Summer 2025 news

As we approach the shorter days and cooler temperatures ahead, we have not been idle here at GMarch HQ.

The Dixon House Basement conversion and remodel wrapped up successfully, so now Matt and Suzanne can enjoy a cozy living space, suited for relaxation, bluegrass band-practices, and a safe foundation for the winter months to come.

Two new projects have been keeping us busy over the summer:

First is the conversion of a mid-century barn into a legal duplex. Originally converted into an illegal (un-permitted) single-family dwelling a few decades ago, a small fire caught the attention of the Salem, OR authorities and compelled the owners to restore the damage, update the building’s structure and systems, and seek its best-use as an upstairs-downstairs duplex. We’re currently wrapping up the documents for a building permit, hoping to begin construction later this year…fingers crossed!

Upgrades with new 2nd floor access, and dormer for the upper unit

Second is another conversion of a recently dilapidated property, this one in North Portland. Here, a mid-century 4-plex on a developing commercial street fell into hard times and was occupied and abused by squatters. The new owner purchased the property with ambitions to move his liquor store business into a new storefront commercial building attached to the old 4-plex, while upgrading the rest of the site to a food-cart pod. Food-carts for the win! Anyway, we’re in early design and feasibility stages, working on whether the client can also add a floor of work-force housing above the new liquor store, bringing an old live-over-the-shop typology to a 21st century format. Wish us luck on that!

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