5 Unmissable Secrets Of 2175 NW Raleigh St: The Unexpected History Of Portland’s Slabtown Hub
The address 2175 NW Raleigh St in Portland, Oregon, 97210, is far more than a simple point on a map; it represents a fascinating chapter in the urban renewal of the city's Northwest District. As of today, December 24, 2025, this location is the home of The Leland James Building, a sleek, modernized commercial hub that stands as a testament to the dramatic transformation of the historic Slabtown neighborhood from an industrial zone into a vibrant, mixed-use community. The building itself is a cornerstone of this renaissance, housing a dynamic mix of professional services and modern co-working spaces.
The story of this specific address is one of reinvention, bridging Portland's blue-collar past with its high-tech, collaborative future. From its origins as a corporate data center to its current status as a LEED Gold-certified office property, 2175 NW Raleigh St has become a key entity in the local commercial real estate landscape. Understanding this location means delving into the history of its namesake, the architecture of its dramatic renovation, and the thriving professional community it now hosts.
The Leland James Building: From Industrial Anchor to Modern Landmark
The structure at 2175 NW Raleigh Street, officially known as The Leland James Building, has a rich and unexpected history that anchors it deeply in Portland’s commercial narrative. Its story begins not in the modern era of tech startups, but in the world of logistics and freight.
The Con-way Corporate Heritage
The building was originally constructed in 1973 and served a very specific, utilitarian purpose: it was the corporate headquarters and data center for Con-way, a major Portland trucking and freight company. This origin is a direct nod to the neighborhood’s industrial roots, as Slabtown was historically a low-density area dominated by lumber mills, warehouses, and manufacturing operations. The building’s namesake, Leland James, was a prominent figure in the Portland trucking industry, further cementing its connection to the city's blue-collar past. The original architecture of the four-story property reflected the functional, unadorned style of a 1970s corporate office, featuring exterior precast aggregate concrete panels.
The 2018 Redevelopment and Architectural Rebirth
The true transformation of the property occurred with a massive redevelopment project completed around 2018. This renovation was not a minor update but a complete architectural overhaul that repositioned the building as a Class A office space. The project was masterminded by firms like Cairn Pacific Holdings LLC (the developer) and architects such as SERA Architects and Lockwood Carhart Architecture. The primary goal was to strip away the dated 1970s facade and replace it with a modern design that still subtly referenced the region's historic, industrial roots.
The renovation was so comprehensive that it earned recognition, winning a Commercial [Award] for its innovative approach to repurposing an existing structure. Key elements of the upgrade included:
- Replacing all of the original exterior precast aggregate concrete panels.
- A new façade designed to be both modern and historically evocative.
- Significant interior modernization to support contemporary office and co-working needs.
- Commitment to sustainability, with the building achieving LEED Gold certification.
Today, The Leland James Building stands as a shining example of adaptive reuse, turning a former corporate data center into a high-demand, multi-tenant commercial property in one of Portland's most desirable zip codes (97210).
Spaces Slabtown: The Collaborative Heart of the Building
The most prominent and dynamic occupant at 2175 NW Raleigh St is Spaces Slabtown, a premier co-working and flexible office space provider, located in Suite 110. This co-working hub is the engine of the building's collaborative atmosphere, catering to a diverse community of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and established small businesses.
A Creative Hub of Productivity
Spaces Slabtown capitalizes on the building's prime location and modern design, offering a variety of workspace solutions, including dedicated desks, private offices, and meeting rooms with full administrative support. The facility is designed for networking, providing an environment where professionals can easily connect and collaborate. This focus on community is a major draw for tenants in the Northwest District.
Unique Amenities for the Modern Professional
The Leland James Building’s renovation allowed Spaces Slabtown to offer several highly desirable, unique amenities that set it apart from typical office spaces. These features are a direct benefit of the building's modern redevelopment, overseen by construction experts like Andersen Construction:
- Second-Floor Sky Porch: A favorite spot for coffee breaks and informal meetings, offering an elevated outdoor retreat.
- Fourth-Floor Wraparound Eco Roofs: Extensive outdoor space that provides a connection to nature and enhances the building's sustainable profile.
- Convenience Facilities: On-site locker rooms, showers, and dedicated bike and car parking spaces cater directly to the urban professional who commutes via various modes of transport.
- Support Services: The facility provides full-service meeting rooms, high-speed internet, and a dedicated community team to handle day-to-day operations.
Beyond Spaces, the building hosts other professional entities, including Astle Wealth Management, Capstone Partners, and Assemblage Works, further solidifying its status as a multi-disciplinary business center.
The Slabtown Renaissance: A Dynamic Neighborhood Context
The value and appeal of 2175 NW Raleigh St are inseparable from the dramatic transformation of the Slabtown neighborhood itself. This area, part of the larger Northwest District, has undergone one of Portland's most successful urban infill redevelopment projects. The name "Slabtown" originates from the lumber mill days, when the neighborhood was filled with discarded lumber scraps, or "slabs."
From Sawdust to Sophistication
The area's renaissance has been a concerted effort to redefine a low-density industrial site into a high-density, community-centric urban landmark. Major projects like Slabtown Square and the proposed Moderna Slabtown apartment building are injecting hundreds of new residential units and retail spaces into the area.
The city's investment in infrastructure, such as the extension of NW 20th Avenue and NW Thurman Street, has effectively reconnected Slabtown with the rest of NW Portland, improving walkability and transit access. This focus on connectivity and mixed-use development has created a vibrant environment where the building at 2175 NW Raleigh St thrives.
Unbeatable Walkability and Local Entities
The Leland James Building boasts an excellent Walk Score, placing it steps away from some of Portland's best amenities. Professionals working here have immediate access to:
- Eclectic Boutiques and Art Galleries: The neighborhood is now a destination for unique shopping and creative arts.
- Dining and Watering Holes: A rich selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars line the nearby streets.
- The Pearl District: Just a short distance away, offering access to major cultural institutions and further commercial opportunities.
- Public Transit: Easy access to the Portland Streetcar and major bus lines connects the location to the entire city.
The combination of a historically rich, architecturally modern building and a rapidly developing, amenity-rich neighborhood makes 2175 NW Raleigh St a premier commercial address in Portland, attracting top-tier businesses and creative talent.
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