Developers return to Planning Board with revised design for 165 Washington mixed-use project

City of Portland planning staff and project representatives on Tuesday reviewed a revised major site plan for a proposed seven‑story mixed‑use building at 165 Washington Ave., a parcel in the East End neighborhood that was rezoned to B2 community business under the city’s recode process. The applicant described the project as a high‑density residential building with ground‑floor retail and shared amenities tailored toward graduate students and downtown workers.

The Planning Board heard staff planner Taylor (last name not specified) outline the project’s review background and outstanding issues. "The applicant is proposing a 7‑story mixed use development with retail space on the ground floor," Taylor said, noting the site plan review standard in section 13.6 of the City of Portland land use code applies. Staff highlighted information still needed on parking access and operation, loading and move‑in logistics, streettree spacing and landscape plans, and building materials and window alignment.

Applicant Jonathan Kelly of Redwood/Redfern Properties said the team has branded the project "Tabata" and described a unit mix aimed at international graduate students and downtown workforce residents. "We've now named the project Tabata," Kelly said, and…