The Houselab Team

King Duplex! Keep it multi fam or live large in over 3,000 square feet. Live in one, rent the other? Lots of flexibility with this one..

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A Tudor with a Tortoise! Harold’s House is old Portland cool. Killer style in original architecture.

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Caught up with Dennis Newell at Sunlan Lighting 👏 AKA co-owner/manager of , owner of a sick skateboard collection, and son of the Portland legend Kay Newell!

Ah, you all know Kay... she's more than just the owner of Sunlan Lighting — she’s a true Portland character. Known as the “Lightbulb Lady,” Kay’s been running this one-of-a-kind shop with her two sons for over three decades. With an encyclopedic knowledge of all things lighting and a no-BS attitude, Kay has become a neighborhood legend. Every single time I renovate a house I get my specialty bulbs from Kay. Its like going to see the godfather, plus her son, Dennis, has a sick collection of vintage skateboards and ripped hard back in the day…

Kay’s story is also part of a larger tale about Portland. The Mississippi Ave neighborhood has seen huge changes, with many longtime businesses being pushed out by rising rents. But not Sunlan. Kay and her family are holding it down, offering a glimpse of what Portland used to be — funky, resilient, and full of heart.

Locals Lou S. Chain and Lisa Petersen were so captivated by Kay and her store that they made a documentary about her. The Sun’s Only Rival captures the essence of Kay and her importance to Portland’s history. It’s proof that even as the city changes, people like Kay keep its soul alive.

Want to catch the documentary or visit the shop? Hit up and see why this place is so special. 🌞