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A planned 10-unit mixed-use building in the Richmond neighborhood features a unique design intended to foster a sense of community in residents. The Division 28 Homes, designed by Hacker Architects for Urban Development + Partners, blends aspects of single-family design into a multifamily structure.

The building would contain eight two-bedroom condominiums and two one-bedroom units, as well as restaurant and retail spaces, as well as a below-grade parking garage.

To avoid the isolating effect of boxy designs and vertical integration, the building’s massing steps back as it increases in elevation, giving the structure a staggered form and minimizing its impact on neighboring buildings. The massing provides a connection between the outdoor terraces included with each unit, providing an opportunity for interactions between neighbors spending time outdoors. Further communal interactions would be fostered by fourth-floor tenant amenity spaces including a community kitchen, game room, gym, indoor swimming pool and an outdoor spa.

The project went before the Portland Design Commission for the first time Thursday for design advice. Commissioners were generally excited about the design itself, but wanted to see some tweaks made in the direction of a greater experience for pedestrians and the public realm.

The building lacks canopies, which means those walking by won’t be able to seek refuge against the project’s walls in inclement weather. Furthermore, the restaurant patio is the only defining outdoor characteristic at ground level, which means a lack of noncommercial public space.

鈥淩eally good design is not a hall pass on public realm response,鈥� Commission Chairwoman Julie Livingston said. 鈥淭here’s got to be a way to integrate public benefit.鈥�

Livingston said she would like to see some kind of area for passersby to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of a street as busy as Division is. Commissioners Jessica Molinar, Don Vallaster and Sam Rodriguez also took issue with the restaurant corner, saying they want to see more of the building’s massing taken up at the sidewalk, instead of the currently set-back second floor.

The design of the building itself, however, was never at fault. Commissioners praised the aesthetic, the shape and the use of materials. Commissioner Brian McCarter said the building will add to the richness Division Street is trying to cultivate, and that he hopes the design will go relatively unchanged by the time it receives a land use review.

Commissioners also expressed excitement at the idea of a new residential building that doesn’t involve flat, rectangular facades.

鈥淚t’s absolutely thrilling when an applicant brings in great architecture,鈥� Livingston said. 鈥淭his is really lovely architecture.鈥�