A few factors are delaying the plan, but I'm still keen on building with containers.  Paying for it will be easier next year, and in the meantime, I can work on some other projects.  But being able to divide the lot is turning out to be an issue: Portland doesn't provide for flag lots anymore, at least not in the 2a zone that the property is in.  I might be able to ask for one as an exception, but first I'm going to talk to the PDC and the Portland Green Building office to see what the urban renewal area and my sustainabile goals might do to help.  There are other issues I didn't anticipate, but the lot split is the big hurdle.  If I leave it all as one lot, then defaulting on the loan would mean the whole property gets foreclosed.

For now, I'm going to work on lot division, look at smaller-footprint designs from the architect, and consider the best way to build on the lot without dividing it if I have to go that way.  At the same time, I'll get moving on removal of the garage, and start planning on the porch and basement remodels for the existing house.