Building: Sanctuary

A Quiet Retreat Along Portland’s South Waterfront

A Home Designed for Tranquility

Sanctuary Apartments was envisioned as more than just a luxury residence—it’s a place of retreat. Nestled along Portland’s South Waterfront, the property was designed with a sense of calm, catering to residents seeking an escape from the noise of downtown while remaining connected to the city’s energy. With the Willamette River to one side and the bustling South Waterfront district to the other, Sanctuary offers the best of both worlds.

The branding was crafted to reflect this balance—sophisticated yet inviting, refined yet accessible. The name “Sanctuary” was chosen for its timeless appeal, evoking a sense of peace, protection, and elevated living. Every touchpoint of the brand, from signage to digital assets, reinforces this theme, making Sanctuary a distinct and desirable residence for Portland’s professionals, empty nesters, and medical community.

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Catering to a Unique Resident Base

With its prime location, Sanctuary Apartments was positioned as a top choice for employees of OHSU, one of Portland’s largest medical institutions. We worked directly with OHSU’s recruitment teams to ensure the property became a preferred housing option for traveling nurses, resident doctors, and hospital staff relocating to the city. This partnership allowed Sanctuary to integrate seamlessly into Portland’s healthcare ecosystem, providing residents with easy access to their workplace while offering a calm, rejuvenating environment to return to after long shifts.

For empty nesters looking to downsize without sacrificing quality, Sanctuary provided the perfect solution. The residences were designed with high-end finishes, expansive views, and thoughtful amenities that cater to a lifestyle centered on comfort and convenience. Sanctuary became a community that encouraged both relaxation and engagement, where residents could enjoy the best of Portland without the demands of homeownership.

Connecting with Nature and the City

A major component of the Sanctuary experience is its direct access to the South Waterfront Greenway Trail. This scenic path provides residents with an easy, car-free way to explore the city, whether biking to work, walking along the river, or heading downtown for a night out. The connection to outdoor space was a crucial part of the brand identity, reinforcing Sanctuary’s position as an oasis within an urban setting.

The branding extended beyond just a name and logo—it shaped the resident experience. From the tranquil rooftop terrace to the pet-friendly courtyard, every design choice emphasized relaxation and refinement. The brand strategy also highlighted the LEED Gold certification of the building, ensuring that Sanctuary was positioned as not only a luxurious living space but also a sustainable one.

RESEARCH

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Results

A Brand That Speaks to Elevated Living

Sanctuary Apartments is more than just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle. By developing a cohesive brand identity, a targeted lease-up strategy, and a visual system that complements its serene aesthetic, Watson helped position Sanctuary as a premier residence along Portland’s South Waterfront. The combination of luxury, convenience, and a focus on well-being makes Sanctuary a standout in the competitive Portland market, proving that urban living doesn’t have to be chaotic—it can be a true sanctuary.

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.