Watermark at the Pearl, Portland, Oregon
Owner Watermark Retirement Communities (Tucson, Ariz.) opened The Watermark at the Pearl in Portland, Ore.’s Pearl District, a neighborhood known for its vibrant atmosphere, trendy shops, art galleries, and upscale dining options.
The new luxury senior living community’s desirable location enables older adults to remain active and engaged in the vibrant urban environment
Luxury senior living in the Pearl District
Opened in 2023, the 16-story senior living community reflects its urban locale by integrating industrial elements, including brick, metal accents, and large windows.
The Watermark at the Pearl includes 140 independent living units, 77 assisted living units, and 20 memory care units. The street-level base of the building houses amenities, including a public salon, and is designed to reflect the district’s historic style with traditional brick detailing.
The building design supports efforts to foster collaboration with open common areas that are centrally located close to residences. A secluded outdoor courtyard supports memory care units on the ground floor, offering essential privacy and keeping residents safe.
Additionally, green spaces filled with plantings, a green roof, and bird-safe glazing support the project’s environmental goals and help connect residents to Portland’s natural environment.
Prioritizing arts and intergenerational connections
The 180,000-square-foot The Watermark at the Pearl puts a strong emphasis on partnerships with local arts and culture organizations including Portland Center Stage and Childpeace Montessori to enrich its connection to the local community.
For example, a small group of residents visit the school to work with students on printing press projects, as part of the Montessori program. The goal is to break down barriers and promote meaningful intergenerational interactions.
Reflecting the urban art-centric neighborhood, the community features art from local artists as well as purpose-built spaces including in-house art galleries.
The Watermark at the Pearl project details
Project location: Portland, Ore.
Completion date: December 2023
Owner: Watermark Retirement Communities
Total building area: 180,000 sq. ft.
Total construction cost: Not disclosed
Cost/sq. ft.: Not disclosed
Architect: Ankrom Moisan Architects
Interior designer: Thoma-Holec Design
General contractor: Walsh Construction Co.
Builder: Alliance
Signage/wayfinding: Portland Sign Company
Project details are provided by the design team and not vetted by Environments for Aging.