Top Developer - Homer Williams

New Development Recreating City's Downtown Core

by Melody Finnemore

Homer Williams' name has become synonymous with developments that illustrate what makes Portland, Ore., one of the country''s most livable cities.

He was a founder of Hoyt Street Properties, which transformed a defunct Burlington Northern rail yard into a vibrant mixed-use development known as the River District. He also is the driving force behind the North Macadam project, a $2- billion plan to develop former industrial property along the Willamette River into green space, housing and an aerial tram to Oregon Health & Science University.

Situated between the Willamette River and downtown Portland, the North Macadam project involves developing a $105.5 -million condominium project featuring 242 residential units in 353,242 sq. ft. of space on what is known as "Block 30. Rendering courtesy of GBD Architects

"Homer is a visionary who truly loves our city," said Portland Mayor Vera Katz. "He seizes opportunities before most people even see them. His projects create jobs and enhance our city."

Don Mazziotti, executive director of the Portland Development Commission, the city's redevelopment agency, calls Williams a "trustworthy and smart partner."

"He was an early pioneer in the development of the River District when the city was looking for private-sector partners," Mazziotti added. "Over time, he has proven to be bold and visionary in his approach to projects - and the city needs more of that type of thinking."

Williams is quick to deflect such praise, pointing out that his partner, Dike Dame, as well as other members of Williams & Dame Development Inc. are responsible for the developments.

Though he has collaborated with many of the Rose City's most prominent developers, including Mark Edlen, John Carroll and Pat Prendergast, Williams has preferred to work alone or in small firms since he started his first venture 25 years ago. He jokes that no large firm would hire him, but acknowledges that he prefers the autonomy and creativity that owning a small company - his employs about 12 - allows.

"You're certainly called into account for the decisions you make," he added. "The types of projects we get involved in are more suited for a larger firm because of the complexity, the size and the long-term nature of them."

Williams' project preferences have ranged from the larger, suburban homes of Forest Heights, in Portland's West Hills, to the urban village that has taken root in the River District, where the Portland Streetcar, light rail and Flex cars are the preferred mode of travel. He has chosen the area for his own home and prefers to live without a car.

advertisement

"This business is so demographically driven, and when you look at the demographics you could see it was apparent there was going to be a significant lifestyle change," he said of the River District's success.

Jack Onder of Portland's Onder Development first partnered with Williams at Hoyt Street Properties seven years ago when the two worked on four River District projects, including the Riverstone and Tanner Place condominium projects. Onder said he is impressed by Williams' ability to key in on demographic preferences early in a market trend.

"Homer has a keen sense of the markets and a real ability to visualize various projects, and that's always exciting to work with," Onder added. "He understands the ingredients that have to come together for a neighborhood to flourish. He understands that because he lives in the neighborhood."

Williams said the Hoyt Street Properties development is one of his proudest achievements yet, although the North Macadam venture (also referred to as South Waterfront) could equal it. Williams calls North Macadam a success story in innovation, not only for Williams & Dame but Portland overall.

"All of what we've been doing so far really comes together with this project, and the tram was an elegant solution to a really difficult problem," he said. "These first new buildings on Macadam are really exciting and are breaking new ground."

Current Williams & Dame Development Projects