DREAMING BIG: THE STREET OF DREAMS TOUR IN PORTLAND
- Build Forward
- Aug 15, 2025
- 5 min read
If you love architecture, interior design, or just a good excuse to peek inside some seriously swoon-worthy homes, Portland’s Street of Dreams is like a candy store for the home-obsessed. Every summer, the tour showcases the best of what local builders, designers, and craftspeople can create — from innovative floor plans to jaw-dropping finishes and landscaping that makes you rethink your backyard. And we're going.
But before we head out to this year’s event, camera in hand and ready to daydream, let’s take a walk down memory lane and explore the history of this iconic Portland home tour.
(That roof line looks familiar, no?)
A DREAM THAT STARTED IN 1975: THE HISTORY OF PORTLAND’S STREET OF DREAMS
The Street of Dreams got its start nearly 50 years ago, in 1975, thanks to the Home Building Association of Greater Portland. The concept was simple but genius: gather the region’s most talented home builders, architects, interior designers, and landscape pros, put their work on display, and invite the public to see what’s possible when creativity meets craftsmanship.
The early years of the event leaned heavily into luxury living. The 1976 debut, famously nicknamed the “Million Dollar Street of Dreams,” was held at Rock Creek and became an instant sensation. These homes were the height of residential opulence at the time — think mirror-wall exteriors, elaborate brick-paved entries, and interiors filled with the kinds of furnishings most people only saw in glossy magazine spreads. It wasn’t just about showing off square footage; it was about introducing new ideas, products, and layouts that would shape Portland interior design trends for years to come.
FROM LUXURY ESTATES TO A DIVERSE PORTLAND HOME TOUR
While the original format featured a single neighborhood of luxury custom homes, the Street of Dreams has evolved along with the housing market and the tastes of Portland-area homeowners. In recent years, the tour has expanded beyond a single development. The 2024 edition, for example, offered a scattered-site format across the metro area, giving attendees access to nearly 20 homes instead of just a handful.
And this is our favorite part - because this change opened the door for a broader range of properties — not just sprawling estates, but also high-end remodels, sleek condos, multi-family dwellings, and even examples of middle housing. The shift reflects a bigger cultural truth: not everyone’s dream home looks the same. Whether your vision includes a massive chef’s kitchen, a modern townhouse close to downtown, or a compact and sustainable home in the suburbs, the Street of Dreams now has something for you.
The Home Building Association sums it up perfectly: “Because dreams are different.”
INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABLE HOME DESIGN IN PORTLAND
Yes, the Street of Dreams is a feast for the eyes, but it’s also a platform for innovation. This is where you’ll see the latest in sustainable home design Portland-style — from eco-friendly building materials to high-performance energy systems. Builders often debut cutting-edge smart home integrations and creative layouts that maximize functionality while reducing environmental impact.
The event also has a community-minded side. A portion of ticket sales each year supports the Home Building Foundation of Greater Portland, which funds scholarships for future construction professionals, renovates shelters, and supports workforce development in the trades. It’s a reminder that the event doesn’t just benefit the builders who participate — it also invests in the people who will shape our neighborhoods in years to come.
THE STREET OF DREAMS EXPERIENCE: PORTLAND ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR INSPIRATION
Back in the early days, the Street of Dreams was a bit of an architectural time capsule. Each year’s homes reflected the hottest styles of the moment, from the heavy wood accents and shag carpeting of the late ‘70s to the bold geometric shapes and skylights of the ‘80s. Today’s tours still capture the design trends of the times, but with an even greater emphasis on livability, efficiency, and personalization.
Expect to see open-concept living spaces, spa-inspired bathrooms, and kitchens that make you want to host a dinner party every night. Landscaping is also a major part of the showcase, with outdoor living rooms, fire features, and sustainable gardens playing a starring role.
And if you’ve ever flipped through a high-end design magazine and thought, But what does that look like in real life?, this is your chance to find out.
PLANNING YOUR PORTLAND HOME TOUR VISIT
The Street of Dreams typically runs for several weeks in the summer, making it easy to fit a visit into your schedule. Tickets can be purchased online or at the event, and it’s worth checking the schedule for special days — like builder meet-and-greets or themed events. Comfortable shoes are a must (you’ll be walking a lot), and a phone or camera is essential for capturing the details that inspire you.
Whether you’re there to gather ideas for your own home project, admire the craftsmanship, or simply enjoy a day surrounded by beautiful spaces, the Street of Dreams is a unique opportunity to experience the very best of Portland luxury homes.
WHY WE’RE EXCITED FOR THE STREET OF DREAMS PORTLAND 2025
We’ll be heading out to tour the homes ourselves this year, and you can bet we’ll be taking notes — and plenty of photos. Our follow-up post will feature our favorite moments, standout design ideas, and maybe even a few “could we make this work in our own house?” musings.
From clever space-saving solutions to outdoor spaces we’ll be dreaming about all winter, we’re looking forward to seeing what Portland’s builders and designers bring to the table in 2025. If history is any guide, it’s going to be a mix of bold creativity, timeless elegance, and smart functionality.
WHY YOU SHOULD GO TOO!
The Street of Dreams has stood the test of time because it’s more than just a showcase of luxury homes. It’s a celebration of what’s possible in residential design, a source of inspiration for anyone thinking about a home project, and a reflection of Portland’s evolving vision of what “dream home” really means.
We can’t wait to share our impressions from this year’s tour — so stay tuned for part two of this blog series, where we’ll bring you inside the homes, highlight the trends we spotted, and maybe even help you start planning your own dream build or remodel.
Until then, happy dreaming.