Ex-suburban homebuilder becomes the biggest in Portland

"When  filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2008, the builder was known for its sprawling subdivisions on the fringes of the Portland market," The Oregonian reports.

"Two years after emerging with a reorganization plan, the company has positioned itself as the No. 1 builder within the city of Portland—building mostly one-off houses in long-established neighborhoods," says the paper. 

The company's president, Randy Sebastian, thinks the days of building on the fringes is coming to an end. Reporter Elliot Njus says it's unusual for a builder the size of Renaissance to make such a switch. He explores the pros and cons, including longer waits for permits in the city, a frequent need for increased sewer or electric capacity, and narrower margins. Infill is more difficult to construct, but it enables the 27-year-old company to avoids the perils of a shrinking suburban market.

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