STATESMAN JOURNAL

Preview at Pringle Creek is a Big Draw

An open house for the residential community planned for a 32-acre portion of the former Fairview Training Center attracted hundreds of people.

Pringle Creek's backers said they counted 750 at Saturday's event. About 100 of those visitors asked to be put on a list of people interested in homes in the development, the backers said.

"We knew there was a lot of pent-up demand for these types of homes," said Don Myers, the president of Sustainable Development Inc.

Sustainable Development plans to build a mix of single- and multifamily homes on the site, which had served as a state institution for developmentally disabled people for nearly a century. As many as 180 homes might be built on the property.

The developers say they will follow the principles of sustainable development in a neighborhood featuring solar-powered homes, renovated buildings from the former Fairview days that will be open for community events, and a restored Pringle Creek riparian area. They also have proposed "live and work studios" designed for people who want to work at home.

Construction of Pringle Creek could begin as early as May, Myers said.

Portland-area resident Earl Ennor said he always has wanted to live in community that places an emphasis on sustainability and the environment. The 51-year-old says he might be willing to give up his home in Portland and relocate to Pringle Creek.

His dream, he said, is to open a brew pub within walking distance of his home.

"Maybe I could open a brew pub that does organic beer," he said.

Salem resident John Matthews, who lives near the Fairview site, also praised the project as "really forward-looking and a great model" for Salem.

People interested in Pringle Creek's plans looked over housing designs and talked with the developers. Most were from the Salem area, although the event attracted at least one person from Hood River.

"Everybody wants to be here. The question is how much will it cost," said James Meyer, a partner in Opsis Architecture, the Portland firm designing the Pringle Creek Community.

Developers still are working out the details about the type and cost of homes to be built at Pringle Creek. Some of the houses will be smaller, cottage-style homes, taking advantage of the downsizing trend among consumers, Meyer said.