Your new Renaissance home at 3926 SE Clinton is in the heart of all the action. Located in Southeast Portland, the area thrives thanks to its strong community spirit. Passionate mom-and-pop shop owners are up early rearranging window displays and adjusting daily specials on the menu. From specialty grocery stores, theaters and authentic ethnic food, this neighborhood east of the Willamette River is a mecca for those who cherish the comforts of rich culture.

Your perfect day in Clinton/Division:

Morning:

Extended family is in town for a fun family reunion in Portland and to see your new home on SE Clinton. Your four bedroom house proves the perfect backdrop for the weekend of festivities and the charming Clinton Street Guesthouse bed and breakfast a block away serves as convenient, overflow lodging for guests. Start the weekend off with breakfast at Block’s Delicious Daily down Clinton Street. Enjoy the warm breakfasts and sweet pastries before walking across the street to Clinton Community Garden to share what you’ve been growing.

Afternoon:

It’s time to shop and showcase all the charming offerings your neighborhood offers, such as the versatile and waterproof North St. bags — crafted from recycled materials and perfect for bike commuters. And the ladies will stop at vintage clothing shop Xtabay to try on vintage dresses. Fragrant offerings from Camamu Soap are will remind your guests of Portland when they are back home. Grab some kale “Dharma” juices to-go from nearby Portland Juice Co. and share another reason why Portlanders love being green. Grab-and-go lunch items from New Seasons Market proves the perfect complement to the sunny, adventurous day. Enjoy the fare at peaceful Piccolo City Park.

Evening:

Let the kids rent a movie from Clinton Street Video and take full advantage of the bonus room in your new, beautiful home. For the adults? Head over to Pok Pok, known for its addictive Vietnamese chicken wings before catching a flick at the landmark Clinton Street Theater.

Neighborhood facts:

Almost was a freeway:

In the 1970s, the city of Portland planned to tear down the housing and businesses along Clinton and its neighboring streets to put in an eight-lane freeway connecting the south to Gresham. The city purchased and emptied properties, businesses left, and the area deteriorated. The residents and businesses rose in active rebellion, and eventually the city cancelled the project, using the funds to build a light rail system on the west side of the Willamette River.

Leather legacy:

Although the neighborhood has boomed of late, it does have a pop-culture history worth noting. It was here, at Langlitz Leathers that the first custom leather motorcycle jacket was created in 1947. Loprinzi’s Gym on Division, one of the nation’s first body building faciities, opened a year later. At the Clinton Street Theater, an art house that hosts everything from hip-hop to underground screenings, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” has screened every Saturday night since 1978, the longest run in the world for the cult classic. Sources: DivisionClinton.com and TheCityTraveler.com

Renaissance Homes is an award winning Street of Dreams custom home builder specializing in green building for the Portland market. Visit our Design Studio to personalize your next home.