Site Tour: The Ponds on Alexander

 

Inside the Clubhouse entrance at The Ponds (all photos by me)

AIA Eugene and the Willamette Valley Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute jointly hosted a construction site tour of The Ponds on Alexander this past Thursday. I found the tour informative, as it shed light on both the unique attributes and the inherent challenges of this project. Despite facing rigid constraints, the design team of 2fORMArchitecture and The Satre Group managed to create a development that balances functionality with aesthetic appeal. Umbrella Properties is the owner/developer, and Essex General Construction is the contractor.
 
The Ponds on Alexander is a significant complex, comprising 195,000 square feet of floor area spread across four 3 & 4-story apartment buildings and a 2-story community building. In total, the complex offers 186 units on a 5.38-acre site that borders the picturesque Delta Ponds wetlands area. The unit mix includes 34 studios, 102 one-bedroom units, 49 two-bedroom units, and one three-bedroom unit. Construction is nearing completion, with the first residents expected to move in by late summer.

 

The Ponds on Alexander (rendering by 2fORM Architecture)

Richard Shugar, AIA, LEED AP, principal at 2fORM Architecture, spoke about the challenges of working within a pre-approved planned unit development (PUD) plan, which Umbrella Properties inherited from a previous developer. While the plan provided a framework, it also imposed strict limitations on the design and configuration of the project.
 
One key obstacle was the rigidity of the PUD site plan, which dictated the overall layout and building configuration, leaving little room for significant changes. Richard noted that if the team had more freedom, they would have reimagined the design to better leverage the site's proximity to the Delta Ponds. The existing plan didn't fully embrace the scenic views and natural setting, and its high parking-to-unit ratio seemed excessive given anticipated demand. Despite these hurdles, the design team incorporated elements from the natural surroundings, emphasizing views from certain units and using landscaping to harmonize with the environment.

 

Clubhouse exterior view.

Clubhouse interior.

Even within these constraints, 2fORM crafted a welcoming and well-appointed complex characterized by the firm’s trademark use of clean lines, attention to detail, and high-quality materials. Although the building orientation and layout were predefined, the complex still accommodates a range of community spaces and amenities. These include a fitness center, pool, spa/hot tub, BBQ/picnic area, clubhouse, and on-site management. The apartment units come equipped with all the modern conveniences and features you would expect at their price points.
 

Interior of the 3-bedroom unit.

Rental rates for The Ponds on Alexander range from $1,395 per month for a studio to $2,900 for a three-bedroom unit. These prices seem reasonable, given the level of amenities and the complex's location. Although the constraints imposed by the PUD plan limited certain design choices, the development is positioned to attract a diverse group of residents seeking quality housing.
 
Overall, the tour highlighted the project's success in overcoming the challenges of a rigid PUD plan. The Ponds on Alexander represents a careful balance between constraints and creativity, offering a range of amenities and a setting that integrates well with its natural surroundings. I look forward to seeing how this development contributes to the evolving landscape of Eugene's multifamily housing market.