GEAC: Portland Alley Housing, Jonathan Bolch

Portland Alley Housing

In this presentation, Jonathan will discuss his ongoing interest in small-scale infill housing and opportunities he sees for creative development offered on Portland’s alley-facing lots based on the recent zoning code changes under the Residential Infill Project (RIP). He will share insights gained from his ongoing 2023 Van Evera Bailey Fellowship from the Architecture Foundation of Oregon, which has funded research into Portland’s alleys, infill housing and travel abroad to see relevant precedents in London and Kyoto

There are approximately 76 miles of alleyways in Portland, primarily in residential zones, and the presentation will cover the unique potential provided on these properties to thoughtfully take advantage of these underutilized spaces to create new types of affordable infill housing and generate a new network of urban experiences and connections that can co-exist with and complement the character of existing streetscapes. 

About our presenter

Jonathan Bolch is an architect, Design Principal at Woofter Bolch Architecture and Adjunct Faculty at the Portland State University School of Architecture. Originally from North Carolina, he studied architecture at the University of Virginia and Yale University and has practiced architecture in Portland since 2005.

Jonathan has a deep interest in small-scale, infill housing and has extensive experience designing for Portland’s neighborhoods, both through his work and his teaching. He was recently awarded a 2023 Van Evera Bailey Fellowship from the Architecture Foundation of Oregon for his proposal to study opportunities and create design ideas for new infill housing on Portland’s alleyways based on the City’s recent zoning code changes. Additionally, his firm’s projects include the Grand Award Winner for ADU Design in the 2021 Salt Lake City Empowered Living Design Competition.