NW Natural Street of Dreams

2013 Update…
Once again, West Linn was the setting, but it had a much better location this year in the countryside across from Oswego Hills Winery. I am sure the winery was the big winner at the show this year.
Nine homes were stretched along a gradual hill, so I think most people hopped on one of the shuttles for a ride to the top and then strolled down the hill like we did from home nine to one. The majority of homes were in the 5,000 — 6,000 sq. foot range and roughly $ 2 million, although several were pre-​sold prior to the show. The biggest annoyance were the varying policies of viewing the homes (in some cases taking off your shoes (carrying them with you — one home’s rule) and walking barefoot. In others booties were required, etc. All I can say, is I recommend you bring slip on shoes.
As was the case last year, I feel there is a level of sameness that is a bit disappointing. I go to these shows to see innovative ideas that I can scale down in scope and price for use in my home. I was looking for inspiration for a particular home improvement project and I think all nine homes had essentially the same presentation. Boring! My mother is in the process of renovating her master bath and came away equally disappointed.
The two homes that stood out the most were the ‘Made in America’ Home by Westlake Development (
) and Tranquility by BC Custom Construction (
). The former being in a positive way and the latter in a ‘I can’t wait to get out of here’ way.
It has been fun to have the show in West Linn the past two years. You can usually find discount coupons for weekday visits on the NW Natural website or local papers. In 2014, they are moving to Happy Valley. That was location of the first show I attended at least a dozen years ago and boy has that area changed. Not sure I’ll make the trek this time around. At this point, I’m getting better ideas going on virtual home tours on Houzz (
) for free.

I know the Street of Dreams has ended, so not sure if my review is at all helpful. I have gone for the past three years, and I always enjoy looking at the houses. There were this year in West Linn, and while they were all big, I must say I wasn’t totally wowed as I have been in prior years. There was one I absolutely loved, loved, loved, and that was the Blackmore. I would have moved to that one in a heartbeat, and I am happy for whomever purchased that house. The other houses are big and all have some nice features, but I couldn’t remember too much about them after I left. I always enjoy going to the Street of Dreams and will probably go again in the coming years. Definitely a fun thing to do if you like looking at new houses.