Renaissance Homes, a Portland builder, is attempting to revitalize its business by transitioning from suburban, large-scale development to multiple infill projects.
Elliot Njus of The Oregonian writes:
"Two years after emerging with a reorganization plan, the company [Renaissance] has positioned itself as the No. 1 builder within the city of Portland -- building mostly one-off houses in long-established neighborhoods."
This new building strategy has turned Renaissance into Portland's top general contractor within the city, reports Njus. However, infill development carries risky and expensive obstacles that Renaissance must overcome:
"Building in the suburbs is cheaper and easier. The sites are closely grouped with plenty of space for equipment, and all the infrastructure is new. Permitting several sites in a planned residential area is a breeze compared with doing one at a time in the city."
FULL STORY: Burned at suburban edge, Renaissance Homes turns to urban core
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