The signs that electric vehicles are about to hit the market are popping up all over town. I saw this impressive set-up at OMSI when a detour took me and my bike off my well-worn tracks. I know that a few people have already taken delivery of the Nissan Leaf, but I wonder how many EV cars are actually already on the road in Oregon? Learn more here.

I am lucky to be up in Vancouver BC for the Living Future conference and had a chance to explore the Olympic Village before things got started last night. For those of you who have been here before, you know that Vancouver is a big, beautiful city. Its skyline, waterfront, steep mountain ranges and bustling streets are what you would expect in a region that is home to over 2.1 million people. But what I noticed right away, was how much Vancouver wears its green on its sleeves. As Mayor Robertson proclaimed at the opening remarks, Vancouver will be the “greenest city in the world by 2020.” I get the feeling that Vancouver is well on its way.

Here in Washington, DC I’ve been out seeing a good bit of green. LEED buildings, bioswales and even a Tesla showroom featuring an example of the fast and not-cheap plug-in electric Roadster. But if it hadn’t been for the frigid temperatures and hectic meeting schedule, I’d be checking out all of DC’s sites on a rented bike. I haven’t been able to research the story behind the Capital Bikeshare program, but I am impressed by its presence in the epicenter of the free world. I did hear that red is the preferred color for bike sharing programs around the world. I always thought that restaurants used red to make people hungry. Maybe that’s the point.

A new and unusual mural is going up on the side of a building on SW 5th and Hall. Go check it out and let me know what you think.

Oregon is lucky to have this masterpiece by Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto. There’s only one other building of his in the States. I experience both peace and exhilaration when I enter this library. The lines, light and curves are magical. I recommend that anyone with a little passion for architecture take a trip to this little Bavarian town just 18 miles northeast of Salem. Enjoy.

Come to an open house for a tour, refreshments,
and to meet the neighbors of Peninsula Park Commons!
April 11, 2010, 12 – 4 PM
6335 N Albina Ave, Portland

One-of-a-kind condominium for sale at Peninsula Park Commons (PPC)
As featured in Portland Spaces magazine, Oregonian Homes & Gardens, Portland Mercury and more

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath unit with many green features and common space amenities!
Offered for $210,00

Key features
In-floor radiant heat and well-insulated ENERGY STAR-rated unit feels cozy warm all winter and stays cool in summer.
Rooftop solar water heating system lowers utility costs all year.
Many unique details, including maple ‘live edge’ countertop bar and custom copper range hood accented with bike art details.
In-unit, high-efficiency appliances include stacking washer/dryer, Liebherr refrigerator and Asko dishwasher.
Common areas include many conveniences, including indoor secure bike parking, reservable guest accommodations, common unit with full kitchen and bath for entertaining, cooking, hanging out and more!
Convenient location is across from historic Peninsula Park, less than 1/2 mile to locally-owned grocery store, light rail and frequent-service bus lines, and is an easy walk to neighborhood restaurants, public library, shops, etc.
Find out more!
* Jason Carothers | 512-799-7433 (mobile) | jycarothers@gmail.com
* JoEllen Carothers | 773-991-6097 (mobile) | 503-823-4165 (work) | joellen.carothers@gmail.com
* Read about the community’s vision and values and view the sales flyer at www.penparkcommons.org
* Find more details and photos at www.zillow.com
* Learn about the project’s construction and read about PPC in the news at orangesplotllc.blogspot.com

On a recent tour of ZGF’s new headquarters in the Twelve West tower, I was taken by this wall made of slides from the firm’s library of work. In this digital age, I think this is a great way to keep the slide format alive and available for viewing. It was a striking and creative addition to their enviable office environment.