What a Portland thing to do: focus its annual luxury home showcase in a redeveloped portion of downtown Portland. The Metropolitan Homebuilders Association brought its home show to the Pearl District – where urban design, and land use and transportation planning have worked exceptionally to create a dynamic new neighborhood out of abandoned rail yards.

Ten Thousand Villages helped furnish this waterfront condo.

This year’s NW Natural Street of Dreams opens nine elegant condominiums in four buildings in Portland’s exciting Pearl District. Going urban, after decades of featuring sprawling suburban homes, the Street of Dreams is bringing its focus – and thousands of visitors – into the city.

The event, running through Aug. 30, not only shows off the condos, but it shows off the entire Pearl District. A pass to the show provides discounts with $6,500 for food and merchandise in Pearl District Stores. You’ll also have free transit on the Portland Streetcar and discounts on parking.

In keeping with the spirit of Portland, the Street of Dreams emphasizes local, as well as urban. Portland designers filled the showcase condos with local art and furnishings. One suite in the Waterfront Pearl features furniture and crafts from Ten Thousand Villages– fair trade meets fine living. Lotus Antiques, which shares space with Ten Thousand Villages, has furnishings in two of the showcase condos.

The Pearl District is the culmination of years of great urban ideas. Its pedestrian focus makes it easy and comfortable to walk from place to place. Its small-scale buildings and attention to design keep the streets interesting and safe. The buildings, shops and restaurants are unique and diverse.

Enjoy your visit to some of Portland’s most elegant living spaces, then take a tour of the Pearl. See how innovative partnerships can create community.