The City of Hillsboro, Oregon


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UnSprawl at Terrain.org, Orenco Station, Hillsboro Oregon


Hillsboro Sunday Farmers Market


Magazine says Orenco Station best new 'burb
Thursday, January 19, 2006
By Kurt Eckert
The Argus

Because of its people-friendly atmosphere and superior access to mass transit, a major western lifestyles publication names Orenco Station the "Best New 'Burb" in its February issue.

In the article, Sunset magazine, published since 1898, describes Orenco Station as the best "new housing development that feels like a real community."

"The award-winning 260-acre development, begun in 1997, focuses on the pedestrian and light-rail commuter rather than the classic car-centric suburbanite. The neighborhood itself is arranged around parks and a bustling Main Street, the magazine says." The "station" designation comes from the MAX train station within walking distance of the entire community.

Along with transit accessibility, the well-kept sidewalks and streets allow walkers and joggers to get around without so much vehicular interference, said Natalie Price, the owner of Janie's, a specialty chocolate and gift shop in Orenco Station.

Realizing the power of cooperative marketing, Price and other area small business owners recently formed the Orenco Station Business Owners Association.

Orenco Station's ample extra parking allows visitors from outside the area to visit during lunch and dinner hours. During the summer, the lot hosts a Sunday marketplace, Price said.

It's very livable, and by comparison, very affordable," Price said. "And it's just going to get better and better."

Angie and Ashley Wolf of Aloha were in the area Wednesday and were struck by the traditional architecture prevalent around Orenco Station.

"This is the first time we've been here. It's very cute," Angie Wolf said. "(Ashley) said after we were done with our appointment, she wanted to look around," That's exactly what the developers were going for, Price said. A second business district street is planned for the near future, she said.

Katie Tamony is the editor-in-chief of Sunset. In a press release, she said Orenco Station represents all the best aspects of both business and residential suburban life.

"It just isn't about architecture or amenities or pleasant streetscapes," Tamony said. "It really takes people to create a community."

The issue hit newsstands Tuesday, Jan. 17. Sunset has a readership of nearly five million.

For more information on Orenco Station, visit www.orencostation.com online.

From http://www.oregonlive.com/