DOCUMENT DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION Jim Ann Carter, Graphic Illustrator II Jim Longstreth, Illustrator/Consultant Vickie Nissen, Illustrator/Consultant Gary Odenthal, GIS Coordinator

Printed on Recycled Paper Second Edition BUREAU OF PLANNING 1900 SW 4th Ave., Ste. 4100 , 97201 503.823.5839

[email protected] www.planning.ci.portland.or.us C1 ◆ JANUARY 26, 2051 C2

CITY Portland: Reflections on the River CLOSE-UPPortland’s 200th Birthday

reduce the toxicity of roadway runoff The waterfront is now one of the best City’s Return to the River Continued from Page C1 reaching the river. venues to learn about and appreciate context, accommodating the river’s ex- Portland and its evolution. Early use of panded natural and recreational func- River taxis, ferries, tour boats, and cruise the river by indigenous cultures is hon- Fifty years ago the water was fouled. Early in the century, major investments ships have also made the waterfront more tions and the prevention and cleanup ored at sites along the waterfront. Repli- Toxic substances penetrated the sedi- were made to clean up the toxics in Port- accessible and popular. Convenient boat cas of early Portland ships and maritime Reminiscing on the legacy of ments on the river bottom, the fish were land Harbor and all but eliminate sewer of river pollution. The freeways, cargo access from waterfront destinations and River Renaissance, launched at unhealthy to eat, and the banks were overflows into the river. docks, and rail lines that dominated the neighborhoods is provided by access museums connect Portlanders to the the turn of the millennium lined with concrete and construction riverfront in prior decades have been ramps, boat slips, docks, and marinas city’s river and economic heritage. Rem- fifty years ago. debris. Due to overflowing sewers, ‘no The in Portland is one redesigned and better integrated into the Wake-free days and zones have made nants of historical uses and activities, swim’ days were regular occurrences. of the earliest examples of the interna- larger built and natural environment. the river inviting for kayaks and canoes. such as bargeways and dock structures, tional trend in managing urban rivers so are integrated into waterfront that watershed health and human activi- Portland’s linked system of New and expanding neighborhoods development. Portland — In celebrating this 200 th ties co-exist and are mutually support- parks, trails, and open spaces radiate and business districts along the river, Sustained leadership during the last 50 birthday of our fair city, it is worth- ive. Portlanders are committed to plant- from the river. It is a tribute to our citi- especially in the Central City, have be- years has enabled the impressive strides while to reflect upon the Portland of ing native vegetation in their yards. come centers of economic vitality. The zens that they had the foresight to ac- made in River Renaissance. Government, 50 years ago when citizens and city Productive aquatic and riparian habitats river is a major contributor to the appeal, business, and public collaboration is a quire and develop much of the park sys- leaders gathered to start a movement throughout the city have been restored activity, and urban design of these trademark characteristic of the projects known as ‘River Renaissance.’ Faced and are now protected natural areas. tem we enjoy today. People flock to the districts. along the Willamette River and through- with challenging mandates from state The river and tributaries connect these waterfront for annual festivals, sporting out the watershed. The enduring cam- and federal agencies to clean up the pockets of greenspace. Ross Island, events, recreation, and relaxation. On Reconfiguring the I-5 Freeway liberated paign for the river is evident in school river and restore natural habitat, once a gravel mining operation, is now any given day, children and adults as- the east bank of the Central City for other curricula and field trips, river cruises, people looked deep into the soul of a natural area in the center of the city. semble at the river to play soccer, fly uses, including the extensive Eastbank waterfront celebrations, and high profile the city—the history and meaning of Healthy populations of salmon and other model airplanes, throw frisbees, study Park and a growing district of cultural planning and design efforts focused on the place. They began the gradual em- wild native fish and wildlife have ARCHIVAL PHOTO the natural environment, or just doze off institutions along Water Avenue. Remi- the river. The River Renaissance Foun- brace of the Willamette River and its returned to the river, its edges, and flood- on a blanket. The city’s green infrastruc- niscent of efforts in the 1970s that re- dation has become one of the city’s most watershed as the unifying element of A view of the Central Eastside riverbank plain. placed with Tom McCall prolific civic ventures. from the West in 2001, ture also supports a clean river and a wide the city, its form and history, and its 50 years ago. Waterfront Park, these bold initiatives place in nature. The city of their day Portland’s ‘working harbor’ con- range of fish and wildlife species. have reclaimed the Central Eastside as a Today, the riverfront offers a rich variety was quite different from the one we tinues to evolve and flourish as the vibrant waterfront district. of tranquil places and bustling activities know now. region’s industries and cargo diversify. The completed Willamette River that satisfy our spiritual desire to see and Portland Harbor remains one of the Greenway Trail connects adjacent neigh- Segments of the seawall at Tom McCall touch the water. Our efforts have gener- On the west side, Downtown termi- Today, the river and tributaries are run- region’s primary links to the global mar- borhoods to parks, natural areas, the Waterfront Park were reconfigured to al- ated true awareness and respect for na- nated at a seawall along the river, and ning clean. The popularity of wading, Central City, and the larger regional trail low people to sit at the river’s edge while swimming, and fishing in the river is a ketplace. This hub of marine, rail, and ture in the city and for Portland as a city the central east bank was dominated trucking networks provides efficient and system. Expanded public access, infor- still providing flood control. Now festi- by a freeway. Jordan LeDoux, now 63, source of pride to Portlanders. City plan- in nature. economical freight movement for the mational signs, and carefully placed view- vals are held in a variety of riverfront remembers standing on a new walk- ners and resource managers now protect points enhance the waterfront making it locations. way beside the freeway known as the water quality through a watershed and region’s industries and commerce. The ◆ memorable and easy to navigate. ‘’. “We finally regional approach. Green rooftops and policies that marshal the river’s multiple had a place to go on the east bank an extensive tree canopy absorb and fil- resources have emphasized cost-sharing, Walking along the waterfront, one en- where we could see and touch the ter rainwater before it reaches the river. local control, and certainty, encouraging Bicycle transportation is thriving along counters a rich texture of experiences and water,” LeDoux remarked. “ The noise The wooded corridors of Johnson, reinvestment in industrial and transport the Willamette River Greenway Trail, mir- destinations. It offers nature walks, ur- was deafening but it was the Tryon, and Fanno Creeks, the Columbia facilities. roring the river’s traditional function as a ban promenades, playgrounds, marinas, start of something exciting. Now look Slough, and smaller west side streams transportation corridor. This increased bi- restaurants, cafes, and art centers. accomplished.” drain cold, clean water into the river. at what we’ve The harbor has also become more resil- cycle use helps to reduce our reliance on Landmark architecture has emerged in ientPlease as it hassee betterREFLECTIONS, adapted to its Page urban C2 the automobile in the river corridor and many locations.

11 2 2 a vision A clean and River Renaissance 2001 healthy river AA CALLCALL

JANUARY 2001 TT OO ACTIONACTION A prosperousfor working the harbor 1. A revival : rebirth. 2. A period of revived artistic, scientific or intellectual achievement or enthusiasm

River Renaissance encompasses new initiatives and efforts already underway, including the City of Portland’s front yard Portland’s Clean River Plan, the Endangered Species Act Program, the update of the Willamette River Greenway Plan, urban renewal plans, and others. Led by the Bureau of Planning, this multi-objective initiative will align city work plans, and future generate opportunities to reap multiple benefits from our investments.

The River Renaissance Vision is a sketch of the Willamette River as Portlanders would like to see it in the future. Today’s Willamette faces diverse challenges. As we celebrate our 150th year as a city and approach the 200th anniversary of Lewis and Clark’s arrival by Vibrant waterfront river, it is timely to invite Portlanders to imagine the river’s possibilities well into of our the future, and set forth a shared vision. The Vision is a general guide for districts and neighborhoods creating and integrating future action plans. It is the foundation for the continuing activities of River Renaissance.

Over one thousand Portlanders participated in River Renaissance Vision events Partnerships, leadership, in Fall 2000, and have their fingerprints on this Vision. It will be further refined to reflect additional public comment before endorsement by City Council in March 2001. Successful implementation of this vision will require a long-term public and education commitment to resolving policy issues and balancing priorities.

31 river 144 Acknowledge the role of the watershed as a system of natural functions integral to main- assure a taining the health of the Willamette River. Work with upstream and downstream communities and government agencies to advance and CLEANCLEAN coordinate watershed protection, restoration, and cleanup. Restore and protect streamside habitat and ANDAND Improve water quality in the river and tributar- floodplain areas. Plant native vegetation and control ies through innovative stormwater manage- invasive species along waterways and throughout ment and control of sewage flows to the river. the watershed. Plan, restore, and maintain the HEALTHYHEALTHY Willamette River Greenway for fish, wildlife, and Advance Superfund clean-up activities to people. remove or isolate pollutants in Portland Harbor and at their source. Improve habitat conditions in Johnson, Tryon, and RIVERRIVER Fanno Creeks, the Columbia Slough, and the Encourage environmentally-friendly building smaller westside streams. techniques and designs to use resources for efficiently and minimize adverse impacts. Advance our scientific knowledge of clean and healthy river systems and their restoration in an fish, wildlife, Do our part to recover wild native salmon urban environment. populations in the river and its tributaries. and people Restore Ross Island as a natural area in the center of our city.

51 6 maintain and enhance our PROSPEROUSPROSPEROUS Promote Portland as a hub for ship, barge, railroad, highway, and air transportation and as a Pacific Northwest gateway to the changing WORKINGWORKING global marketplace. Explore and adopt new technologies, designs, and industrial practices that support Provide efficient and economical freight habitat restoration and the improvement of HARBORHARBOR movement for the region’s industries and water quality. commerce. Integrate regional transportation objectives into Invest in the harbor’s industrial districts — river protection and enhancement activities. a cornerstone of our regional economy. Use the Portland Harbor Superfund listing as an opportunity to create new partnerships and environmental clean-up industries and technologies.

71 8 embrace the river as PORTLANDPORTLAND’ SS FRONTFRONT YARDYARD Draw on the river as a place to reconnect with our history and the soul of our city. Acquire lands for new and expanded parks and natural areas. Assemble an open space system that focuses on, and radiates from, the river.

Create opportunities for access to the water’s edge, for boating, fishing, swimming, and other river recreation activities.

Complete the Willamette River Greenway Trail to provide a continuous recreation and transportation corridor along both sides of the river.

Connect new and existing neighborhoods to and across the river, through rails, trails, bikeways, streets, view corridors, and water taxis.

Build a world-class monument in a prominent riverfront location.

91 10 create vibrant As redevelopment occurs along the river, establish a prominent greenway with public spaces and natural places. Orient new WATERFRONTWATERFRONT development toward the river, and infuse buildings and neighborhoods with inspired DISTRICTSDISTRICTS architecture. Strengthen the Central City by focusing on the river as a unifying feature.

ANDAND Reconfigure the I-5 Freeway to bring Dedicate more of the waterfront to muse- together both sides of the Central City and to ums, cultural institutions, outdoor learning revitalize the eastside waterfront. NEIGHBORHOODSNEIGHBORHOODS venues, Native American history, public art, NEIGHBORHOODSNEIGHBORHOODS and the interpretation of history and natural Create new commercial and residential areas science. along the river connected by diverse transit options such as water taxis. Establish festivals, regattas, and sporting events to build awareness of and celebrate the river.

111 12 promote

PARTNERSHIPPARTNERSHIPSS,,, Assemble the River Renaissance Partners, a group of government, tribal, business, neighbor- hood, and environmental leaders to advocate for LEADERSHILEADERSHIPP,, ANDAND implementation of the Vision.

Establish a multi-jurisdictional organization responsible for managing local river improvement EDUCATIONEDUCATION efforts and coordinating with upstream and downstream communities. Educate and involve our diverse community to promote stewardship of the river. Inspire long-term commitment through success- ful early actions. Involve the schools and draw upon the energy, thoughts, and dreams of our future leaders.

Recognize that neither the public sector nor private enterprise can implement the Vision alone. Foster collaboration between public and private entities.

131 14 River Renaissance schedule LEADERSHIPLEADERSHIP Spring 2000 - to present ➤ Define the project and gather participants October - December 2000 ➤ Invite the public to shape the Vision

PORTLAND CITY COUNCIL RIVER RENAISSANCE PARTNERS January - March 2001 ➤ Share the Vision Mayor Vera Katz, Commissioner-in-Charge Mayor Vera Katz, Chair · Community meetings Commissioner Jim Francesconi Rick Applegate, Consultant Commissioner Charlie Hales Hank Ashforth, Ashforth Pacific Development, Inc. · Commission meetings Commissioner Dan Saltzman Spencer Beebe, EcoTrust Commissioner Erik Sten Nina Bell, Northwest Environmental Advocates Amanda Black, Southwest resident March 21, 2001 ➤ Endorse the Vision BUREAU DIRECTORS COORDINATION TEAM , US House of Representatives · City Council Hearing Tim Boyle, Columbia Sportswear Gil Kelley, Director, Bureau of Planning, Chair David Bragdon, Metro Deborah Stein, Principal Planner, Bureau of Planning Marty Brantley, Portland Development Commission Beginning April 2001 ➤ Convene community work groups Susan Anderson, Office of Sustainable Development , Urban League Tim Grewe, Office of Management and Finance Kari Chisholm, X-PAC · Analyze issues and opportunities Charles Jordan, Bureau of Parks and Recreation Wendy Dunder, RiverScape Mural Project · Develop policies and action strategies Marge Kafoury, Office of Government Relations Jim Ellis, Wacker Siltronic Mark Kroeker, Bureau of Police John Emrick, Norm Thompson, Inc. ➤ Promote stewardship and education David Lane, Office of Neighborhood Involvement , Neil Goldschmidt, Inc. ➤ Margaret Mahoney, Office of Planning and Development Review John Gray, John Gray Foundation Organize river-centered events Dean Marriott, Bureau of Environmental Services Jerry Grossnickle, Columbia River Towboat Association ➤ Identify and initiate collaborative projects Felicia Trader, Portland Development Commission , former US Senator Vic Rhodes, Office of Transportation Mike Houck, Audubon Society & Coalition for Livable Future ➤ Mobilize resources Mike Rosenberger, Bureau of Water Works Wallace Huntington, Huntington & Kiest ➤ Finalize long-term implementation strategies Steve Rudman, Bureau of Housing and Community Development Nelson Jones, Eastbank Riverfront Project Robert Wall, Bureau of Fire , MD, Tom Kloster, North Portland resident INTERBUREAU RIVER RENAISSANCE TEAM Paige Knight, Open Meadow Learning Center Peter Kohler, Oregon Health Sciences University Sallie Edmunds, Bureau of Planning, Project Manager Wayne Lei, Portland General Electric Betsy Ames, Office of Mayor Vera Katz Moshe Lenske, Southeast resident get involved! Larry Brown, Portland Development Commission Karen Lewotsky, Oregon Environmental Council Roger Geller, Office of Transportation Mike Lindberg, former City Commissioner Experience the city from the river! Kate Green, Office of Planning and Development Review Diane Linn, Multnomah County Commissioner Participate in upcoming discussions and events. Barb Grover, Bureau of Planning E. Kimbark MacColl Sr., Historian Barbara Hart, Bureau of Planning Larry Martin, Portland Trail Blazers Take part in restoration and stewardship activities. Roberta Jortner, Bureau of Environmental Services Rod McDowell, Central Eastside Industrial Council Steve Kountz, Bureau of Planning Jack McGowan, SOLV George Lozovoy, Bureau of Parks and Recreation Davis Moriuchi, US Army Corps of Engineers Contact Brian McNerney, Urban Forestry Program Bob Naito, Naito Family Jim Middaugh, Endangered Species Act Program Janet Neuman, Lewis & Clark Law School Barbara Hart, Public Involvement Coordinator Kermit Robinson, Office of Planning and Development Review Ken Novack, Schnitzer Family 503.823.5839 [email protected] Susan Schneider, Office of Government Relations Robert Pamplin, Ross Island Sand & Gravel Dan Sirois, Bureau of Planning George Passadore, Wells Fargo Diane Sullivan, Bureau of Planning Dick Reiten, Northwest Natural Fred Wearn, Portland Development Commission John Russell, Business Leaders Roundtable Karen Williams, Portland Development Commission Open Meadow “Saving A Forgotten Environment” Class Donald Sampson, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission Gene Spina, ATOFINA Chemicals, Inc. SEND US YOUR COMMENTS . . . Don Stephens, Neighborhood Association Board Mike Thorne, Port of Portland on this Vision by March 7, 2001. Share your thoughts about priorities and next steps. Bernie Thurber, Portland/Vancouver Rowing Association Jean Vollum, Vollum Family River Renaissance, City of Portland Barbara Walker, 40 Mile Loop Trail Tom Walsh, Lewis and Clark 2005, Inc. Bicentennial 1900 SW 4th Ave., Ste. 4100 Gill Williams, Atlas Landscape Architecture Portland, Oregon 97201 Travis Williams, Willamette Riverkeeper Beverly Wilson, League of Women Voters Fax: 503.823.7800 Jay Zidell, Zidell Family www.planning.ci.portland.or.us