals. The exterior design follows traditional cues with its articulated brick frontage and bay windows, and yet strives to marry contemporary design and a timeless elegant character. The design aims to provide the appeal and sensitivity of traditional architecture with the inspiration and life of modern architecture.

The new condominium homes are all single floor flats with 18 two-bedroom/two-bath homes plus 4 three-bedroom penthouses. Creating a truly livable condominium has been SERA’s primary design goal, one that is functional and practical but is also spacious, light and inspiring. The homes have high ceilings and large windows to accentuate the open interior design and views plus spacious decks and bay windows. The private garage, with bike and owner storage and a wine locker, has elevator and stair access to the homes.

The experience of arrival and moving about the building starts before one even reaches a home’s front door. Here we have endeavored to make arrival a dramatic and exciting event. A landscaped open courtyard divides the condominium building and provides the main access to the homes. Visitors follow open steel walkways suspended above the courtyard between the two buildings.