Johnson Economics

Johnson Economics was retained by Gramor to evaluate the program for The Waterfront Vancouver, a mixed-use development currently under construction in downtown Vancouver. Land uses include retail, office, residential, and lodging. The firm worked to refine the preliminary programs to create more marketable parcels and has included a more detailed analysis of condominium, rental apartment, and office components. 

We have subsequently worked with several development entities evaluating specific parcels in the master plan.

Johnson Economics provided market analysis for the master planning of a major property holding in Newberg, Oregon. The report included a detailed market evaluation of single-family housing, condominiums/townhomes, several rental apartments, commercial spaces, and a boutique hotel. Our involvement also included strategic recommendations and collaborative work with the planning firm on developing the highest and best-use scenario for the property.

Ongoing work has included refinement of the single-family component of the development, as well as the development of a financial analysis and ongoing strategic support for the family.

Johnson Economics was hired to evaluate the rental apartment market feasibility on a site at the east end of the Burnside Bridge, in the Central Eastside district of Portland, Oregon. The current development plan calls for a 21-story high-rise luxury apartment project at “Block 67” of the Burnside Bridgehead area. The proposed development would offer 284 studio, one, and two-bedroom units. All units would be built above street level on floors 6 through 21. Furthermore, the lower five floors will house structured parking, commercial space including a day spa, common spaces, including a large plaza on the podium roof, and the building lobby.

Johnson Economics provided strategic market and development analysis in determining potential redevelopment options for a series of properties acquired by the City. The analysis included an assessment of appropriate market variables and assumptions, as well as schematic pro forma development to inform the development of a request for proposals for development. The work included significant interaction with a local advisory committee and City Council to develop market and policy acceptable evaluation criteria. The firm subsequently worked for Tokola Properties, who developed the site as the Jesse Quinn Apartments.

Johnson Economics prepared a highest and best uses analysis, including market and financial analysis, for several components of Snoqualmie Ridge, a 1,343-acre master planned community east of the Seattle metro area. Uses in the community include a wide range of ownership residential, rental residential, retail shops, and office/industrial space.

Johnson Economics provided market analysis and ongoing input to American Assets and their development team on a three-block development in Portland's Lloyd District. The project suggests a range of housing alternatives, as well as an active ground-floor retail environment.  Challenges for the project included the scale of development and achievable phasing plans, as well as balancing commercial with residential needs. Johnson Economics worked collaboratively with the project team to refine the program to meet market and financial parameters. The firm has subsequently worked on the program for the Oregon Square Blocks redevelopment, immediately south of this project.

On behalf of Glacier Park Development, a subsidiary of Burlington Northern Railroad, Johnson Economics undertook a market feasibility analysis as well as detailed development programming for an urban mixed-use development, including residential, office, and retail, of the Hoyt Street Yards, an abandoned freight yard near Union Station in northwest Portland. The area has subsequently developed into the linchpin for Portland’s Pearl District, providing an extensive range of housing, office, and retail opportunities in an urban setting. Johnson Economics has continued to be active in the area, working for major developers and the Portland Development Commission. 

Killian Pacific worked with Clark County to evaluate alternative solutions to the NE 179th Street corridor. Current capacity limitations on NE 179th and its intersection with I-5 have precluded new development, restricting growth and reconstruction of properties. Our team at Johnson Economics determined the return on investment associated with financing the proposed improvement to NE 179th for Clark County and evaluated the comprehensive costs, including assumptions concerning bond financing and payments.