Condos go green

Green bona fides: One of several residential towers under construction in Portland's South Waterfront area, where several old industrial buildings are being renovated and put back into use, saving material and energy costs.

Portland is a young, fit city, and residents of the John Ross (pictured second from the left) will be provided with transportation alternatives that can help reduce their energy consumption.

The main road that climbs from the John Ross's riverfront location up the hill to the Oregon Health & Science University has morning rush commute times of about an hour. The project is installing an aerial tram so residents can bypass trafffic.

There are also bike and walking paths and streetcars that can whisk condo dwellers downtown in 10 minutes or so.

Other green features: Every appliance and heating and cooling system is high efficiency, cutting energy and utility bills.

The building also incorporates the latest water management techniques to cut back on waste. Construction materials and finishes have been chosen to minimize out-gassing of formaldehyde and other noxious chemicals.

Prices: From $279,000 for a 640-square-foot studio to $2.6 million for a 3,456-square-foot penthouse.

For more information: The John Ross