Saturday, March 24, 2012

Balconies from which Susan could wave, kindly, if not regally

I have a good friend, Susan, who has a secret passion: identifying balconies on which it would be fun to stand and wave regally at random groups of people who might be passing by. Out of my love for Susan, and because of the fact that I am in the middle of grading finals and ridiculously pressed for time but still feel like posting something here today, I give you the following photos of balconies, fire escapes, and the like. Now, I don't usually take photos of private homes because of the privacy issues involved, so everything here is more or less public--but I just like to think of it as offering maximum exposure. I've noted the locations when I can remember them, though some are definitely approximate at best.

This first one is the third story of Waldo Block on the corner of SW Second and Washington. The recessed balcony was a modification of the original plan, implemented when the building was at the heart of turn-of-the-century Chinatown.



















Candidate #2, the New Market Annex, is also on Second, but a few blocks north on Ash. The delicate swirls of cast iron always stand out for me against the Romanesque heft of the building.


















Believe Art and Antiques (NW Flanders between 8th & 9th) has a questionable but somehow charming fire escape, though I don't know that I could in good conscience encourage a friend to climb up there.

















The Flanders Street Lofts on NW 8th & Flanders offer a sleeker, more modern approach--but with a nice classical nod or two.

















On NW 5th and Flanders is this filigree beauty. However, as of 3/9, a 750 square foot one bedroom there was going for $1795/mo, so Susan and I may want to make our visit quick before it gets pro-rated.



















The West Hills humbly offer the understated stairwell of Pittock Mansion...

















For the days when she's feeling hip and happening, SE Burnside is always a good choice.












Or, on the whimsical days, there's this treehouse near Laurelhurst park.



















I'm thinking my friend will be able to find one place or another to grace her loyal followers.

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