Building: Rivage

Portland’s Waterfront Living with a Story

A Name Rooted in Portland’s Riverfront Heritage

Rivage is more than just a name—it’s a reflection of Portland’s deep connection to the Willamette River and its long-standing role as a gateway for commerce and culture. The name was inspired by the French term for “shore” or “riverbank,” evoking Portland’s maritime past and its continued transformation along the waterfront. Historically, “rivage” also referred to a duty paid for the passage of ships on various rivers, a nod to the city’s early shipping industry and its international trade ties. This balance of local identity and global influence made Rivage an ideal brand concept for a modern residential community along the Willamette.

Beyond its linguistic significance, Rivage aligns with the character of its surroundings. Positioned at the entryway to Slabtown and the Pearl District, the property marks a transition point along the river—where Portland’s industrial past meets its modern, urban future. The brand strategy was developed to emphasize this duality, celebrating both the historic and contemporary elements that define the neighborhood.

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A Brand That Feels Like a Ship on the River

The architectural concept behind Rivage subtly references the city’s shipping heritage, with its angular, ship-like design and expansive waterfront views. From the early planning phases, we worked closely with the developers and architects to ensure that branding, signage, and wayfinding reinforced the building’s unique character. The identity system balances modern aesthetics with natural elements, drawing inspiration from the movement of the river, the sleek efficiency of a vessel, and the historical importance of Portland’s docklands.

The leasing office and marketing materials were designed with a strong focus on experience. We built out touchpoints that emphasized fluidity and ease—whether through digital-first leasing tools, immersive storytelling, or physical design elements that enhanced the sense of arrival. The goal was to create a seamless transition for new residents, giving them the feeling that Rivage was more than just an apartment but an anchor in their new Portland experience.

A Lease-Up Strategy Focused on Portland’s Workforce

One of the most critical components of Rivage’s lease-up strategy was its direct engagement with Portland’s corporate ecosystem. We collaborated with recruiters at major employers like Adidas, Daimler, Nike, Intel, and other Fortune 500 companies that frequently relocate talent to Portland. By positioning Rivage as an ideal home for expats and professionals new to the city, we created a tailored leasing approach that aligned with their needs—flexibility, convenience, and a prime location with easy access to major employment hubs.

Rivage’s proximity to key business districts, transit options, and cultural hotspots made it a compelling choice for these professionals. Our marketing and outreach strategy integrated this narrative, emphasizing the property’s move-in-ready convenience, premium amenities, and strong community appeal. By establishing partnerships with HR departments and relocation specialists, Rivage gained direct access to a steady pipeline of potential tenants, ensuring a faster lease-up and a higher caliber of long-term residents.

RESEARCH

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Results

A Lasting Vision for Portland’s Waterfront

Rivage is more than just a residential project—it’s a blueprint for the future of Portland’s waterfront development. By balancing history with innovation, the brand and lease-up strategy positioned Rivage as a flagship property in the evolving Slabtown and Pearl District landscape.

With strong branding, a compelling narrative, and a targeted lease-up approach, Rivage became a natural fit for both longtime Portlanders and newcomers looking for an authentic connection to the city. The combination of premium amenities, a prime riverfront location, and strategic corporate partnerships helped Rivage establish itself as a premier residential destination—one that not only honors Portland’s past but actively shapes its future.

Benefits

Not Everything. Just What Works.

Strategy

Build from insight. Strategy isn’t guesswork—it’s groundwork. We listen, research, and distill what matters to guide smarter decisions and set a solid creative direction.

Content

Make it meaningful. From naming to narratives, we create content that speaks with purpose—rooted in truth, tuned to your audience, and built to connect.

Digital

Design for behavior. We craft digital experiences that are intuitive, scalable, and aligned with how real people move, click, swipe, and search.

Experiential

Bring brands to life. Physical spaces, moments, and memories matter. We design experiences that feel human—and stay with you long after the lights go out.

Marketing

Drive connection. Our marketing approach blends data and instinct—getting the right message to the right people, in ways that actually move them.

Consulting

Partner on progress. We work alongside your team to solve real problems, shift thinking, and build internal alignment—without the agency ego.