HIGHLIGHTS Accomplishments of ’s

Downtown Plan Central City Plan Albina Community Plan Outer Southeast Community Plan

City of Portland Bureau of Planning Mayor Vera Katz Commissioner-in-Charge

May 2000 Skidmore’s Fountain, donated to Portland in the 19th century, bears the inscription “Good citizens are the riches of a city.” Highlights

Accomplishments of Portland’s

Downtown Plan Central City Plan Albina Community Plan Outer Southeast Community Plan

City of Portland, Bureau of Planning May 2000 Portland City Council Mayor Vera Katz Commissioner Charlie Hales Commissioner Jim Francesconi Commissioner Dan Saltzman Commissioner Eric Sten

Portland Planning Commission Steve Abel, President Rick Michaelson, Vice President Amanda Fritz Rick Holt Marcy McInelly, AIA Ruth Scott Ethan Seltzer Ingrid Stephens

Bureau of Planning Mayor Vera Katz, Commissioner-in-Charge Gil Kelley, AICP, Director Michael Harrison, FAICP, Chief Planner Colleen Greer Acres, PhD, AICP, Senior Planner Barbara Sack, AICP, City Planner Ellen Ryker, City Planner Stephen Oringdulph, Graphic Illustrator Kirsten Force, Graphic Illustrator Tien Nguyen, Graphic Illustrator, Technician Carmen Piekarski, GIS Specialist Amy Schwartz, Communications Manager Anne-Elizabeth Riis, Community Service Aide Carolyn Sharp, Community Service Aide

Photos by Barbara Sack, Carolyn Sharp and other Bureau of Planning Staff.

The Bureau of Planning wishes to acknowledge the Portland Office of Transportation’s publication, Elements of Vitality: Results of the Downtown Plan, prepared for the 1998 RailVolution Conference. The Bureau also wishes to acknowledge the publication From Downtown Plan to Central City Summit: Trends in Portland’s Central City 1970-1998, prepared for the November 19, 1998 Central City Summit. Both documents contained valuable and important material used in this document. Table of Contents

Introduction...... 1 Downtown Plan ...... 7 Background ...... 7 Major Plan Concepts...... 11 Downtown Today ...... 13 Highlights ...... 15 Central City Plan ...... 49 Background ...... 49 This is one of over twenty Major Plan Concepts...... 53 ornamental drinking fountains Central City Today ...... 55 donated to the city by lumber Highlights ...... 57 baron, Simon Benson. Albina Community Plan ...... 101 Background ...... 101 Major Plan Concepts...... 105 The Albina Community Today ...... 107 Highlights ...... 109 Outer Southeast Community Plan ...... 139 Background ...... 139 Major Plan Concepts...... 143 Outer Southeast Today ...... 145 Highlights ...... 147

How Well Have We Done? ...... 167 The Downtown, Central City, Albina and Outer Southeast Community Plans covered widely different geographic areas and dealt with significantly different issues and solutions. The Downtown Plan was incorporated into the Central City Plan.

0 6850 13700 20550 Introduction

The City of Portland recently celebrated the Multnomah County, and the management anniversaries of four major planning of natural resources in the Johnson efforts. The year 1998 marked the 25th Creek watershed. anniversary of Portland’s Downtown Plan and the 10th anniversary of the All four plans were comprehensive. Their Central City Plan. scope included transportation, housing, eco- nomic development, parks and open space, These plans set the stage for the transfor- natural resources, urban design, and land use. mation of Portland’s core into a vibrant Large scale planning efforts had previously city center, now recognized nationally for focused on a limited set of concerns, such its attractiveness and efficient develop- as parking, commercial revitalization, or ment. The year 1998 also marked the housing. The Downtown Plan, Central City Plan, 5th anniversary of the Albina Commu- Albina Community Plan, and Outer Southeast nity Plan and the 3rd anniversary of the Community Plan, on the other hand, evaluated, Outer Southeast Community Plan. balanced, and integrated the different elements so that each action was taken in light of its The Albina Plan set the direction for the effect on others. Extensive citizen involvement revitalization of Portland’s historic inner shaped the content of these plans and con- north and northeast neighborhoods. The tributed to their success. Outer Southeast Plan paved the way for Waterfront in Downtown Portland. Top, 1940s the Gateway Regional Center, the urbaniza- This report identifies and illustrates key showing The Public Market Building. Middle, tion of recently annexed portions of mid- accomplishments attributable to each plan. 1960s showing . Bottom, 1970s, after Harbor Drive’s closure and redevelopment into Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Introduction 1 In the 1960s, city leaders, in partnership River District (formerly the Northwest with citizens and business leaders, began Triangle and North of Burnside districts), drafting a bold new plan to arrest the University District, Goose Hollow, and decline of Portland’s central business North Macadam. district. Departing from the approach of earlier urban renewal planning efforts, the Today, Portland is considered one of the City relied extensively on citizen and country’s most livable cities, and its plan- business leaders in formulating the Down- ning approach is considered a national town Plan. It promoted the square mile of model. The City’s active planning efforts Downtown Portland as everybody’s neigh- have dramatically improved Portland’s borhood and specifically sought citizen physical environment and image, efficiently input. Whereas earlier plans for the city accommodating the growth in population core had emphasized improving automo- and employment over the last two and a bile access, this approach recommended half decades. Downtown is vibrant, func- the creation of a lively pedestrian environ- tional, and attractive with a new public ment. Proposals included new public open square, waterfront park, and exciting retail spaces, a transit mall with wide sidewalks, core. Air quality is much improved, and public art, and improved transit service. commuting by mass transit has become Whereas earlier plans had advocated for a easier because of the new light rail line and smaller retail and office core with parking improved bus service. With the construction and warehousing at the edges, this plan of the Performing Arts Center, the renova- called for a mix of complementary land tion of the Paramount Theater, and the use The statue of rests on a ledge above uses in Downtown. Proposals included of Downtown open spaces for concerts and the Portland Building on SW 5th Avenue. increasing the amount of housing and other events, Portland’s cultural activity structured parking near the retail core and equals that of many larger cities. Portland was a different place in the late preserving historic buildings and districts. 1960s than it is today. It was smaller in The improvement of Portland’s core has population and area. Its downtown was Sixteen years later the Central City Plan proceeded in tandem with the renovation polluted, congested, and perceived by expanded planning for Portland’s core. It of its inner neighborhoods. This includes many to be unattractive. Inner city neigh- extended many of the Downtown Plan’s the transformation of several close-in borhoods were losing residents to the regulatory measures to a five-square-mile commercial districts into successful shop- suburbs and becoming dilapidated, some area. It provided a fully developed vision areas with a regional draw. Since the being cleared for freeway construction and for this area and fostered coordinated late 1960s, citizens in inner west and urban renewal. Retail activity was also growth in its distinct districts: Lower eastside neighborhoods have organized to shifting to new, more suburbanized Albina, Lloyd District, Central Eastside, prevent the decline of their residential shopping malls.

2 Highlights areas. Residents, local business owners, addition, during the planning process, and other community members established Metro released its 50-year plan for growth neighborhood and business associations in the region, the Region 2040 Growth and requested planning assistance and Concept. The Outer Southeast Plan was the funds for neighborhood improvements. In first of Portland’s planning efforts to elabo- response, the City funds and supports rate upon this regional effort. neighborhood and business associations, recognizes them as significant vehicles for The considerable change that has taken public participation on land use and other place within Portland since 1972 cannot be issues related to City government, and attributed solely to the four plans described leverages various sources of funds for in this report. However, these plans acted neighborhood improvements. as catalysts for the residents, businesses, and other interested parties to identify their In 1989 the City initiated the Albina concerns, problems, and satisfactions with Community Plan to improve conditions their city and their neighborhood. As a in inner north and northeast neighbor- result of their efforts, each plan provides a hoods. It grew out of community-based major within which the City has planning efforts by the North/Northeast concentrated much of its limited public Development Alliance and other groups dollars and to which private and nonprofit to address physical and economic de- developers look for guidance. cline, disinvestment, housing abandon- ment, population loss, and rising crime in Copies of this report are available at this 19-square mile area of north and the Portland Bureau of Planning, 1900 northeast Portland. In addition, the plan SW 4th Avenue, Portland, OR 97201. addressed a potential light rail line through the neighborhoods from the north to Vancouver, Washington.

The Outer Southeast Community Plan process began in 1992 and covered 28 square miles. It addressed revitalization of aging residential neighborhoods and business districts such as the historic Lents downtown, anticipated urbanization of the eastern portion of the area, and environ- mental issues related to Johnson Creek. In

Introduction 3 Organization of This Document

This document contains one chapter for adopted by the Downtown, Central each plan. Each chapter contains: City, and Outer Southeast Community Plans are presented intact. Due to the • Background. This section describes length and number of policies and conditions in the plan area that subpolicies in the Albina Community precipitated the planning process. Plan, narratives include an explanation • Major Concepts. This section de- of the policy along with changes that scribes the most important elements have occurred since the plan’s adop- adopted into the plan. tion.

• The Area Today. This section briefly In addition, maps identify plan areas and describes broad general conditions in the location of highlights. Photos of special the plan area today. artworks and special features of the par- ticular plan area are also included. • Highlights. This section identifies the most important, compelling projects built and programs instituted by public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Highlights are arranged by adopted policy area, such as Transportation, Housing, or Open Space. Policies

4 Highlights Downtown Plan

N

Location of the Downtown Plan area within the City of Portland This drawing from the Downtown Plan depicts 12th Avenue enhanced for pedestrians and as a transit mall. Background

In the late 1960s, the economy of the of 54 blocks in South metropolitan Portland area was booming. Portland. To build the Stadium Freeway Increasingly, people were moving to the Pioneer Courthouse Square is often called Portland’s “living room.” metropolitan area and surrounding sub- (I-405) still more homes urbs. Downtown skyscrapers emerged, were bulldozed. The among them the First National Bank Tower expansion of Portland State University after dark. Worse, daily fines for air pollu- adjacent to City Hall and the Georgia also contributed to the loss of homes tion levied by the newly established U. S. Pacific Building, now Standard Insurance. and businesses. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) The South Auditorium Urban Renewal threatened to bankrupt the City. District with its parks, fountains, housing, The retail core of Downtown Portland was offices, and small businesses was begin- also in severe decline, hastened by Lloyd Consistent with the social unrest across the ning to take shape. Portland was gearing Center’s debut in 1960 and subsequent country, there were race riots on Union up for expanded trade in Asia. malls opening in Washington and Avenue and labor demonstrations else- Clackamas Counties. Suburban offices where in town. At the Oregonian and However, between 1940 and 1970 the offered free parking at lower rents than Oregon Journal, the Newhouse Press number of housing units in Downtown were available Downtown. Many historical locked striking writers and press staff out Portland dropped from 31,987 to 13,811, a buildings were demolished. Harbor Drive and imported strikebreakers. War decline of 56 percent. In order to create the and the sprawling Public Market Building protestors in the were 110-acre South Auditorium District, the lined the fronting Down- severely constrained during anti-war newly established Portland Development town, eliminating easy public access to the demonstrations. There was even talk of Commission (PDC) moved over 2,000 river. Few restaurants, live entertainment, closing Portland State College. people and more than 200 businesses out or other events attracted people Downtown

Downtown Plan 7 As shops and businesses, many • the state’s land use law managing • Improve Downtown mobility and of which catered to the young, along urban growth; access, particularly finding other Front and First Streets were cleared for • public access to and use of reliable, efficient means for transporta- the South Auditorium urban renewal the coastline; tion than personal vehicles; projects, PDC and the Police Bureau • the Bottle Bill; • Provide housing Downtown for a range were accused of declaring war on • the establishment of the Willamette of income levels, ages, and family hippies. Greenway; and types. An active, 24-hour Downtown would be most successful with greater • the formation of Metro, the first and A series of freeways were scheduled to be density and diversity of residents; and only elected regional government in built throughout Portland, threatening to the country. • Mitigate air pollution. In addition to destroy neighborhoods and displace reducing the hefty EPA fines, clean air thousands of residents, most of them low- The Portland Planning Commission, along was critical to enticing residents to income families. Opposition to the pro- with city and state leaders, issued the move back Downtown. posed Mt. Hood Freeway between the Downtown Waterfront Plan in 1968. Willamette River and Highway 26 east of Among its recommendations were to Influential local citizens, supported by Gresham was particularly strong. Citizens make the site of the now-demolished extensive public involvement, produced throughout the city banded together to stop Public Market Building into a park and to 11 citizen goals, four major plan-wide its construction, which would have de- eliminate Harbor Drive as a surface guidelines, and 21 planning districts, each stroyed over 1750 homes. arterial. The Downtown Waterfront Plan with its own guidelines. The Downtown became the impetus to comprehensively Plan was the result of their efforts. The Meanwhile, Governor Tom McCall advo- evaluate issues facing the city, particu- Planning Commission adopted the Down- cated for public access to the ocean, cre- larly the increasing loss of Downtown town Plan in February 1972; City Council ation of a public greenway along the business to suburban retailers, parking adopted the 11 citizen goals in December Willamette River, and protection of the and traffic problems, and the continuing 1972. Since then additional regulations and state’s rich farm and forest land from loss of housing. specific strategic plans have ensured that the subdivisions and urban growth. Downtown Plan would be carried out. For The Downtown Merchants Association, example, the Downtown Development In keeping with the activism of the times, Downtown property owners, citizen Regulations and Downtown Parking and leaders in Portland and throughout Oregon activists, and City Council began to look Circulation Policy addressed issues of joined together to create among the bold- at options that would: height, bulk, parking, and traffic circula- est planning and environmental legislation tion. The Downtown Design Guidelines in the history of the United States. At the • Entice shoppers back to Downtown. This was the initial impetus for the plan; created a strong design review process to state level, the late 1960s and early ‘70s ensure that new and renovated develop- • Open the waterfront to recreational saw the initiation of efforts that would ment would meet the desired character of use. This was one of Governor McCall’s ultimately lead to: individual districts. treasured desires – to provide public access to the Willamette;

8 Highlights Report The open space and retail pavilion buildings that lie between Morrison and Yamhill create a green basin that high rise buildings to the north and south overlook and enjoy.

Downtown Plan 9 Downtown Plan Concept Map

Retail Core

Major Office Corridor

Medium Density Offices

Major Vehicle Access

Public Transit

Major Open Space

10 Highlights Report Major Plan Concepts

The key to the success of the Downtown private vehicle. The major element of Plan was the level of commitment from this system is the extensive light rail property owners, business people, politi- system connecting Downtown with the cians, and other local visionaries. Every- rest of the region. one involved worked cooperatively • Waterfront reclamation, especially the towards Downtown Portland’s revitaliza- restoration of the riverfront for the tion. More important than any one plan- people of Portland to use, enjoy, play, ning project was the careful integration of relax, and experience the natural each individual project into the fabric of environment. One of the crowning the city. Into this plan went the pieces achievements of this time was the which together make Downtown Portland development of Waterfront Park. an inviting, exciting place to be: • Retail core definition, especially the • Pedestrian amenities, especially the creation of a distinct retail core and creation of a healthier, more pleasant environment conducive to shopping. atmosphere for walking in the core. Anchored by Pioneer Place, the suc- This was achieved in part by providing cessful retail core from 11th Avenue to wide inviting sidewalks, trees, benches, the Willamette River has far exceeded street art, flowers, and special lighting. merchants’ expectations. • Transit improvements, especially the • Residential improvements, especially development of a mass transit system the enhancement of Downtown This restored cast iron colonade was once to provide a viable alternative to the livability and the creation of a strong part of the Ladd and Tilton Bank.

Downtown Plan 11 residential base. Today, from RiverPlace to the Northwest Triangle, Downtown has become a magnet for a new generation of urban residents. • Culture and entertainment, especially diversification of cultural entertainment and incentives for providing entertain- ment facilities. The development of the Performing Arts Center, comprising the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Winningstad Theater, Brunish Theater, and Newmark Theater, and Civic Auditorium, provides an exciting. flourishing nightlife entertainment area; • Historic preservation, especially the creation of historic areas and their protection from incompatible develop- ment. By establishing the Yamhill, /Old Town, and Chinatown-New Japantown Historic Districts, the City demonstrated its commitment to its historic structures. • Parking policy, especially the develop- ment of a parking system to best serve all Downtown activities. The parking lid established a maximum number of parking spaces allowed in Downtown.

The key to these changes, the guiding insight, was to give up trying to compete with suburban development and focus on doing what the suburbs could not – provide a high quality, urban, and cosmo- politan environment.

12 Highlights Report Downtown To d ay

Recognized worldwide as an example of good planning, Downtown Portland has largely become what the early visionar- ies hoped to create. A wide range of housing has been built, reno- vated and remodeled from the to the Broad- way Bridge. The abundance and diversity of entertainment options create a lively mix of activities. Cultural attractions, restaurants, events, shopping, services, and institutions appeal to Downtown Downtown Portland, from the waterfront to its high-rise buildings, remains the dominant focus for the residents, employees, and visi- metropolitan region. tors. Its extensive transit system – MAX, Fareless Square, and the pedestrian-friendly transit malls – has been natural rhythm, while Pioneer emulated throughout the country. Water- Courthouse Square serves a similar front Park hosts a range of events and purpose in the midst of the commercial/ provides a gathering place where people transportation core. congregate, socialize, and enjoy the river’s

Downtown Plan 13 “Allow Me” is one of several works of art in Pioneer Courthouse Square.

14 Highlights Report Highlights

Transportation

Goal. To design a balanced transporta- Harbor Drive. tion system which is supportive of the Research on what to other Downtown goals; and which do with Harbor Drive recognizes that the transportation began in 1968 with MAX is the primary public transit link between Downtown, Gresham, system should provide more efficient Governor Tom and Hillsboro. use of both right-of-way and vehicles. McCall’s challenge to This means reducing reliance on the free up the waterfront. The subsequent money from the Mt. Hood Freeway project automobile, increasing the number of decision to demolish this major highway, was diverted to alternative transportation persons per car and increasing the accomplished in 1974, took superior political projects, particularly the line number of persons moving through courage. To replace it with a park was, to and the transit mall. The following concentrated areas on transit facilities. many, foolishness. But, through this act, elements together make the system work. Portland demonstrated its commitment to Congestion and lack of adequate parking, reclaim its river and create a livable city for Metropolitan Area Express. The first perceived contributors to declining busi- its residents. phase of the light rail transit system, nesses Downtown, were part of the initial Metropolitan Area Express (subsequently impetus for the Downtown Plan. From the Transit. The transit-specific element of shortened to MAX), opened in 1986. The beginning of the planning process partici- the Downtown Plan addressed the need for line joined Portland and Gresham, 15 miles pants refused to consider these issues in a fast, economical, convenient, and com- to the east. Between 1975 and 1990 transit isolation. Instead, they were evaluated in fortable mass transit system in lieu of the trips into Downtown increased by 62 light of the entire transportation system freeways envisioned earlier. Federal grant percent, from 79,000 to 128,000. and other goals for Downtown.

Downtown Plan 15 The Max Mall contains brick sidewalks, trees, street furniture, and sculpture.

MAX mall. Following the success of the new transit mall, the City developed another corridor designed for the light rail line. Like the transit mall, the rights-of- The Transit Mall was the first element of the regional transit system to be completed. way feature brick sidewalks, trees, attrac- tive street furniture, fountains, and sculp- Transit mall. The award-winning transit high-density spine, which continues to ture. In deference to the Old Town and mall dates to 1978, when the City dedi- attract commercial development and high Skidmore Historic Districts through which cated two north/south streets primarily to transit ridership. The transit mall was it passes, tracks here were laid in a Bel- bus and pedestrian transportation. Wid- extended to Union Station in 1994. The gian block cobblestone pattern. Property ened sidewalks paved in brick with granite project involved complete reconstruction of owners along the Downtown MAX line curbs, fountains, public art, landscaping , NW Fifth and Sixth Avenues from Burnside agreed to help finance these features and well-designed bus shelters combine to Street north to Irving Street with amenities using assessments from a local create an attractive, efficient transit core for such as brick sidewalks, street trees, and improvement district. the region. This mall is set in Downtown’s bus shelters.

16 Highlights Report Fareless Square. To promote and facilitate Recent pedestrian improvements. The Parking and traffic circulation. The pedestrian circulation and reduce the need following improvements indicate that Downtown Parking and Circulation Policy for automobiles Downtown, the City the direction established by the (DPCP) was adopted by City Council in created Fareless Square. Within its Downtown Plan remains the norm December 1975. The following elements of 300-block boundary, passengers ride throughout Downtown: the DPCP positively affected Portland’s air transit for free. • Pedestrian connections at NW Couch quality, traffic circulation, increased use of and SW Morrison across Naito Park- multiple transportation modes, and Pedestrian and bicycle improvements. way, completed Summer 1990; economic viability. Tall office buildings and intense urban uses • Pedestrian improvements to enhance Parking lid, maximum parking ratios for can overwhelm pedestrians. Specific Union Station/Old Town area private new development, and restrictions on measures were taken to provide a human- development: widened sidewalks, new surface parking lots. As part of its parking scaled environment. street trees and streetlights, and numer- management strategy, the City established Pedestrian districts. Pedestrian districts are ous pedestrian connections to provide a maximum number of parking spaces typically compact walkable areas of residents and workers convenient available for use in Downtown. Parking intense pedestrian use with a dense mix access to the north transit mall and spaces were allocated by geographic of land uses and good transit service, retail activity in Old Town/Chinatown, sector, length of time, and ratios for new where walking is intended to be the under construction; and and reconstructed developments. This primary mode for trips within the district. • Pedestrian corridor through McCormick strategy, in conjunction with the other This concept was introduced in Portland Pier connecting to the elements in this section, reduced the in 1977 as part of the original Arterial river, in design phase. number of carbon monoxide violations in Streets Classification Policy. The Downtown from over 50 in 1975 to 3 in Bicycle improvements. From its inception, following elements make walking 1983. This occurred even while the number the transportation goal emphasized re- pleasurable Downtown: of parking spaces decreased from 38,700 to quired bicycle storage in new parking 37,653, and employment increased from • Widened sidewalks and brick pavers; facilities. Initially, the number of spaces 69,800 to over 80,000. • Public art, fountains, and additional required was a percentage of the parking Benson “bubblers”; spaces provided. There are currently four Smart Park garages. In an effort to ensure • Street trees and planter boxes; businesses that provide bicycle commuter an adequate supply of inexpensive parking • Decorative and historic lighting; facilities: RiverPlace Athletic Club, Com- for Downtown visitors, the City built Smart • Attractive trash containers; monwealth Fitness Club, Princeton Athletic Park facilities. The Association for Portland • Transit shelters and benches; Club, and Bike Central Co-op Downtown. Progress (APP) operates the lots. Rates Most offer bicyclists clothing storage, • Buildings with windows; and favor short-term parking by doubling the showers, and secure parking. hourly rate after four hours. The City and • Interesting exterior designs. APP also operate the Free Park system, which allows retailers to relieve shoppers’ parking costs by stamping their garage

Downtown Plan 17 Whimsical artwork adorns the Smart Park Garage across from Pioneer Place. The plaza in front of Union Station provides a tickets. Free Park has the largest number pleasant place out of the weather to wait for the train or for transportation to other of participating retailers of any validation parts of the city. program in the nation.

Intermodal transportation center. The Downtown Plan identified the need for an Union Station, above, and the Greyhound Bus intermodal transportation center. With Terminal, below right, form the heart of the Union Station at its heart and the Greyhound intermodal transportation center. Bus Terminal and the northern terminus of the transit mall nearby, the City has fully realized this vision. Union Station is the home of Amtrak and high-speed rail, via the new Talgo trains, between Eu- gene, Oregon and Vancouver, B.C. The intercity Greyhound buses moved from their Downtown location to the new terminal upon its completion in 1985. The local street system has been changed to improve accessibility. Irving Street, for example, now connects directly to 4th Avenue and Broadway. Together with the transit mall, riders now enjoy easy link- ages to Portland’s mass transit system.

18 Highlights Report Waterfront

Goal. The riverfront is one of the few places which provides the city dweller with the opportunity to get in touch with the natural environment, and more particularly with the special qualities of a body of water. It should provide the opportunity for play as well as work, relaxation as well as stimulation, nature as well as artifice; the opportunity to create for the people of Portland a combination of With the addition of the new area in front unique activities through which city of RiverPlace, Tom McCall Waterfront life can be enhanced. Park is complete.

Six-lane Harbor Drive, constructed in 1941, Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Water- lined the west bank of the Willamette front Park opened in 1977, stretching River. As such, other than driving rapidly The citizens of Portland regained their access from the Marquam Bridge to the Steel along its edge, citizens had no way to to the Willamette River with the opening of Tom Bridge. Walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and McCall Waterfront Park in 1977. access the river in the main city. In 1965, in-line skaters use the path along the in response to continuing concerns The Downtown Plan provided the forum river year round. Annual festivals and voiced by Downtown merchants, the City for public discussions about the events include the Rose Festival, The began considering an elevated access Willamette River waterfront. With the Bite, Cinco de Mayo, Waterfront Blues ramp from Harbor Drive to Ash Street. removal of Harbor Drive, citizens re- Festival, and the Oregon Brewers’ Festi- The Ash Street ramp project would have claimed the river as its focus. In addition, val. The Oregon Symphony holds its completely wiped out the remaining once the means for people to take advan- final concert of the outdoor summer historic buildings in the Skidmore area. tage of the river’s recreational attributes season on the park. The park was finally Public outcries about the ramp, particu- became available, the use of the river completed in October 1999 when the larly from the Friends of Cast Iron Archi- expanded beyond industry and commerce extension opened. tecture, ultimately became another to recreational activities, such as The new addition contains a formal reason, beyond the reclamation of the sternwheeler cruises and Rose Festival’s garden of native plants, ponds, and paths waterfront, for re-evaluating why Harbor Dragon Boat Races. at the foot of SW Montgomery Street, Drive had been built in the first place.

Downtown Plan 19 The Salmon Springs Fountain in Waterfront Park The Story Garden in Waterfront Park encourages captures everyone’s attention - especially at night children to use their imagination. and on hot days. Turret from the Battleship U.S.S. Oregon. The battleship served in three wars: the 55,000-sq. ft. of paved pathway along Spanish American War, World War I, and the riverfront, and viewpoints over the World War II. water. Japanese-American Historical Plaza. Within Waterfront Park are several Designed by Robert Murase and com- special places: pleted in 1990, this two-acre memorial garden in northern Waterfront Park . Financed by the contains a bronze and stone sculpture that Portland Development Commission and tells the history of Japanese-Americans in opened in 1988, the Salmon Street Springs the Northwest. celebrates city life and urban rhythms. Water patterns change to reflect the time of Located in Waterfront Park, the Japanese- The Story Garden. Built in 1993, the Story American Memorial in Waterfront Park is day through programming of the fountain’s Garden is the last public art piece added to dedicated to the history of Japanese-Americans 185 jets. Salmon Street Springs, its name in the Northwest. Waterfront Park. In addition to an over- selected in a public competition, is a sized chair and statues of a tortoise and a popular play area, particularly during the hare, the children’s garden contains a warm summer months. variety of elements in a maze format that can be used to form stories.

20 Highlights Report Willamette Greenway Plan. The Willamette Greenway Plan was adopted by City Council in 1979 and updated in 1987. It established boundaries for the greenway, identified a greenway concept, and created a greenway chapter within the Zoning Code with special design guidelines. The primary objectives of the plan are to: • Restore the river and its banks as a central axis and focus for the city, neighborhoods, and residents; RiverPlace contains a hotel, several • Increase public access to and along the restaurants and retail stores, a gymnasium, river; The RiverPlace Esplanade beckons solitary offices, and homes. • Conserve and enhance the remaining walkers as well as bustling crowds. Oregon Maritime Center and Mu- natural riverbanks and riparian habitat; RiverPlace. A superb example of mixed seum. The museum contains models of • Provide an attractive environment use development, this multi-phased project sailing ships, motor ships, and steam- along the river; is located in the south end of Downtown boats; photographs from Portland’s ship- • Maintain the economic viability of Portland’s waterfront. Its 73-acre site was building heritage; scrimshaw; and naviga- Portland’s maritime shipping facilities; acquired by the Portland Development tional instruments. The museum is also • Research land within the greenway Commission and subsequently sold to a home to the barge Russell, a Columbia for river-dependent and river-related private developer. The first phase, com- River gillnetter, and the steam uses; and pleted in 1985, included 190 units of sternwheeler, Portland. Its Lawrence • Meet the statutory requirements of middle and upper income housing, the Barber Library houses an extensive Statewide Planning Goal 15, luxury RiverPlace Hotel, specialty retail collection of books and photographs of Willamette River Greenway. shops, a marina, an athletic club, and maritime subjects, with an emphasis on 40,000-sq. ft. of office space. Another local and Northwest history. Conceptually, the Greenway within 182 townhouses were completed in Downtown was identified for mixed use 1995. Future development phases will or recreational use emphasis. Code include additional office space, housing, regulations included overlay zones hotel expansion, and a grocery store. specific to particular parts of the river, use-related restrictions, and development standards. The Willamette Design Guide- lines are included within the Willamette Greenway Plan.

Downtown Plan 21 Commerce

Goal. Enhance Downtown’s role as leading center for retail goods and consumer services.

In the 1970s, Portland’s Downtown, like many others across America, was experi- encing a massive decline in retail activity. The Downtown Plan was generated to reverse this loss. It did so by calling for: Nordstrom, adjacent to Pioneer Courthouse Pioneer Place I, above, was recently joined • a compact retail core Square, provided an incentive for increased retail by Pioneer Place II, below. • renovation of retail facilities development in Downtown Portland when it • clusters of retailing to support other opened in 1977. areas and uses • short term parking Projects • transit Galleria. Formerly a run-down depart- • pedestrian-friendly sidewalks ment store, the Galleria was the first of • a public square in the center of the major retail developments within the Downtown’s retail core designated retail core. Renovated in 1976, the building now contains a re- The plan’s commerce goal has been newed central atrium, three levels of achieved. The total retail space in Down- retail space with two floors of office town now is approximately five million space above. square feet, most of which is located within the identified retail core. Transit Nordstrom. The Nordstrom family’s Pioneer Place. Pioneer Place may be the facilities are in place, as are Smart Park investment in a new department store single most important commercial project short term parking garages and pedestrian- jump-started the Downtown commercial in Downtown’s recent history. The City friendly sidewalks. Pioneer Courthouse boom. Completed in 1977, with an purchased this four-block parcel and Square in the center of the retail core additional story constructed in 1989, the prepared it for development using tax provides a welcome relief for shoppers and 150,000-sq. ft. store was Downtown’s first increment financing. Developed by the workers alike. Among the major retail new retail project of that size in 50 years, nationally famous Rouse Company, the developments since 1972 are the following: spurring further revitalization. project represents an investment of over $100 million. The first phase, completed

22 Highlights Report Columbia Sportswear is one of several The Yamhill Marketplace blends with its showcase stores in Downtown Portland. historic neighbors and the structures nearby.

Showcase stores. High-profile stores in Yamhill Marketplace. This is a rare the retail core illustrate the attraction of example of a new building designed to Downtown retail locations. For example, blend with its historic setting, in this case the 20,000-sq. ft. Nike Town at SW 6th the Yamhill National Register Historic The New Market Block, restored in 1983, Avenue and Taylor, opened in 1991. This District. Located along the MAX line, the contains retail stores, restaurants, and offices. spurred the establishment of the Colum- Marketplace features 36,000-sq. ft. of in 1990, consists of a Saks Fifth Avenue bia Sportswear Company’s flagship store retail space with a central atrium. The department store, a four-story upscale in the renovated United Carriage Building Portland Development Commission shopping mall built around a glass-en- in 1996 and Jantzen Beach Apparel in provided $1.5 million in low-interest closed atrium, and a 15-story office tower. the Galleria. financing for the project. The 174,000-sq. ft. of specialty retail New Market Block. The core of the city’s Association for Portland Progress. The space contains 70 shops and Downtown’s cultural life in the 1870s and ‘80s, the New most active food court, while the tower Portland metropolitan area needed a strong Market Block was renovated in 1983. It is Downtown as its hub. The Association for provides 284,000-sq. ft. of office space. the crown jewel of the Skidmore/Old The second phase of the Pioneer Place Portland Progress (APP) was created in Town National Register Historic District. A 1979 to act as a steward of Downtown’s project, scheduled for completion in private developer restored the structure March 2000, will include 120,000-sq. ft. growth and vitality in light of the changes with a $1 million grant from the City for resulting from the Downtown Plan. While of retail space, enough to house an specialty retail and office use. additional 25 shops, and a seven-screen one of the Association’s primary functions theater complex in a five-level pavilion- is to advocate for Downtown businesses, style structure.

Downtown Plan 23 APP provides other services as well. This structure became the primary impe- Among these are Smart Park garage tus for the Downtown Plan’s building operations and marketing, the FreePark density goal and led to the protection of parking validation program, retail and view corridors. office retention and recruitment programs, and community organizing and crime The Downtown Plan identified several prevention. Fees contributed by Downtown elements necessary for the success of properties through the nation’s first eco- Downtown office development. Among nomic improvement district, created in these were: 1989, support these services. • sites and environment for new office development • building height and bulk limitations Office • street-level pedestrian access and amenities Goal. Strengthen Downtown’s • rooftop open space role as an important center for • rehabilitation of historic buildings for administrative, financial, personal and office use professional business, service, The 200 Market Building adjoins and governmental activities. The 34 new office buildings completed and sits across the street from the Civic Auditorium. between 1972 and 1999, representing over One of the driving forces behind the 11 million sq. ft. of floor space, will define Downtown Plan was the competition from Portland’s skyline well into the next the suburbs for office development. An- century. The impressive list includes other was the 40-story First National Bank buildings that have won national and Tower, now the Wells Fargo Center. Com- international awards, generated contro- pleted in 1972, the complex consists of a versy, and provide much of the character tower on one block and, linked by a and feel of Downtown Portland. In skyway, its five-story “space-ship” square addition, at least 30 existing buildings have on another. Considered a disaster by many, been extensively upgraded. The buildings the tower not only overwhelmed all listed below are a small sample of the new surrounding buildings, its height threat- buildings constructed since 1972. ened views of the river and mountains.

The World Trade Center fittingly contains flags of many nations along its airy walkways.

24 Highlights Report The U.S. Bank Tower is colloquially referred to as “Big Pink.”

from European water cities and their The Portland Building is well-known for its ability to relate buildings to the river and architectural design. surrounding city simultaneously. Com- Carved into the stone of the Justice Center is Major projects pleted in 1977, the buildings are linked by a series of space-frame skywalks, red- Martin Luther King Jr’s statement “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” 200 Market Building. Dubbed the “Black bricked public plazas, trees, and Box” upon its completion in 1973, this plantings. With 429,000-sq. ft. of com- 285,000-sq. ft. of municipal offices, with 386,000-sq. ft. building is a strong presence mercial space at street level, offices some ground floor retail. The popular Downtown. Located across the street from above, and a theater, the Willamette Portlandia sculpture adorns the building’s the Civic Auditorium, its inviting brick Center buildings are encased in polished front entry. courtyard with glassed commercial shops at granite and reflective glass. street level act as a foil to its gleaming, U.S. Bancorp Tower. This 42-story, reflective skin. Portland Building. The Portland Building 752,000-sq. ft. landmark was completed in made international news upon its comple- 1983. The tower, with its highly polished Willamette Center. The original idea for tion in 1982, with its design, use of historic glass played off against pink granite, the three-block Willamette Center, now references, pastel colors, and other unusual reflects and changes light in an ever- known as the World Trade Center, came façade treatments. Hailed as the first post- changing kaleidoscope. modern office tower, the building features

Downtown Plan 25 was built in 1991 on a second block; the third block will be developed for office use. Fountain Plaza applies the principle of “stepped back” construction, with upper floors recessed from the building front, providing light and a sense of spaciousness.

Bank of America Financial Center. This highly visible tower near the was completed in 1987. The 18- story building contains 350,000-sq. ft. of office space and houses Bank of America’s Portland office. The building’s lobby features marble, brass, and hardwood The KOIN Center has rapidly become one of flooring with six different kinds of wood. Portland’s landmarks since its construction in 1984. 1000 Broadway Building. This unique rose-tinted tower combines an under- PacWest Center. The 523,000-sq. ft. ground multiplex theater, street-level retail PacWest Building is one of the finest space, seven levels of parking, and 15 contemporary office buildings in the city. floors of office space. The 240,000-sq. ft. domed building designed by Boora Archi- Both the Fifth and Sixth Avenue levels of the The 28-story tower, completed in 1984, PacWest Center invite pedestrians as well as sits on a two-floor retail podium that tects received design awards upon its office workers to stop awhile and enjoy a features an atrium with restaurants, shops, completion in 1991. coffee or lunch break or admire the gardens and services. Mark Hatfield Federal Courthouse. The and statues. Fountain Plaza. This multi-use, three- federal government completed construction Justice Center. Built in 1983, the Justice block project is one of the most distinctive of this 16-story, 500,000-sq. ft. building in Center contains state, county, and city additions to Downtown Portland. The first 1997. The main entrance incorporates law enforcement headquarters, a 430- phase of the project, completed in 1984, many of the design elements in the person jail, and courtrooms. The Justice was the 30-story KOIN Center. This Downtown Plan, including a series of Center features an eight-story conclave structure includes six cinemas, ground floor glass doors and weather protection. The glass wall on one elevation and a glass retail and commercial space, 360,000-sq. ft. main lobby features water sculptures and barrel vault at the main entry. of offices, and 44 condominiums on the other public art. upper ten floors. Market-rate housing

26 Highlights Report Fox Tower. To be completed by June 2000, the 25-story Fox Tower will include, Housing and 40,000-sq. ft. of retail space, 360,000-sq. ft. of office space, and a 465-stall parking Downtown garage. The total square footage, including a ten-screen cinema, will be 522,945. Neighborhoods

Other projects Goal. To give high priority to increas- • Benjamin Franklin Plaza: completed ing the number of residential accom- in 1974; 203,000-sq. ft. modations in the Downtown area for a • Columbia Square: completed in 1979; mix of age and income groups; and to 255,000-sq. ft. provide a “quality” environment in which people can live, recognizing that • One Main Place: completed in 1980, RiverPlace is one of the city’s premier examples residents of Downtown and adjacent renovated in 1997; 310,000-sq. ft. of mixed-use development. areas are essential to the growth, • Orbanco (now 1001 Fifth Avenue): stability and general health of a 1. By making Downtown a more plea- completed in 1980; 340,000-sq. ft. metropolitan city. surable, livable environment, thereby • Pacific First Federal (now Pacific First enticing people Downtown to take Center): completed in 1981; The high priority accorded this goal was advantage of the river, shopping, and 228,000-sq. ft. due to excessive loss of housing in Down- cultural attractions. • Parkside Center: completed in 1982; town Portland, from 28,000 units in 1950 to 2. By harnessing available housing 235,000-sq. ft. 11,000 in 1970. The South Auditorium resources, especially taking advantage • : completed 1983; Urban Renewal District, Portland State of incentives and programs available to 214,000-sq. ft. University, and initial efforts to build the construct, renovate, and maintain • ODS Morrison Tower: completed in Stadium Freeway all contributed to the loss housing for low-income families and 1999; 393,000-sq. ft. of housing. Without people living Down- individuals. • 1900 Building: completed in 1999; town, other objectives, including a thriving, 160,000-sq. ft. functioning, 24-hour city, with residents Urban renewal. While the Downtown dedicated to keeping its streets and parks Plan does not identify financing mecha- clean and safe, were unobtainable. While nisms, the plan did establish an aggressive the Downtown Plan specifically addressed agenda for increasing Downtown housing the need to house elderly and low-income and enhancing livability. To meet this people, it also called for overall increase in agenda, following adoption of the plan, housing. The plan sought to achieve the City Council adopted the Downtown goal in two major ways: Waterfront and the South Park Blocks Urban Renewal Districts. Funds generated in each were used to acquire property for

Downtown Plan 27 Projects. Since 1972 approximately 5,560 new housing units have been built in Downtown, including approximately: • 1,500 units in and near the University District; • 2,000 units in the former North of Burnside and Northwest Triangle areas; and • 3,500 throughout the rest of Downtown.

Old and new blend harmoniously in these McCormick Pier was the first riverfront housing McCormick Pier. Completed in 1981, 304- residential buildings—Jeanne Manor, West Park project completed after the adoption of the unit McCormick Pier was the first riverfront Place, and the Cumberland Apartments—along Downtown Plan. the South Park Blocks. housing development in Downtown rehabilitation, strategies for dealing with Portland and one of the first housing commercial, transportation, and housing environmental mitigation, and transporta- investments following the Downtown projects as well as provide incentives to tion, utility, and streetscape improvements. Plan’s adoption. A market rate apartment build and renovate low and moderate complex, the units boast distinctive fea- income housing. South Park Blocks Urban Renewal District. tures such as direct access to the Adopted in 1985, the $143 million South Willamette River, a marina, swimming Downtown Waterfront Urban Renewal Park Blocks Urban Renewal District was pool, and rooftop solar collectors. District. Adopted in April 1974 and established to develop mixed-income amended several times, the Downtown housing and encourage housing preserva- RiverPlace. RiverPlace is Portland’s shining Waterfront Urban Renewal District was the tion. It also authorized storefront, seismic example of a mixed-use housing-commer- first district established after adoption of and rehabilitation loans, assistance to cial development. It is discussed earlier in the Downtown Plan. This ambitious $165 Portland State University (PSU), incentives the Waterfront Goal. million program, set to expire in April for the development of a cultural and 2004, encompassed the entire area from historical area in the South Park Blocks, University Park. Completed in 1988, this SW Jefferson to the Broadway Bridge, from and a strategy to revitalize the West End was the first project within the South Park the river’s edge to 5th Avenue. The most area. Final design and engineering are in Blocks Urban Renewal District. The 128- important projects attributed to district are progress for a combination of housing for unit middle income apartment complex is the transit and MAX malls and extensions, PSU students with dependent children with adjacent to Portland State University, Waterfront Park, Pioneer Courthouse an on-site elementary school. The plan is expanding housing options for students. Square, Pioneer Place, RiverPlace, New set to expire in July 2008. The project was designed to fit the flavor Market Block, and O’Bryant Square. Recent of its surroundings, with its brick amendments authorized Union Station cladding, traditional gabled forms, and medium scale.

28 Highlights Report Village at Lovejoy Fountain. This five-story, wood frame building opened in June 1999 on the last vacant parcel within the South Auditorium Urban Renewal District. It provides 198 units, a quarter of which are affordable studios. The project contains an outdoor pool and a fitness center. Con- structed for $22.7 million by Oregon Pacific Investment Development Co., the project was funded in part with state revenue bonds, tax exempt bonds, and a Portland University Park Apartments along the Development Commission (PDC) loan. South Park Blocks was completed in 1988. Federal Courthouse replacement housing. South Park Square Apartments. This 191- When the Hamilton-Lownsdale hotel unit apartment complex contains a complex was demolished to make room McMenamin’s Market Street Pub and The South Park Square Apartment for the Mark Hatfield Federal Building, 194 Kinko’s on the ground floor. The complex complex contains a variety of retail stores. units of low-income housing were lost. opened in 1988. built using tax credits, tax increment Two projects, Hamilton West and Kafoury West Shore. Completed in 1997, this 118- financing funds, and the tax abatement Commons will replace these lost units. The unit structure at SW 2nd Avenue and Pine program available to all Downtown hous- $11 million, nine-story Hamilton West was built on top of the Pine Street Building ing developments. project in the South Park Blocks Urban th Renewal District provides 152 units of and named for a 19 century Portland civic Fifth Avenue Place. Also known as Empire magazine. Using money from the Housing Apartments, this building contains 70 units Investment Fund, this $7.2 million project of affordable housing and 2,100-sq. ft. of was designed and reconstructed by private, ground-floor retail in its six stories. It was for-profit developers. The project is part of completed in late 1998 for $6.1 million. the 1955 Police Block addition. Maybelle Clark MacDonald Center. This St. James Apartments. This 128-unit facility four-story complex provides assisted living th located at SW 10 Avenue between Colum- for low-income and/or homeless persons bia and Jefferson was developed by a with chronic medical illness, physical nonprofit corporation affiliated with St. impairments, or disabilities. Financed in James Church. It offers moderate and low- part with low income housing tax credits, income rental housing. The complex was the $6.5 million facility contains 54 Hamilton West contains an eco-roof garden as housing units. well as a terrace for tenants’ enjoyment.

Downtown Plan 29 housing and 3,400-sq. ft. of ground floor retail space. It also incorporates an Table 1 experimental “eco-roof” into the design. Other Significant Housing Projects Along with a 1000-sq. ft. terrace, the Name of project Number Construction date Rehabilitated Market/ “eco-roof” will use low-growing plants of units or rehabilitation affordable that require little supplemental irrigation as a means of allowing stormwater to run Downtown Core off slowly or evaporate rather than flow Rosenbaum Plaza 76 1978 6 affordable immediately into the city’s system. The Taft Hotel 80 6 project, developed by the Housing Westshore 118 affordable Authority of Portland, opened in Decem- Mark O. Hatfield 106 1995 6 affordable 6 ber 1999. The second project, Kafoury Henry Building 153 1990 affordable Alder House 132 1992affordable Commons, will be built on the adjoining block and will contain 129 apartments when completed in June 2000. These Downtown South of Jefferson Street Gallery Park 31 1988 market projects, together with the 92-unit Peter Essex House 156 1992 market Paulson Apartments, will complete the Grant Tower 140 market required replacement housing. Madison Tower 104 market Lincoln Tower 93 market Jefferson Block. Purchased by the Port- Eaton Apartments 24 6 6 land Development Commission (PDC), Rose Friend Apartments th Parkside Plaza (now these three blocks between SW 10 and Tower at the Village) 208 th 11 Avenues and Columbia and Main, are Peter Paulson Apartments 118 1996/97 6 affordable proposed for high-density owned and Twelfth Avenue Terrace 118 1994 affordable rental housing, parking, and a renovated West Park Place 30 12th & Clay 147 YWCA. The current Safeway, the last 12th & Jefferson 50 remaining full-service grocery in Down- PSU School/Housing 108 town, would be relocated into a new 1230 SW Columbia 147 40,000-sq. ft. building. In addition, 38,000- Cardinal Crest Condominiums 5+ 1995 sq. ft. of retail directly along the Central City Streetcar line would be included in North of Burnside Street the project. Estate Hotel 160 6

Table 1 identifies other significant housing projects that have been built or rehabili- tated in Downtown since 1972.

30 Highlights Report Programs. As visionaries in the 1960s the more successful in meeting the needs Measure 5, it provided technical assistance approached the issues of Downtown of low, moderate, and middle income and financing to preserve and expand poverty and homelessness, they immedi- families and the homeless. housing in Downtown. ately became aware that financing proce- dures for housing provisions were in Property tax abatement. This program, Zoning, standards and design. The City’s disarray. Agencies and resources for established by the Oregon Legislature in 1924 Zoning Code, although periodically housing services needed to be coordinated 1975, allows cities to offer tax abatements updated and revised, proved inadequate to and organized. This was accomplished in for new multiple unit housing construction transform and revitalize Downtown. To part with the establishment of the Bureau in their core area and for rental occupied provide the kind of community desired in of Housing and Community Development rehabilitation in any area. The Portland the Downtown Plan, everything related to (BHCD) in 1980 to “provide a coordinated City Council designated Downtown as its the placement and design of buildings and housing program involving all agencies core area for new multiple unit housing their uses, zoning, development standards, that are involved in the provision of construction and rehabilitation tax abate- and design review needed to be adjusted. housing.” BHCD provides no direct ser- ments. The program for new housing offers This was accomplished through creation of vices, but offers financial and technical a ten-year property tax exemption on the Downtown Development Regulations. assistance, planning support, resource projects with ten or more permanent rental Discussed in greater detail in the Urban connections, and advocacy to over 100 units. The value of the land and the value Design chapter, the Downtown Develop- community-based organizations. These of existing improvements are taxable. The ment Regulations established height and organizations subsequently provide rental rehabilitation program provides a bulk requirements and standards for direct assistance in housing, economic ten-year tax exemption on the value of building facades, particularly windows and and workforce development, neighborhood new improvements to existing buildings wall treatment. improvements, youth employment that are being renovated to create or and involvement, public safety, upgrade housing; the project is taxed as if West End. Recently a group of local homeless services and facilities, and the improvements had not been made. property owners and businesses have community initiatives. The program is available for nonprofit and suggested revisiting the expectations of the for-profit developers, and there are no Downtown Plan regarding the West End, Since 1972, the federal and state govern- stipulations on the number of units. generally considered to be the area be- ments have established a wide array of Downtown Housing Preservation tween NW Couch and SW Market Streets th programs to create new housing and Partnership. Dating from the 1978 Down- and I-405 and 9 Avenue. Home to much of rehabilitate existing housing. In order to town Housing Policy and Program, this Downtown’s remaining low to moderate- access these programs, the City established partnership program used tax increment income rental housing, some believe the several housing programs targeted to financing to rehabilitate single room residential zoning is too restrictive. With specific populations. Between 1972 and occupancy buildings. Until its termination the Central City Streetcar under construc- 1988, the following programs were among as a result of restrictions required by Ballot tion, in conjunction with consideration of possible capping of I-405, this area is

Downtown Plan 31 viewed as the next major development the city’s once opportunity in Downtown. To deal with compelling stock the issues raised and determine an appro- of cast-iron priate course of action, Mayor Vera Katz buildings had instituted the West End Study. This study is been destroyed. scheduled to be presented to City Council In 1964 the in early 2000. Pittock Mansion was slated for demolition. A Historic Preservation year later, the entire remaining Skidmore District Special touches, such as this plaque, characterize the Yamhill Historic District. Goal. Identify, preserve, protect and The Thomas Mann would have dramatize historical structures and Building forms a central been destroyed In response to this renewed interest in locations within Downtown. element of the Yamhill with a new historic structures, the City Council added a Historic District. elevated freeway new section, “Historic Districts, Buildings After World War II, Portland leaders access ramp. Enough people became and Sites,” to the Zoning Code as part of mimicked other cities creating sophisti- upset with these possibilities that in 1968 the Downtown Development Regulations cated, modern, auto-oriented environ- City Council adopted an ordinance to in 1975. Also at this time City Council ments. They demolished historic buildings preserve historic landmarks and districts. created the Portland Historical Landmarks to make way for parking lots, covered Commission. Its jurisdiction included the Downtown properties with freeways and The desire to protect remaining historic roads, and encouraged steel and glass high buildings, sites, and districts found its way rise office buildings. As stated in a Port- into the Downtown Plan. The plan discussed land architecture book, “Since the late the need for criteria to classify historic 1940s, the city had been doggedly undoing structures, incentives for rehabilitation, and a the colorful architectural fabric that had means for protecting historic areas from been a century in the making. Postwar incompatible development. The plan specifi- prosperity, followed by the creeping cally identified the Old Town/Skidmore postwar recession of the 1950s, had trans- Fountain District and the area west of the formed the once lively core into an inhos- waterfront for special consideration. pitable, threadbare zone of deteriorating office buildings, run-down theaters, deso- ______late shops, and the proliferating bald spots * Bosker, Gideon and Lena Lencek, Frozen Music: A of parking lots.”* By 1968, 80 percent of History of Portland Architecture, Western Imprints: The The New Market Building is an important element Press of the Oregon Historical Society, 1985. in the Skidmore/Old Town Historic District.

32 Highlights Report identification and preservation of signifi- cant historic buildings and the designation of historic districts.

The 1975 Oregon Legislature passed a property tax assessment freeze, which allowed restored buildings with historical status to be taxed for a period of 15 years at their assessed value prior to restoration. A year later City Council created the Urban Conservation Fund, under which loans, grants, and various other financial incen- tives became available to assist owners in This view of the 13th Avenue Historic District preserving and restoring their historic shows how the area is transitioning from being a properties. The Portland Development warehouse and light industrial district to a more Commission and the Portland Historical mixed-use character. Landmarks Commission jointly administer the fund. The City also provides grants for improvements include installation of façade renovation and funds special ornamental streetlights and special signage. historic district plaques and streetlights. Street lighting is completed for the portion of Old Town from W Burnside to NW st Developers and City officials have re- Davis Streets between NW 1 and rd sponded to the Historic Preservation goal NW 3 Avenues. with enthusiastic support. Approximately Skidmore Fountain is located in , once the heart of Portland, and the first true Yamhill Historic District. City Council forty historical structures in Downtown designated the Yamhill Historic District in have been rehabilitated, representing an public space in the Skidmore Fountain/Old Town District. July 1976. The design guidelines were investment of more than $125 million. adopted in 1987. Renovations have been focused in the Skidmore Fountain/Old Town Historic Yamhill and Skidmore/Old Town Historic Thirteenth Avenue Historic District. Desig- District. Designated by City Council in Districts, which together hold one of the nated by City Council in October 1986, December 1975, Skidmore/Old Town is country’s best collections of cast-iron, NW 13th Avenue between NW Davis and listed on the National Register of Historic Victorian era architecture. NW Johnson Streets was entered into the Places. Design guidelines specifically for National Register of Historic Places in new developments and renovations in this Historic districts. Between 1972 and June 1987. district were adopted in 1987. Recent 1988, the following historic districts were created:

Downtown Plan 33 restoration. The project includes a dou- bling of public space and a new children’s library. Specially commissioned art and oak furniture and interior finishes and flooring incorporate library themes in rich Georgian revival color schemes.

City Hall. Major renovations to Portland’s historic City Hall, built in 1892, were completed in the spring of 1998. The $28.1 million project rebuilt the original open atrium, remodeled council chambers, replaced loose marble flooring, and made the building earthquake safe.

First Avenue Façades. The 800 block of SW 1st Avenue shows a typical street scene The entrance to the Multnomah County Library in the Yamhill Historic District. Ornate beckons to pedestrians as well as library patrons. cast-iron facades make this a treasure-trove The First Avenue facades are located in the for aficionados of 19th-century commercial Yamhill Historic District. Rehabilitation. The following are architecture. Portland is second only to among the most important structures in New York City in its collection of cast-iron Dormant for nearly 30 years, it was Downtown that have been rehabilitated façade buildings. renovated in 1997 by a local since adoption of the Downtown Plan. microbrewery chain. It reopened as a Thomas Mann Building. This building was 1000-person dance hall, pub, brewery, Pioneer Courthouse. When the structure constructed in 1884 and renovated in 1981. and restaurant. Its most notable feature is was built in 1869, many citizens feared that The ground floor is devoted to retail use, the floating wood dance floor, one of the the courthouse was located too far from with offices on floors two and three. A few still in existence in the country. town, which at that time was along the fourth floor with a mezzanine, which now waterfront. Today, the federal courthouse holds eight apartments, was added as part Historic District Design Guidelines. The building, carefully restored in 1972, is in of the renovation. This Italianate structure is City Council adopted the Historic District the heart of Downtown between Pioneer located next to the Yamhill Marketplace Design Guidelines in December 1980. The Courthouse Square and Pioneer Place. along the MAX line. guidelines are applied within historic districts by various advisory councils and Multnomah County Library. This 1913 Crystal Ballroom. This 1914 dance hall the Historical Landmarks Commission. historic landmark reopened in 1997 after a saw Portland through a myriad of music three-year, $24.6 million renovation/ and cultural eras until its closure in 1968.

34 Highlights Report Culture and Entertainment

Goal. (A) Promote downtown as the entertainment and cultural center of the metropolitan area; (B) Encourage public sponsorship of entertainment; (C) Encourage diversification of cul- tural entertainment in the core; and (D) Provide spaces for community enter- tainment, exhibition and meeting facilities. The Performing Arts Center includes three theaters of varying sizes within its main The core of Portland’s artistic life is the structure. cultural campus located along the northern portion of the South Park Blocks. The two- theaters in suburban shopping malls, block Portland Center for the Performing largely eliminating the need to travel Arts (PCPA), the Oregon Historical Society, Downtown for movies. This began to and the Portland Art Museum cluster change when the six-theater KOIN between Salmon and Jefferson Streets. Center across from the Civic Auditorium was completed in 1984. Along with the The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall is part of the The PCPA and Historical Society also front Performing Arts Center. on Broadway, the “Bright Lights District” theaters on Broadway mentioned below, of Portland. the new seven-screen cinema complex in James Carpenter. The Arlene Schnitzer Pioneer Place, Phase II, will significantly Concert Hall, a major renovation of the While the South Park Blocks form enhance the number of movie theaters former Paramount Theater built in 1928, is Downtown’s entertainment core, live Downtown. home to the prestigious Oregon Symphony performances are also held at the Civic Orchestra, conducted by Maestro James Auditorium, Portland State University, the Performing Arts Center. Completed in DePriest. The center was paid for with a Old Church, and the World Trade Center. 1985, the Performing Arts Center at Main $19 million bond plus considerable and Broadway contains three theaters: the private support. Until the 1960s most movie theaters in the 2,800-seat Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, region were located Downtown along the 1,000-seat Newmark Theater, and the Theaters on Broadway. The Downtown Broadway. This dramatically changed 350-seat Dolores Winningstad Theater. The Plan calls for strengthening the existing with the arrival of six- and eight-plex overhead celestial dome was designed by concentration of theaters, restaurants, and

Downtown Plan 35 Broadway has long been Portland’s These sculptures along the MAX Mall were “Bright Lights District.” created by Georgie Gerber. hotels along Broadway by adding more Portlandia. Created by Washington DC Pioneer Courthouse Square contains some of the entertainment activities and introducing sculptor, Raymond J. Kaskey, the 35 foot, city’s best known sculptures, including this one 6½-ton Portlandia was dedicated in Octo- environmental improvements. This was entitled “.” partially accomplished as part of the ber 1985. Portlandia is a representation of Central City Plan District, which enables Lady Commerce, the figure on the City of developers who provide functioning Portland seal. It sits on a ledge of the theater space located on Broadway to earn Portland Building. additional floor area. To take advantage of the provision, the theater must conform . These realistic sculp- to certain criteria such as minimum seating tures, stand-alone and in fountains, are for 150 people. To date this incentive has found primarily in the main retail core been applied in the four-theater 1000 near the junction of the transit mall and Broadway Building and the 16-theater Fox the MAX corridor. Georgie Gerber Tower under construction. sculpted them in 1985. Paid for by transit incentive funds, they are maintained by the Public art. The plan strongly supports Regional Arts and Culture Council, for- placing public art at visible and identifi- merly the Metropolitan Arts Council. able locations throughout Downtown. The Pioneer Courthouse Square sculptures. following are several prominent sculptures. The most well known sculptures housed in Pioneer Courthouse Square are “Allow Me” “Expose Yourself to Art” is located on the Transit Mall at SW 5th Avenue and Morrison.

36 Highlights Report financing funds as an equity gap invest- ment. The largest continuously-open arts and crafts market in the country, the Saturday Market annually grosses revenues of $10 million. Approximately 750,000 people visit the Market each year.

Waterfront Park celebrations. Most of metropolitan Portland’s largest festivals are held at Waterfront Park: for example, Cinco de Mayo, NeighborFair, Oregon Portland’s Saturday Market is the longest Brewers Festival, the Bite, the Waterfront continuously-open arts and crafts market in the Blues Festival, and the FunCenter part of United States. Rose Festival. by Seward Johnson, the “Weather Ma- chine” by the Omen Design Group, and “Running Horses” by Tom Hardy. Open Space Waterfront Park is home to some of Portland’s Expose Yourself to Art. Located in front Goal. Provide public and private open largest outdoor festivals. of the Key Bank Building on 5th Avenue, spaces adaptable to a wide variety of uses. this small statue continues to delight handcrafted items. The original site was a visitors, particularly those acquainted with parking lot at NW 1st Avenue and Davis For most of the past century, the South former Mayor Bud Clark’s poster support- Street. It relocated to its current home in Park Blocks have provided necessary open ing public art. the Skidmore Fountain/New Market space for this growing city, as well as an Theater square after the second year of urban framework upon which churches, Public events and festivals. The nation- operation. The Market recently gained homes, and cultural and educational ally known Rose Festival began nearly 100 permanence when the Portland Develop- institutions have been built. Drafters of the years ago. Between 1972 and 1988 some of ment Commission (PDC) received a $3.3 Downtown Plan recognized that the Park the more important events and festivals million loan from the Department of Blocks would not be sufficient to provide initiated are: Housing and Urban Development, on for a growing Downtown population. behalf of the Saturday Market nonprofit Saturday Market. Founded in 1974 with a organization, to purchase the Skidmore Pioneer Courthouse Square. Dubbed $1,000 grant from the Metropolitan Arts Fountain Building and parking lot at NW Portland’s “living room,” the Square invites Commission, Saturday Market was origi- 1st Avenue and Ankeny Street. PDC also a wide variety of uses, from people- nally formed by small business owners provided $700,000 through tax increment watching to political rallies, from lunch- from Oregon and Washington selling

Downtown Plan 37 Portland State University/Park Blocks

Goal. Portland State University should be an “urban university.” This phrase implies far more than a fact of location. PSU and the city should be consciously aware of, take advantage of, and in fact O’Bryant Square, above, and emphasize their impact on each other. Plaza, below, were both developed in the years Pioneer Courthouse Square hosts events following adoption of the Downtown Plan. Portland State University (PSU) began in throughout the year. 1946 as the Vanport Extension Center. After time concerts to sandcastle displays, and its move to Downtown Portland in 1949, it for a wide variety of multi-cultural holi- quickly grew into a commuter campus, its day celebrations. The public plaza, expansion impacting the city in two major opened in 1984, offers amphitheater ways. First, its needs outstripped available seating, a terrace coffee shop, a striking vacant land. Most of the major campus fountain, and numerous vendor locations. buildings had been built in the 1960s: It is one of the city’s premier gathering Branford Price Millar Library, the Science places. The bricks that form the plaza’s Center, Neuberger Hall, and the gymna- floor were sold as part of the $1 million sium. Its rapid expansion raised questions fund-raiser that engaged 64,000 residents in about what kinds of land uses would meet the Square’s completion. The bricks display both the needs of the university and the contributors’ names. The total project cost . The Terry Schrunk needs of the changing downtown. Second, was $7.5 million. Plaza just south of the Chapman Block was as PSU matured, university leaders, civic completed in 1974 and also contains leaders, and students expressed a strong O’Bryant Square. O’Bryant Square was underground parking. It is named for the desire to integrate the educational capabili- completed in 1973. It was the first public former Portland fire captain and mayor ties of the institution into its urban sur- park project to include underground parking. under whose tenure much of the urban roundings. Its 36-acre location at the south renewal in the South Auditorium end of the Park Blocks reinforces the District occurred. cultural properties in the area.

38 Highlights Report Park Blocks

Park Blocks Cultural District. Recognizing the importance of the City’s cultural institu- tions, City Council in May 1998 designated the Park Blocks the City’s cultural district. As noted above, these blocks contain the Portland Center for the Performing Arts, Portland Art Museum, and Oregon Histori- cal Society. The Museum’s Millenium Project is a 60,000-sq. ft. expansion of the third wing of the historic Belluschi build- Portland State University faces onto the South The South Park Blocks link PSU with the ing. This space will be used for new Park Blocks. Portland Art Museum and other cultural galleries for the museum’s permanent attactions. Portland State University collections, two new galleries for special Research and public service programs. exhibitions, and new classrooms and an Institutional buildings. The following The School of Urban and Public Affairs auditorium. Along with the fixed cultural classrooms and other educational facilities Research and Policy Institutes have joint facilities, the South Park Blocks is home were completed between 1972 and 1988. ventures underway with regional and local to a number of annual events, including • Education and Business Administration governments, institutions, small to multina- Indian Art Northwest, Oregon Ballet Building. Completed in 1979, an tional businesses, and private and non- Theater work sessions, and Portland addition was added in 1989. Today the profit development corporations. Among Arts Festival. Schools of Education and Business the most important for the Downtown area South Park Block extension. For years occupy the space; and are the Center for Population Research and Portlanders have dreamed of an uninter- • Fourth Avenue Building. Built Census, the Center for Urban Studies, the rupted park running from the south end of primarily as office space for various Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies, Downtown to the Willamette River. Re- PSU departments, the building was and the Transportation Studies Center. In cently the City of Portland added another recently expanded to incorporate the addition, the School of Business estab- block to the South Park Blocks. Attribut- city of Portland’s Development lished a start-up and incubator business able in part to citizen concerns, plans to Services Center. outreach and internship program, support- build a parking structure on the block ing citywide entrepreneurial efforts. th Residential buildings. Since 1972, approxi- bounded by SW Park Street, 9 Avenue, mately 1,600 units of new housing have Taylor and Yamhill were abandoned. In been constructed in or near the university Spring 1998 the City purchased the block area. Of this, 300 units were specifically using both private donations and built as student housing. Downtown Waterfront Urban Renewal District funds.

Downtown Plan 39 ing, commercial service, wholesale, retail, Visual Image housing and other uses compatible with development of Downtown. The AX Goal. Create in downtown Portland an zone, later renamed RX (high density urban setting with a definite sense of multifamily), was intended for a mixture place and identity by developing strong of multi-family residential and institutional boundaries, emphatic focal points, uses, together with appropriate office and unique physical designs for identifiable retail activities. These uses serve the areas, and by enhancing special views residents of the zone as well as comple- such as the waterfront, and historic or ment nearby Downtown retail and office architecturally significant buildings. uses. Commercial uses were allowed in Protecting views of Mt. Hood from public the AX zone as part of a predominantly viewpoints was a key factor in setting height Visionaries realized that, in addition to the limits in Downtown Portland. residential project. pragmatic elements of transportation, hous- ing, commerce, and office space, a vibrant draft of the proposed development Z Downtown Development Zone. This Downtown requires a special character, regulations was issued in 1974; the zone was the precursor to what is now the distinguishing it from other cities and outly- Planning Commission recommended their Central City Plan District. It defined devel- ing areas. Architectural and design elements adoption in 1975. City Council subse- opment requirements and incentives. became key to transforming Downtown from quently adopted a revised version in Among the more important elements of the a cluster of unrelated buildings and streets to 1979. Major elements of the Downtown Z Zone that have shaped Downtown are: a distinct landscape held together by street Development Regulations include the • Floor area. Areas throughout Down- and sidewalk treatments, trees and garden following. town were assigned a floor area ratio plantings, lighting, urban building frontages, (FAR) based on characteristics identified Zones. The regulations reduced the num- and open spaces. in the Downtown Plan. FAR, the total ber of zones used in Downtown to three: building floor area divided by site area, commercial uses (C1), manufacturing or Downtown Development Regulations. is the major determinant of type and central services uses (MX), and apartment Immediately following adoption of the intensity of use for each parcel. Floor residential uses (AX). The C1 zone, later Downtown Plan, City Council approved area ratio was particularly important in amended to CX (Central Commercial) interim Downtown Plan Review (DPR) the high-density through the middle of permitted a broad range of uses including measures that required Citizen Advisory Downtown; office, retail, entertainment, housing, and Committee and Planning Commission action • Height. Height controls were included institutional and service uses that would on major development proposals. The DPR in particular areas such as in and support Downtown as Portland’s commer- process was necessary until City Council adjacent to historic districts, within cial, cultural, and governmental center. The adopted the Downtown Development major view corridors, adjacent to public MX zone permitted a range of manufactur- Regulations into the Zoning Code. A review open space, and other locations to

40 Highlights Report The following five photos represent the results of the Downtown Development Regulations and Design Guidelines. Important elements include Downtown’s:

• Walkable, enticing sidewalks; • Special lighting and landscaping elements; • Protective awnings; and • Rooftop gardens.

Rooftop garden on the Orbanco mezzanine protect public investment. Limiting height and bulk ensured variety and parking was added, with the number appropriate scale, avoided excessive of bicycle spaces created based on the shadow and overloading transporta- number of parking spaces created; tion facilities and utilities, and guaran- • Building face and lines. On specified teed a tiered setback from the river. blocks, part of the building must View corridors were established from extend to the property line and/or 60 the Rose Garden and Terwilliger percent of the wall at pedestrian level Parkway; must be transparent; and • Residential bonus provisions. In the • Retail activity. In the retail core 50 C1 zone, provision of residential units percent of the ground floor space must Lamppost in the Yamhill Historic District could add floor area ratio to a project; be used for retail sales or businesses • Parking requirements. In accordance generating substantial customer traffic. with the parking policy adopted in 1974, specific parking requirements D Design Zone. At the start of the Down- were established. One of the most town Plan process, the Zoning Code important provisions was that, unless already included a D zone along the South already in existence, surface parking Park Blocks and in the Skidmore Fountain lots would no longer be permitted area. The design zone provided a measure except when part of new development of review and control over buildings of on the same property. Spaces were allocated according to a predetermined ratio. A 1981 requirement for bicycle Streetscene along Fourth Avenue

Downtown Plan 41 Air Quality

In 1970, Downtown Portland’s air quality violated federal carbon monoxide standards one out of every three days. Lacking any major industrial air polluters in Downtown, City decision-makers recognized that auto- mobiles were the primary contributors. Reducing auto use Downtown was a laud- able goal, but without a concerted effort by merchants, property owners, and political leaders, such reduction could easily have backfired.

In October 1972 City Council adopted the Transportation Control Strategy to Improve Air Quality in Downtown Portland, which was superseded by the Downtown Parking and Circulation Policy adopted in Decem- ber 1975. Key elements of the policy were along the PacWest Building Shoppers and diners along the MAX the imposition of a parking lid, emphasis on light-rail line historic or architectural merit. The other modes of transportation into and Downtown Development Regulations ter of the various districts as outlined in within Downtown, and construction of expanded it to the entire Downtown. the Downtown Plan. To implement the parking garages. These measures were D design zone, City Council, in Decem- discussed earlier as a part of the Trans- Design Guidelines. The need for ber 1980, adopted the Downtown Design portation goal. good design is a thread that runs through Guidelines, which included a process for the entire Downtown Plan and is ech- the review and the means for appeal. oed in the adopted 1980 guidelines. In 1982 City Council amended them, Only with a strong design review adding the Broadway Unique Sign process could new and renovated District, Chinatown Unique Sign District, developments meet the desired charac- and the South Waterfront Special District.

42 Highlights Report A beautiful summer day at Waterfront Park

Downtown Plan 43 Downtown Plan Site Map

44 Highlights Report Downtown Plan Site Locator

Transportation Commerce, Retail, and Office 42. Multnomah County Library 1 . MAX 23. Galleria 43. City Hall 2. Transit Mall 24. Nordstrom 44. First Avenue Facades 3. MAX Mall 25. Pioneer Place 45. Thomas Mann Building 4. Intermodal Transportation Center 26. New Market Block 46. Crystal Ballroom 5. Smart Park Garages 27. Yamhill Marketplace 28. 200 Market Building Culture, Entertainment, Art, Parks and Open Space 29. Willamette Center and Education 6. Tom McCall Waterfront Park 30. U.S. Bancorp Tower 47. Performing Arts Center 7. New addition to Waterfront Park 31. Pacwest Center 48. Portlandia 8. Salmon Street Springs 32. Fountain Plaza 49. “Expose Yourself to Art” Sculpture 9. Japanese-American Historical Plaza 33. Bank of American Financial 50. Portland State University 10. Pioneer Courthouse Square Center 51. Oregon Maritime Center and 11. O’Bryant Square 34. 1000 Broadway Building Museum 12. Terry Schrunk Plaza 13. New Park Block Government Buildings 35. Portland Building Housing 36. Justice Center 14. RiverPlace 37. Mark Hatfield Federal Courthouse 15. McCormick Pier 16. University Park Historic Districts and Renovations 17. South Park Square Apartments 38. Skidmore Fountain/Old Town 18. WestShore Historic District 19. St. James Apartments 39. Yamhill Historic District 20. Fifth Avenue Place 40. Thirteenth Avenue Historic District 21. Maybelle Clark MacDonald Center 41. Pioneer Courthouse 22. Village at Lovejoy Fountain

Downtown Plan 45 46 Highlights Report Central City Plan

N

Location of the Central City Plan area within the City of Portland This drawing from the Central City Plan depicts proposed eastside esplanade improvements near the . Background

By 1984, many components of the Down- town Plan had been implemented. Portland’s City Council realized that discus- sions about the city’s future needed to encompass more than the immediate The east bank of the Willamette River near the Steele Bridge provides an excellent vantage point Downtown core. In addition, the pressures for viewing Downtown Portland. for growth on the periphery of Downtown needed to be realistically reconciled with build upon its successes and correct its focused on the bridges, the river the livability and sustainability desired by deficiencies, and extend its usefulness to itself, and on eastside improvements the community. the entire central city.” Other key purposes might mitigate the dichotomy and of the plan were: create a more unified city. To address these issues, the Central City • To develop the banks of the Willamette • To guide development in the Lloyd planning process was initiated. Plan River to better link east and west District and the anticipated Convention boundaries extended outward from Portland. Historically residents on Center area. For years the Portland and Downtown in all directions to include either side of the river have seen Oregon Visitors Association had North Macadam, Goose Hollow, North of themselves as distinct from each other, pursued the idea of a convention Burnside, Northwest Triangle, Lower economically, socially, culturally, and center as a means for expanding the Albina, /Coliseum, and educationally. There was shared City’s economic base. Studies indicated Central Eastside. One of the main objec- optimism that a planning process that that the desired space on the west side tives of the Central City Plan was to “review the results of the Downtown Plan,

Central City Plan 49 housing. Additional issues included • To address the deterioration of North the potential encroachment on Macadam and Lower Albina. Both residential areas by heavy traffic and were waterfront areas adjacent to the continued problem of access to the Downtown and subject to intense freeway system. environmental scrutiny. Lower Albina • To redevelop the area between had deteriorated into an area of Union Station and the Fremont vacant and abandoned buildings, Bridge. The Northwest Triangle and some of which were of historic North of Burnside areas were already quality. Both areas held tremendous transitioning away from long-standing potential for revitalization and rede- uses of manufacturing, warehousing, velopment if given special planning The marina at RiverPlace is one of the few and the provision of homeless services. attention. Downtown locations where owners can moor their boats. An avant-garde, artistic community had begun to emerge. As the Union Station City Council adopted the Central City Plan, would be prohibitively costly, so a area flowered into the city’s intermodal which contained 13 functional policies and site was chosen east of the river. transportation center envisioned in the eight district policies, in March 1988. Since Planning for the new convention Downtown Plan, the time had come to that time, City Council has significantly center was necessary to integrate the tackle more difficult issues of housing, amended the plan twice: facility into the surrounding neighbor- local transportation, and open space • April 1995. City Council (1) replaced hoods. development. the North of Burnside and Northwest • To provide commercial and industrial • To address transit station area develop- Triangle policies with the River District property owners in the Central Eastside ment, pedestrian improvements, and policy; (2) created the University Industrial District certainty about their neighborhood stability along the District policy; (3) increased the hous- future. This was an area of long- westside light rail line. Before MAX to ing target from 5,000 to 15,000; and (4) established warehouses and light Gresham opened in 1986, regional increased the job creation target from industrial manufacturing, with numer- leaders had begun to investigate 50,000 to 75,000. ous start-up businesses. These uses alignment alternatives for the next light • January 1996. City Council (1) adopted were threatened by projects such as the rail line. It appeared increasingly likely the Goose Hollow Station Community Convention Center, the potential that the corridor would traverse the Plan; (2) expanded the plan bound- relocation of the Oregon Museum of Goose Hollow neighborhood. A plan ary in several places; and (3) revised Science and Industry to the district’s was needed to both prepare the the Goose Hollow district policy. south end, and the conversion of neighborhood for the anticipated line buildings to retail, office space, and and, simultaneously, integrate elements of the line into the neighborhood.

50 Highlights Report The recently completed addtion to Tom McCall Waterfront Park is a fine place for a stroll on a sunny afternoon.

Central City Plan 51 Central City Plan Concept Map

52 Highlights Report Major Plan Concepts

The major concepts of the Central City Plan are: • Making the Willamette River the focus of the city, especially by improving the bridges as landmarks and passages, developing open space along the east bank of the river, From this vantage point on the , viewers can see the Rose Quarter, Oregon locating public attractions along the Convention Center, the Eastside Esplanade, and some taller buildings in the Lloyd District. river or in close proximity, and ing industrial uses through the Indus- completing the Willamette Greenway. • Creating new historic districts. City trial Sanctuary designation, and Council continued its commitment to • Developing major transit corridors as redeveloping the Macadam and Union the city’s historic inventory by creating spines for future growth, especially a Station areas for a mix of residential the East Portland/Grand Avenue possible trolley line and supporting and commercial uses. Historic District and the Russell Street extension of the light rail system. Light • Retaining and expanding the Central Conservation District. rail would not only meet regional City’s role as the cultural and educa- transportation objectives, but would • Extending Downtown Plan elements tional core for the region. This was link the Central City with the rest of such as design review and develop- exemplified in the desire to develop a the city and region. ment standards, pedestrian amenities University District Plan. The plan also along transit routes, housing require- • Increasing housing and employment, recognizes the cultural and educational ments, and open space and water- especially locating medium and high significance of the South Park Blocks front improvements to other districts density commercial along the regional and Broadway and the many cultural in the Central City. transit corridors, retaining and protect- attractions between the two.

Central City Plan 53 54 Highlights Report Central City Today

In the past 11 years, changes in indi- improved transportation infrastructure, vidual Central City districts have occurred more parks, expansion of the transit mall, at varying paces. Changes to most of and construction of the Central City Downtown, for example, began to Streetcar. accelerate in 1997. New office and retail development, housing projects, an exten- The Lloyd District, too, continues to sion of Waterfront Park to the south, and grow. Since 1988, the Oregon Conven- Portland State’s Urban Center all contrib- tion Center, the Rose Garden Arena, and uted to the transformation. The West End, reconfiguration of the transit center known in the Downtown Plan as the between the two spurred much of the The towers of the Oregon Convention Center beckon visitors to the east side of the West of Tenth District, is currently the area’s development. New office space Willamette River. subject of a process to determine if a along MAX and the increased level of change in zoning would accelerate mixed-use projects on and adjacent to additional changes. Specific catalysts for increased development. Broadway Street are contributing to the improvements in the Central Eastside district’s increasingly urban profile. Industrial District are more difficult to The River District recently has undergone discern. However, the development of drastic changes, all of which have com- Goose Hollow and the Central Eastside the Eastbank Waterfront Park is now pletely changed the character of this Industrial District have each experienced coming to fruition, after being under former light industrial, warehousing, and moderate growth. New projects in Goose consideration for over ten years. Much of railyards area. The changes include Hollow are directly attributable to the the immediate change is occurring in the increased housing and retail develop- westside light rail extension; renovation southern part of the district, where the ment, the removal of the Lovejoy ramp, of the Civic Stadium is likely to bring Oregon Museum of Science and Industry,

Central City Plan 55 Portland Community College campus, KPTV Channel 12 station, and the Belmont-Main commercial/industrial buildings have become magnets to renovations and new developments.

With the exception of the renovated Smithson and McKay Brothers buildings by Widmer Brewing Company into its showroom brewery, restaurant, and offices, there have been few changes in Lower Albina. In North Macadam, while nothing overt has occurred yet, recent planning and redevelopment attention paid to this district has been significant. The Central City Plan’s policy to develop the area as a mixed-use neighborhood is finding shape in an urban renewal district and framework plan to guide its future.

Pioneer Courthouse Square contains a variety of ornamental details, including this capital design, on several of its columns.

56 Highlights Report Highlights

Transportation

Policy. Improve the Central City’s accessibility to the rest of the region and its ability to accommodate growth, by extending the light rail system and by maintaining and improving other forms of transit and the street and highway system, while preserving and MAX is a favored mode of transportation for people traveling to enjoy special events at enhancing the City’s livability. Pioneer Courthouse Square.

Beyond emphasizing the importance of excellent access as a result of MAX, there ment Plan, which provides the basis for the regional light rail system to the eco- was still need to determine the best planning for all transportation modes in nomic success of the Central City, the transportation systems to serve North the Central City. Central City Plan expanded the transporta- Macadam and Northwest Triangle (now the tion accomplishments of the Downtown River District). Second, the plan more Transit Plan in two major ways. First, the plan specifically addressed livability issues, Westside MAX light rail line. The indicated that the biggest potential for including measures dealing with bicy- westside light rail extension, linking redevelopment lay in the Lloyd Center, cling, walking, and parking. The latter Portland to Hillsboro, added 18 miles and North Macadam, and Northwest Triangle was accomplished primarily through the 20 stations to the regional rail system. areas. While the Lloyd Center boasted 1995 Central City Transportation Manage-

Central City Plan 57 NW Northrup St. The Vintage Trolley began operation in November 1991 and runs between the NW Lovejoy St. Civic Stadium and Lloyd Center on the Good Samaritan Hospital existing MAX tracks. Using replicas of the Council Crest cars, the trolley runs prima- rily during the warm weather months and over the winter holidays. It is supported and operated by Tri-Met with the help of

NW 23rd Ave. volunteer conductors. The Willamette W. Burnside St. Shore Trolley parallels the river east of Highway 43, stopping just south of The Vintage Trolley operates between RiverPlace. Funded jointly by the Cities of Downtown’s retail core and Lloyd Center, Lake Oswego and Portland, Metro, and linking the two retailing areas. Clackamas and Multnomah Counties, it is operated by the Oregon Electric Railway

I-405 Central City Streetcar and Vintage Trolley. Historical Society. SW 11th Ave. SW 10th Ave. Whereas the Downtown Plan called for Hwy 26 an intra-city Downtown transit system, Fareless Square. Tri-Met will expand the Central City Plan expanded the idea Fareless Square from Downtown to the to other districts. In 1994, City Council Lloyd District by 2001 if details, such as approved the first route of what is envi- boundaries and commuter parking in Portland State sioned to become a series of streetcar neighborhoods, can be satisfactorily University lines connecting residential, retail, and resolved. This change has been sought N employment centers in and near the primarily on behalf of conventioneers, Central City. Groundbreaking for Phase I although it is expected to benefit busi- The Central City Streetcar is currently under was held in April 1999. This phase nesses and Rose Quarter event rd construction between NW 23 Avenue and includes construction of the line between attendees as well. Portland State University’s Urban Center. Good Samaritan Hospital in Northwest Pedestrian and bicycle improvements When Westside MAX opened in Septem- Portland and Portland State University (PSU) with linkages to River District and ber 1998, the 33-mile rail connection Street improvements. Improvements in the the central business district. Tri-Met between Gresham and Hillsboro was following locations have made streets safer anticipates opening the line in September complete. As of February 1999, the and more pleasant for bicyclists and 2000. Construction of a second segment westside line had already exceeded its walkers. projections by 10,900 passengers. from PSU to the North Macadam area will likely take place in a subsequent phase.

58 Highlights Report lighting, fountains, timed signals, and landscaping. Added to the Broadway- Weidler corridor in 1997 were bike lanes, parking bays, more traffic signals, and curb extensions. Pedes- trian improvements have been com- pleted on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, NE Holladay, Multnomah, Broadway, and 16th Avenue. When the MAX line along Holladay was built, pedestrian amenities included most of the details used in the Downtown transit mall: wide brick sidewalks, Benson bub- blers, trees, container plantings, and cast iron street lighting. • Central Eastside. Right-of-way im- provements in the southern end of This bike rack is one of many in the Improvements along Naito Parkway will make the district around SE Caruthers Street Central City. walking more enjoyable for pedestrians. were completed in July 1998. Im- provements include street lighting, • River District. The City is coordinating • Goose Hollow. As part of construc- major pedestrian improvements with pedestrian facilities, a waterfront tion of the Westside MAX line, Tri- pedestrian plaza, and street trees. private development occurring in the Met added pedestrian features which Union Station/Old Town area. These Caruthers is a major access route to attractively meld with the surrounding the Oregon Museum of Science and will include widened sidewalks, new neighborhood with the stations: inno- street trees and streetlights, and numer- Industry and Portland Community vative station treatments, signage, College Workforce Center. ous pedestrian connections to provide lighting, landscaping, trash receptacles, residents and workers convenient wide sidewalks, and brick paving. In access to the north transit mall and Bridges. Since 1988 four bridges have addition, lighting has been installed in been renovated or are undergoing retail activity in Old Town/Chinatown. th the SW 18 Avenue Sunset Highway renovation. Paddy Tillett, founder of the A recently completed pedestrian underpass. bridge connects Union Station housing Willamette Light Brigade to encourage • Lloyd Center. Pedestrian improve- with the transit mall, allowing clear night lighting for each of the bridges, ments between the Convention above the train tracks. The stated, “One of the central tenets of the Center and the Coliseum were a City is also working with the owners Central City Plan was to restore the river major part of the Rose Quarter con- of McCormick Pier to design a pedes- as the centerpiece of the city… struction. They include wide bricked trian corridor connecting Naito Park- celebrating the bridges is a way to do it.” pathways with ornamental street way to the river. Central City Plan 59 the pedestrian overlook. Construction to the Central City. Since 1988, 2,000 new is scheduled for completion in the bicycle stalls have been created in the summer of 2000. Night lighting is Central City. Currently there are 1,089 planned as part of the Convention long-term, covered, and secure bicycle Center area improvements to create a parking spaces with attendants, and 1,500 visual linkage between the Convention sidewalk racks. Bicycle strategies, too, Center and Skidmore Fountain, Old have been prepared for each Central City Town, and Union Station areas. district. • Burnside Bridge. In response to Parking and circulation complaints from property owners, neighborhood associations, and the Central City Transportation Management police concerning inappropriate activi- Plan (CCTMP). Parking and circulation ties on the stairways on both ends of strategies for the Central City were com- the bridge, the Office of Transportation pleted with the adoption of the Central MAX crosses the toward completed a pedestrian usage study of City Transportation Management Plan in Downtown on its route from Gresham. Burnside Bridge stairways. Based on December 1995. This is the latest update the study, a new western stairway was to the Downtown Parking and Circulation • . Reconstruction built. Completed in 1992, it provides Policy. It incorporates all seven Central enhanced existing pedestrian and access from the bridge directly to the City districts, revises the Downtown park- bicycle access and bridge crossings and Skidmore Fountain MAX station. ing maximums, and adds more compre- completes the south section of the hensive strategies for circulation and access inner-city loop trail. Night lighting Central City Transportation Management into and throughout the Central City. similar to that on the Morrison Bridge Plan (CCTMP). The plan explicitly states has been installed. the need for pedestrian access, availability, The primary parking elements of the • Morrison Bridge. With the closure of the convenience, safety, comfort, and a CCTMP are (1) establishment of parking Hawthorne Bridge in 1998, a temporary pleasant, walkable environment. To ratios for new development, the exact ratio two-way bike path was added to the implement this, the plan directs that to be determined by the development’s Morrison Bridge. Its success led to plans Downtown, Northwest Triangle, North of use, (2) the construction of parking facili- for construction of a permanent bike Burnside, Lloyd, North Macadam, and ties for older buildings, (3) creation of path. Its completion in 1999 allows Goose Hollow districts be declared structured parking facilities for short-term access from Water Avenue and the pedestrian districts. Pedestrian strategies users while simultaneously discouraging Eastside Esplanade trail. have been prepared for each Central City surface parking lots, and (4) creation of • Steel Bridge. Funding is secured for district. parking permit programs in specified construction of pedestrian facilities on neighborhood and industrial areas. Likewise, the CCTMP contains actions to the lower deck of the bridge with ensure bicycle trip-end facilities, access, connections to the Rose Quarter and route network, and connections within and

60 Highlights Report Projects Tillamook Street and Interstate Av- the Lloyd Boulevard extension cre- • Central Eastside Industrial District enue is expected to start in the next ated a street system, which links parking program. In late spring of two years. together the Central City’s northeast 1998, City Council adopted this parking • Lovejoy ramp and reconstruction districts. program, the first of its kind in east project. This two-part project is sched- • Goose Hollow District. Improvements Portland. The purpose is to ensure uled for completion by early 2001. It along SW Jefferson and the westside adequate parking for employees, will include demolition of two above- light rail corridor link Goose Hollow customers and trucks by limiting grade bridge ramps and replacement and Northwest Portland neighborhoods commuter parking. The parking with a new street at grade. Ramp to Downtown, the River District, and district area stretches from Grand reconstruction permits the City and the University District. These linkages Avenue to the Willamette River and private developers to complete the reinforce the Central City Streetcar link from Hawthorne Boulevard to street system in the existing grid between Northwest Portland and Burnside. pattern, thereby supporting continuing Portland State University. • Railroad crossings. The single crossing construction of shops and housing in • North Macadam District. Boulevard at NW 17th Avenue will be closed and the area. Ramp reconstruction is also treatments will link North Macadam replaced by crossings at 14th and 19th linked to the development of the and RiverPlace areas to the University Avenues. This will increase connectiv- Central City Streetcar. The first part of District and Downtown. Following ity for all modes of transportation in the project was completed in summer completion and implementation of the the River District. 1999 with the ramp’s demolition. The North Macadam Transportation Plan, • Lower Albina traffic study. One murals painted on the ramps’ pillars by Phase II of the streetcar project will element of the study, completed in Tom E. Stefopoulos in the late 1940s take the Central City Streetcar to and 1990, evaluated the feasibility of have been salvaged. They will remain through North Macadam. constructing a railroad overcrossing to in storage until a determination is accommodate local businesses im- made about their placement. pacted by railroad activities. At that • Boulevards. Boulevard amenities time unresolved issues included financ- include ornamental lighting, sidewalks, ing and whether existing crossings and street tree plantings. The following should be closed. In May 1999, Metro’s designated boulevards have been Transportation Advisory Committee improved: approved $4 million for the rail • River District. Improvements to NW 9th crossing. Other financing will be a Avenue were completed in 1998. local improvement district with $3 • Coliseum/Lloyd Center District. Im- million from Union Pacific and provements to NE 15th and 16th $500,000 from other business owners. Avenues, Broadway and Weidler and Construction of the ramp around

Central City Plan 61 programs. When City Council added the Economic River and University Districts to the Central City Plan, they raised the number Development to 75,000.

Policy. Build upon the Central City as the Between 1991, with the completion of the economic heart of the Columbia Basin, 1000 Broadway Building, and 1997, when and guide its growth to further the the Liberty Centre opened, there was no City’s prosperity and livability. new office construction. This would account for the dramatic reduction in vacancies at By 1984, City Council began to realize that that time. Since 1992, office space in the to attract residents and workers Down- Central City has fluctuated from close to 3 Talgo trains, this one stopped at Union town, there needed to be a more concerted million square feet in 1995 to a low of 1.2 Station, provide passenger rail service planning effort with stronger direction than million square feet in 1996. More recently between Eugene, Oregon and Vancouver, had been provided by the Downtown Plan. the amount of office space rose to 1.7 British Columbia. The Central City Plan went beyond the million square feet. In 1970, the Central Downtown Plan to promote economic City accounted for about 90 percent of the High-speed rail development in two ways:. region’s competitive multi-tenant office • It recognized the interactive nature of market. By 1990, this share had dropped Service by intercity commuter rail between economic viability; that economic to 50 percent. Since 1991, vacancy rates Eugene, Oregon, and Vancouver, British success depended on reciprocal rela- have been declining in the Central City, Columbia, was launched on December 1, tionships between Downtown and from a high of 17.7 percent to a low of 1998. The Talgo trains, which use technol- adjacent areas; and 5.2 percent in 1997. This reflects the ogy that allows them to take curves with- • It expanded what previously had percentage of Portland’s office market in out slowing, are currently being operated been viewed as a Downtown pre- relation to that of the region. In 1998, at 79 miles per hour. When all improve- rogative – the congregation of fi- vacancy rates went up to 6.55 percent, ments are made to the track and signal nance, government, professional but had gone back down to 5.1 percent in systems, they will run at 115 mph, making services, culture, entertainment, and Spring 1999. travel time between Portland and Seattle business headquarters location – to 2½ hours. This route is one of five Tables 2 and 3 indicate 1998 office vacancy other Central City locations. designated high-speed rail corridors in rates in the Portland metropolitan region the country. Since 1990 rail ridership has and yearly vacancy rates since 1991 in the By actively promoting the creation of at more than doubled in the Pacific Central City. least 50,000 new jobs by the year 2010, Northwest corridor. the Central City Plan gave credence to new economic development incentive

62 Highlights Report Table 2 1998 Total Vacancy Rates (Class A, B and C)

Central City 5.2% West Suburban 3.2% East Suburban 3.5% Vancouver/Clark County 10.1%

Total for Metro Area 4.3%

Table 3 The renovated Hilton Hotel added Central City Vacancies The PG&E Transmission Building at RiverPlace is an energy efficient demonstration project. pedestrian-friendly faces on both 6th Avenue 1991 17.7% and Broadway. 1993 14.8% Downtown building has now become far more 1994 11.6% enjoyable for pedestrians. The stone- 1995 9.1% Projects embedded panels identify Oregon moun- 1996 7.2% 1997 5.2% tains, with name, height, and location 1998 7.2% Pacific Gas and Electric Transmission- within the state displayed. Northwest Building. Completed in 1995, New construction is likely to increase the development includes 106,000-sq. ft. of Lipman Wolfe Building. Once home to office space vacancy in the near future, office space and structured parking for 189 the Lipman and Wolfe department store, which may enable businesses to start up or vehicles. The building, designed as an this building lay vacant for several years expand in the Central City. More space will energy efficient demonstration project, is before its 1996 conversion to the luxury also allow larger, more established compa- 25-30 percent more efficient than Fifth Avenue Suites Hotel and Red Star nies to move in. In the long run, this should Oregon’s energy-efficient building codes. Tavern and Roast House. help Portland achieve its target of creating A majority of the $16.8 million financing Embassy Suites. The once elegant 75,000 new jobs in the Central City. came from the Oregon Department of Energy’s Small Energy Loan Program. The Multnomah Hotel was vacant for years until serving as government office space in Below is a listing of several projects, by project is adjacent to RiverPlace. the 1960s. Renovation in 1997 transformed district, that have contributed to this Hilton Hotel. Opened in 1963 with a the building into the 262-room Embassy increased economic viability of the high forbidding wall separating its first Suites Hotel, with 70 underground park- Central City. several floors from pedestrians, the ing spaces. Its popular restaurant, part of Hilton Hotel rehabilitation was completed the 25,000-sq. ft. ground-floor retail, adds in 1996. With its windows, ornate en- to the night life activity in this emerging trances, and stone-embedded panels, the entertainment district.

Central City Plan 63 Marriott City Center Hotel. Opened in amount of actual and projected trade, dilapidated buildings into lofts and of- July 1999, the Marriott City Center in- particularly with Asian and Southeast fices. In 1982, the first art gallery, North- cludes 252 rooms on 20 floors. The hotel Asian countries. The World Trade Center west Artist’s Workshop, moved into the also features 3,319-sq. ft. of conference and Oregon Agricultural Marketing Center area, and by 1989 Jamison/Thomas space, a health club, restaurant, and 460 are two of Oregon’s most important Gallery relocated from Downtown. By underground parking spaces. facilities for the promotion of interna- the early 1990s, a group of area property tional trade. Continuous efforts are made owners, business interests, and citizens, The Westin Portland. Opened in August to reinforce existing trade relationships recognizing the potential of this area, 1999, the 132,827-sq. ft. Westin Hotel and develop new trading partners by the collaborated to create a River District contains 205 rooms on 20 floors. The hotel State of Oregon, the Port of Portland, vision, which elaborated on the Central also features 2,000-sq. ft. of meeting space, Metro, the City of Portland, and the City Plan. Adopted by City Council in an exercise facility, penthouse rooms, and Chamber of Commerce. 1992, this conceptual plan provided a a 135-seat restaurant and bar. framework for new development in the district. The vision described a commu- Paramount Hotel. This 14-story project, nity housing 15,000 or more in approxi- completed in August 1999, includes 154 River District mately 5,500 new units supported by rooms, an exercise facility, a street level services, open space, and jobs. It also restaurant, and 1,500-sq. ft. of meeting The River District is Portland’s newest advocated restoring the district’s connec- space. urban neighborhood. Bounded by W tion with the Willamette River. Burnside Street, , the Residence Inn. Scheduled for completion Willamette River, and the Port of Portland’s in 2001, the Residence Inn at RiverPlace Public-private partnerships played an Terminal One, the River District is a will have 257 rooms on nine floors. The important role in plan implementation. triangular area of about 310 acres. It hotel will feature three meeting rooms The City contributed infrastructure such contains four distinct areas: Union Station/ and an indoor jacuzzi. Old Town, Terminal One, Pearl District, International trade and Tanner Basin/Waterfront. With its With the completion of its Pacific Square central location and significant amount of building in Old Town, the Port of Port- vacant land formerly devoted to rail yards, land brings the possibility of increased the River District represents some of the international trade to Portland. Much of the highest-value urban redevelopment land in financial and logistical negotiations are the country. being directed by the Port. The U.S. Export Assistance Center, a branch of the Al Solheim was among the first to recog- U.S. Department of Commerce, now has nize the area’s potential for housing in an office in Portland because of the large the midst of eclectic nonresidential These renovated Hoyt Street railyard warehouse activities. In 1986, he began converting buildings are now new townhouses in the Pearl District.

64 Highlights Report needed public infrastructure was built. The plan recommended mixed-use and mixed income housing, removal of the Lovejoy ramp, construction of the Central City Streetcar, other transportation and utility infrastructure improvements, and development of open spaces.

Old Town/Chinatown. One of the oldest and most culturally diverse neigh- borhoods of Portland, Old Town/ Chinatown is also one of the fastest changing areas of the city. In October 1998, The Agricultural Marketing Center is a new recognizing the need to address this concept in public-private partnerships. dynamic situation, the Old Town/ Chinatown Development Plan Steering Committee began meeting to plan for Projects area development. Among the Committee’s participants were the Old Oregon Agricultural Marketing Center. Town/Chinatown Neighborhood Associa- Planning began in 1996 to provide space Louie’s Restaurant, including its historic sign, tion, the Chinese Consolidated Benevo- for agricultural businesses and marketing is a well-known fixture in the Chinatown/New lent Association, the Historic Old Town programs to research new food items made Japantown Historic District. Business Association, Central City Con- from Oregon commodities. The first part of the project, the 33,000-sq. ft. Food Innova- as street improvements, while the private cern, the Portland Development Commis- tion Center, opened in Spring 1999. It was sector provided the majority of invest- sion, and the Port of Portland. The com- developed by Oregon State University and ment money. City Council amended the pleted Old Town/Chinatown Development the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Central City Plan in April 1995 when it Plan, anticipated as an action item within When the entire $18 million joint public- created the River District and adopted the the amended Central City Plan, was private project is complete, it will include River District Development Plan. approved in December 1999 by City Council. The primary goal of the plan is two office buildings, one of which will contain roughly 100,000-sq. ft. and a 500- River District Urban Renewal District. to preserve the cultural heritage of the space structured parking garage to serve City Council adopted the River District community, as well as attract more of the the agricultural center and the Union Urban Renewal District in October 1998 Asian community back to the area. The Station complex. The project also includes in recognition of the significant changes plan provides a broad development the Wheat Marketing Center in Albers Mill occurring in the district and to ensure that strategy as well as guidelines for specific improvements. across NW Naito Parkway.

Central City Plan 65 Robert Duncan Plaza. This 320,000-sq. Lloyd Center/Coliseum/ ft. office tower was completed in 1991 Convention Center and houses the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The tower sits directly adjacent to the MAX Oregon Convention Center Urban line and includes street-level retail space Renewal District. The Oregon Convention and a day care center. Center Urban Renewal District, adopted in May 1989, originally encompassed most of Pacific Square. The Port of Portland the Coliseum/Lloyd Center District. The completed this seven-story headquarters district was extended up Martin Luther building in October 1999. The $18.8 King Jr. Boulevard (MLK) to Portland million project contains 103,000-sq. ft. of Boulevard and east from MLK along office space, 2,200-sq. ft. of ground floor Alberta Street to NE 15th Avenue as part of retail, and a 206-stall parking garage. the Albina Community Plan implementa- The Rose Garden Arena is the largest structure tion. The $167.5 million urban renewal in the Rose Quarter. Wieden and Kennedy. This 1908 National district, set to expire in June 2013, was had been generated by the Oregon Historic Register property was formerly initially established to guide construction the Enterprise Building, which housed Convention Center by 1998. In Spring of the Convention Center and to ensure 1999, Portland’s lodging and rental car Fuller Paint and Northwestern Ice and adequate infrastructure improvements, Cold Storage, at NW 12th Avenue and industries agreed to a 2.5 percent in- linkages between the Convention Center, crease in the hotel-motel and rental car Everett. It was rehabilitated as the future MAX, and Lloyd Center, and integration of world headquarters for the Wieden and tax to finance an expansion of the Con- these developments into the surrounding vention Center. The $85 million expan- Kennedy advertising agency. The build- neighborhoods. With the district’s exten- ing provides 192,000-sq. ft. of flexible sion, expected to break ground in April sion north, funds were made available for 2000, will add 165,000-sq. ft. of new office space, as well as 32,000-sq. ft. of housing, small business development, and ground-floor retail, a restaurant, space for space for exhibits and conference rooms, community service projects that would plus 1,100 underground parking spaces. the Portland Institute of Contemporary Art help revitalize the Albina area. and Portland Literary Arts, and 40 parking Rose Quarter. The Rose Garden Arena spaces. Projects was constructed as the new home of the Oregon Convention Center. Built for $85 Portland Trail Blazers because the Memo- million, the twin-spired, 500,000-sq. ft. rial Coliseum had outgrown their needs. Convention Center was completed in Negotiations placed it between the I-5 1990. According to City of Portland and freeway and Memorial Coliseum, so as to Metro development staff, a total of $2.5 take advantage of the MAX light rail transit billion in economic benefits to the region system and a new transit center. The arena was completed in October 1995. An innovative element of the Rose Garden

66 Highlights Report construction was the public pedestrian plaza between Holladay and Broadway, which houses restaurants, a ticket office, and other retail outlets. As part of this project, the City provided $34.5 million in infrastructure improvements and turned over management of the Memorial Coliseum to the Blazers’ ownership.

Liberty Centre. Opened in 1997, the 17- story Liberty Centre is located along the MAX light rail line. Its 300,000-sq. ft. Sidewalk amenities and a small plaza building complex contains a 70,000-sq. ft. create a pedestrian-friendly entrance to day care center, an outdoor landscaped the Lloyd Center. The headquarters of Metro, the regional courtyard, and 594 parking stalls in a Northeast Broadway. Public right-of-way government for the Portland metropolitan area, is located at the corner of Grand Avenue and separate structured garage. improvements and pedestrian enhance- Lloyd Boulevard. ments along the Broadway/Weidler couplet include bike lanes, street trees, and street vard was rehabilitated in 1990. It now furniture. Mixed-use projects such as serves as the headquarters for metropoli- Irvington Place are already helping make tan Portland’s regional government. this a neighborhood shopping street. Marriott Courtyard. This 221-room hotel Since 1988, in excess of 50 businesses between Grand and Martin Luther King along the Broadway-Weidler corridor Boulevard contains a 180-stall parking have taken advantage of PDC’s storefront garage and space for ground floor retail. It improvement program. opened in June 1999. Lloyd Center. The remodel of the old Lloyd Center in 1990 increased the mall Central Eastside to 1.5 million sq. ft. and enclosed it. This significant renovation increased the num- Central Eastside Urban Renewal ber of stores from 110 to 165 and added District. The Central Eastside Urban a third level, movie theater, and food Renewal District was adopted August 27, court. 1986. It was subsequently amended in May 1990 and is set to expire in August 2006. Metro Building. Formerly a vacant Sears Liberty Centre is the newest office structure to This $66.3 million plan includes provisions department store, the building at NE be built in the Lloyd District. for improved transportation infrastructure, Oregon and Martin Luther King Boule-

Central City Plan 67 land acquisition and redevelopment, affordable housing, waterfront park devel- opment, and building rehabilitation.

Lower Burnside Redevelopment Plan. The Lower Burnside Redevelopment Plan was adopted by City Council in April 1999 as an outgrowth of the Grand/Martin Luther King/Burnside Public Improvement Project. Endorsed by the Central Eastside Industrial Council, the plan incorporates the blocks between NE Couch and SE Ankeny from SE 2nd to SE 12th Avenues. The plan’s vision, urban design, and architectural and economic analysis pro- vide the basis for developing actions, policies, and strategies for the future of the area. A main objective of the plan is the development of a corporate employment center near the Burnside Bridge with a mix of housing and retail to support employ- ers and businesses and cultivation of a distinct identity for the area. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry built wetland swales as part of its parking lot to manage stormwater. Projects • Purchase of Recovery Inn/Union Oil continues to attract other public and site at the corner of MLK and private investment in the area such as the Grand/Martin Luther King/Burnside Public Burnside; and adjacent radio station and Portland Com- Improvement Project. The following th munity College’s educational and employ- improvements have been made to the • Purchase of a site at SE 12 and ment training facility. three corridors and adjacent streets within Belmont for 90 units of permanent, low-income housing. this 26-block project: Goodwill Industries of the Columbia- • New street trees, curb extensions, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry Willamette. This 45,000-sq. ft. building and lighting; (OMSI). After 35 years at its Washington between SE 5th and 6th Avenues was • Storefront improvement program: Park site, the new OMSI facility opened completed in 1994. The site houses seven businesses received grants for in 1992 on the former site of Portland administrative office space, job training building façade improvements; General Electric Power Station ‘L’. OMSI and work counseling, employment

68 Highlights Report developing some of the smaller environ- and other city bureaus, have been pre- mentally sound properties in the area paring a framework plan for the North emerged when alignment discussions Macadam area. Elements required by City began for the potential South/North light Council include a vision for the area, rail line. The interest shown by develop- analysis of possible Zoning Code revi- ers and investors propelled the City to sions, strategy for public improvements activate the planning process envisioned and housing development incentives, and in the Central City Plan for a possible refinement of transit and transportation urban renewal district. Since 1996, the elements necessary to implement the following have been produced or are street plan. being considered: North Macadam Urban Renewal Dis- This Goodwill Industries facility is one of the North Macadam District Street Plan. A trict. City Council created this district in largest in the United States. team composed of the Portland Office of August 1999. Eligible projects are infra- Transportation, several consultant teams, structure improvements, parks and open screening for people with disabilities, and stakeholders prepared the North space, flood control and prevention and a new retail store. Along with a 90- Macadam District Street Plan in 1996. As facilities, transit-related facilities, linkages stall parking lot and a plaza in front, the part of the process, ten principles were between the riverfront and residential complex was created by vacating a established to guide decision-making. The areas, riverfront improvements, job public street and combining two blocks final street plan, contained in the City creation, and housing development. into a single superblock. Engineer’s Report, included an urban design concept, right-of-way widths, transit circulation, street classifications, and North Macadam functional use. The report was submitted to City Council in November 1996. The The Central City Plan envisioned the 128- Council accepted the report in November acre North Macadam area as a mixed-use 1997 and directed the Bureau of Planning, neighborhood with significant residential the Portland Development Commission, development along the river bank and and the Office of Transportation to commercial development along transit undertake further actions to support the and light rail corridors. Much of this area street plan. was vacant or shared promising redevel- opment potential. However, significant North Macadam Framework Plan. environmental constraints from previous Under the leadership of the Portland use limited opportunities for develop- Development Commission, area property ment on the larger parcels. Proposals for owners, neighbors, interested citizens,

Central City Plan 69 The Brewery and its Restaurant/Gasthaus are located at the entrance of the Russell Street Conservation District at its intersection with Interstate Avenue. Widmer Brothers Brewery is listed in the Civic Stadium occupies a pivotal location in the National Register of Historic Buildings. Goose Hollow Goose Hollow neighborhood.

Lower Albina Civic Stadium. The Civic Stadium, built in vision for future development in the Goose 1926, occupies a pivotal location in the Hollow neighborhood in conjunction with Widmer Brothers Brewing Company. Goose Hollow neighborhood. Immediately the renovation. Following this, the City In 1989, Widmer Brewing Company adjacent to the westside MAX line, the solicited proposals from organizations to renovated the Smithson and McKay Broth- stadium has always been a major element provide the renovations and major sports ers buildings into its showroom brewery, in this part of the Central City. Today, attractors. Negotiations on these various restaurant, and offices. The buildings, now though in continuous use, the stadium elements are still under consideration. listed in the National Register of Historic requires extensive work to bring it up to Buildings, are part of the dwindling code. In addition, many have expressed a inventory of century-old structures in this strong desire to bring major league base- district harking back to the former City of ball to Portland, with its home being the Albina. Civic Stadium. The City initiated a process to bring these desires to fruition. First, a White Eagle Cafe and Saloon. The task force was formed to recommend White Eagle was listed in the National potential upgrade alternatives. Second, a Historic Register in 1998. committee was created to generate a

70 Highlights Report The recent construction of the Oregon • a 600-foot long cantilevered walkway Willamette Riverfront Convention Center in the north and the supported by an existing historic Oregon Museum of Science and Industry seawall. Policy. Enhance the Willamette River (OMSI) in the south have boosted the as the focal point for views, public rationale for a riverfront upgrade. Both As funding allows, the park could include activities, and development which projects generate significant amounts of such features as an art center, public knits the city together. traffic: pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and market, ice rink or swim center, restau- vehicular. A better connection between rants, a permanent enclosure for the After the completion of Tom McCall Water- them could be achieved through east historic fireboat David Campbell, and front Park, focus shifted to the bridges and bank improvements. dragon boat storage. east bank of the river. With concentrated attention to pedestrian amenities and bicycle safety, the east bank could become Eastside Improvements as functional and enjoyable as the west The Eastside Waterfront Park will include this Eastside Waterfront Park. The 1989 Visions floating walkway, currently under construction. bank of the river. Despite the obstacles of Portland’s Eastside Riverfront report to posed by the I-5 freeway hugging the east City Council created a community vision bank and the aging, narrow bridges, for the future of the Willamette’s eastbank. transportation, parks, housing, and urban Eleven years later the vision is coming to design studies of the east bank have fruition. The Portland Development Com- resulted in several recommendations. mission, Portland Office of Transportation, • The freeway should ultimately be and Bureau of Parks and Recreation are moved further back from the jointly preparing the Eastbank Waterfront Willamette. Plan and starting to implement early • A modified riverfront park should be phase projects. When finished in ap- built to reclaim the east riverbank. proximately 2006, the park will include • Bridges should be refashioned to form the following: more effective links between the two • a pedestrian/bicycle route across the sides of the river. lower level of the Steel Bridge; • The Willamette should be emphasized • a 1000-foot floating trail from the Steel through lighting, ships, water taxis, and Bridge past the Burnside Bridge; other river activities. • a new path and better connections from the Morrison Bridge to OMSI; • a floating dock for temporary moor- age; and

Central City Plan 71 purchase of this site and the railroad ROW, Metro accomplished two major Housing goals: 1. It completed the Willamette Policy. Maintain the Central City’s Greenway Trail within the Central status as Oregon’s principal high City; and density housing area by keeping 2. It completed the 20-mile trail from housing production in pace with new Downtown Portland to Boring in job creation. Clackamas County. By 1984, City Council realized that, in The Portland Bureau of Parks and Recre- order to attract residents to the Central ation is designing and will shortly begin City, a stronger, more effective housing construction on the multi-use trail, which policy was needed. By actively promot- will share the eastern portion of the ing the construction of at least 5,000 new alignment with the railroad. A four-foot housing units by the year 2010, the high, wildlife-friendly fence will separate Central City Plan gave credence to new the two uses. Along the trail, users will incentive programs for new housing find artwork, mileage markers, and development. When City Council bike racks. amended the Central City Plan in April 1995 to add the River and University This view from Tom McCall Waterfront Park Ships. Two sternwheelers, the Portland Districts, it raised the housing goal to captures the Oregon Convention Center, the and the Columbia Gorge, dock by the 15,000 units. By this time City Council Sternwheeler Portland, and the Burnside Willamette River seawall in Downtown recognized that aggressive infill housing Bridge. Portland. The restored 1943 Captain was a significant means by which to Conner and the Spirit of Portland dock at maintain the urban growth boundary Willamette Greenway. In June 1998 RiverPlace. On the eastside Willamette while allowing for the economic benefits Metro acquired the 44-acre Portland Jetboat Excursions currently shares the associated with population growth. General Electric (PGE) site between the OMSI site. New temporary moorages are Oregon Museum of Science and Industry scheduled to be built as part of the Eastside While the Downtown and Central City and Portland Community College. That Waterfront Park Plan. Though plans each advocated for a range of same month Metro acquired, from a nonfloating, one of OMSI’s biggest housing options to serve a range of private landowner, a portion of the three- attractions is the U.S. Navy’s last non- income levels and family types, residents mile railroad right-of-way (ROW) be- nuclear submarine, the U.S.S. Blueback, have tended to concentrate in particular tween PGE and the which is permanently “docked” in the areas of the city based on socioeconomic in the Sellwood neighborhood. With the Willamette. status. For example, few middle class individuals or families with children have

72 Highlights Report located Downtown. In order to address • Retention of the “no net housing loss” Warehouse conversions. The majority of this situation, the Central City 2000 requirements; and local loft conversions are occurring in Strategy, adopted in July 1996, recom- • Recognition of Portland housing stock what is now known as the Pearl District. mended the creation of a Central City within the regional framework. Referred to as the Northwest Triangle housing inventory and the use of tax prior to the early 1980s, the area was still increment funds to encourage develop- New housing units. Approximately a working district by day, largely deserted ment of more affordable mixed- or 6,400 new housing units have been built at night. In 1980, some small-scale middle-income housing projects. within the Central City since 1988. The improvements were made and by 1988 it statistics displayed in Table 4 indicate was touted as an arts district. From then On December 16, 1998 City Council that the City of Portland is making on developers began to convert the vacant adopted a new housing policy into the progress toward meeting its target of warehouses and industrial buildings to Comprehensive Plan. The revised Hous- 15,000 units. lofts and commercial space. Today the ing Policy contains a completely new Pearl District contains art galleries, spe- goal and 15 new policies and objectives, Projects cialty shops, restaurants, pubs and grills, as which focus on: well as housing, educational facilities, and River District • The preservation and rehabilitation of other attractions for residents and visitors existing housing; Many of the projects listed below provide alike. • The provision of new housing to affordable units; some also contain meet a range of household needs and ground-floor retail and underground • Irving Street Lofts. Formerly a preferences in locations that meet parking. 1923 warehouse, this building sustainability objectives; now contains 84 live/work condomini- ums. The renovation was completed Table 4 in 1989. New Housing Units in the Central City Since 1988 • Chown Pella Lofts. Renovations to the Location 1980s 1990s Total historic Oregon Transfer Company Building at NW 13th Avenue and Glisan Downtown 1596 1313 2909 now provide 68 condominium lofts with four units of ground floor retail. River District 529 1556 2085 The project was completed in 1996. Lloyd Center/Coliseum 0 623 623 • North Park Lofts. Converted from the 1908 Artisan Building, this project Central Eastside 80 356 436 contains 45 lofts and 23 penthouses. Goose Hollow 60 256 316 Four stories were added to the building’s original six floors. Lower Albina 0 43 43 • Fifth Avenue Court. Situated on NW th North Macadam 0 0 0 5 Avenue between Everett and

Total 2265 4147 6412 Central City Plan 73 The Flanders Lofts straddle the North Park The Mckenzie Lofts is an example of new The Yards at Union Station will include both Blocks in River District. construction occurring in the Pearl District. affordable and market-rate housing. Davis, this mixed-use project in the Spring 2000. Public infrastructure design different structures. As part of former Kalberer Building contains 96 improvements in the area, such as the public-private agreement be- units, half of them affordable, and pedestrian crossings, will create a tween the City and the developer, ground floor retail. It was completed neighborhood feeling and improve once the City constructs one of the in 1996. access to the transit mall and following projects, the developer Willamette River. The cost for the must build at the listed densities: New construction entire project is estimated at $55 - With the demolition of the Lovejoy • Mckenzie Lofts. Formerly the site of million. Street ramp and its replacement the 1910-era Reliable Transfer Build- • Hoyt Street Yards. A long 34-acre with an at-grade street, the devel- th ing, the Mckenzie Lofts at NW 12 tract of former warehouses and opers must contribute $121,000 and Glisan contain 68 condominium railyards is being converted to ap- and build housing at 87 units per units. The project was completed Fall proximately 2,000 – 3,000 new acre. 1997 at a cost of $15.5 million. housing units. The area stretches from - With the construction of the Central • The Yards at Union Station. The Hoyt Street to the Fremont Bridge. City Streetcar, the developers must Portland Development Commission is When completed, the project will also contribute up to $700,000 and build coordinating development of high include about 150,000-sq. ft. of retail/ housing at 109 units per acre. density housing on the property around commercial space. Fifteen percent of - With the construction of Tanner Union Station. Built in partnership with the rental units and ten percent of the Creek Park and water feature the Housing Authority of Portland, condominiums will be affordable. The projects, the developers must build 158 units of affordable housing were developers agreed to provide housing at 131 units per acre. created in 1998 as Phase I. Phase II $50,000 per block for public art- will include 392 market rate owner and works. To ensure variety, different rental units to be completed by architects have been selected to

74 Highlights Report location within both Downtown’s West End and River District makes its success pivotal in how the two districts interrelate in the future. The new owners have pledged to create a mixture of housing, offices, stores, restaurants, and parking within the existing and new structures. The scheduled completion is 2002.

Goose Hollow The Goose Hollow light rail station area has seen over $47 million in private When completed, the Blitz Weinhard property The Legends complex is ideally located for property investments, not including single- will be a gateway to Downtown Portland and accessing two stations on the Westside the Pearl District. family residential improvements since light-rail line. 1991. Some of the largest projects are: • Pearl Court Apartments. Public and ented rental apartment project. With a private partners developed this 199- Legends. The Crossings Development central landscaped courtyard and indi- unit affordable housing project for Corporation constructed this 75-unit condo- vidual decks and balconies, the project people earning 60 percent or less of minium complex in 1995. Located on SW also contains 7,500-sq. ft. of retail space th median income. Located in the Pearl 19 Avenue along the Westside MAX line, and underground parking this project facility provides housing and District on the block bounded by Webb Plaza. The Webb building at SW th th services persons age 55 and older. Johnson, Kearney, 9 and 10 Ave- 15th Avenue and Alder was transformed nues, it was completed in 1997. Arbor Vista Condominiums. This 55-unit from its former state of disrepair in 1998 Fannie Mae lists this as an example of structure opened in Summer 1997. to 40 apartments with ground floor office a successful brownfield redevelop- Developed as market rate housing, a and retail space. Units offer eight-foot ment project. special Fannie Mae program enables first windows and private balconies with time homebuyers to qualify for more spectacular views. Blitz Weinhard property. While the affordable prices. A pocket park was closure of the Blitz Weinhard brewery established at Howard’s Way as part of the Stadium Station Apartments. These apart- constituted the loss of a significant eco- housing project. ments for persons earning less than 60 nomic entity to Portland, it also opened percent of median income, are built on a up an opportunity for an economic Collins Circle. Collins Circle is a 124-unit triangular piece of property east of Civic venture of an entirely different nature. Its mixed use, mixed income, transit ori-

Central City Plan 75 Irvington Place is a welcome mixed-use Lloyd Place Apartments set a new standard These Left-Bank Lofts herald the start of addition to Broadway. of excellence in the Lloyd District. possible changes in Lower Albina.

Stadium on the MAX line. The project, buildings have 202 one and two- Mississippi Court Apartments. Renovated completed in April 1998, contains 114 bedroom apartment units and a 288- in 1995, these apartments located on N units with ground floor retail. space underground parking garage. Mississippi Street in the Russell Conserva- tion District are owned by Legacy Health Lloyd District Irvington Place. Five-story Irvington System. Several projects listed below contain Place at NE 12th Avenue and Broadway affordable units, as well as ground-floor provides 57 condominiums above retail and underground parking. ground floor retail. Units contain front stoops, balconies, and fireplaces. Lloyd Cornerstone. These luxury condo- miniums on NE 7th Avenue and Halsey Lower Albina contain 116 units, underground parking, Left-Bank Lofts. Located at 843 N Knott and a large central landscaped courtyard. near Mississippi Avenue in Lower Albina, these brightly colored, three- Lloyd Place Apartments. This mixed-use story lofts are located in a 1910 building th project at NE 16 Avenue and Weidler that was converted in 1997. The 23 contains housing, ground floor retail, a units provide roughly 13,433-sq. ft. of garden court, athletic facilities, and a day living space. care center. These four and five story

76 Highlights Report Table 5 Other Significant Housing Projects

Project Number of units Date Market/Affordable

Central Eastside

Buckman Terrace 122 Buckman Heights Apts 144 Goose Hollow

Goose Hollow Apts 30 1989 market The Glisan Street Shelter Building contains housing for single homeless men, Transition North of Burnside Projects, Inc., and a community center for special needs populations. Everett Station Lofts 47 1989 affordable Swindells Building 105 1994 affordable Hoyt Commons 48 1995 market Table 5 identifies other significant Irving Street Townhouses 14 1996 market housing projects built or rehabilitated in Pearl Townhouses 10 1997 market Central City districts other than Down- Flanders Street Lofts 25 1991 market Fifth Avenue Place 70 1998 market town since 1988. Honeyman Hardware Lofts 110 1990 market Sally McCracken Building 95 1992 affordable Shelters for homeless youth and City Lofts 13 1993 market adults. The Central City Plan reaffirmed Riverstone Condominiums 123 1998 market the City’s desire to provide adequate Irving Street Lofts 77 1998 market Kearney Plaza Apartments 131 market shelter for the homeless. The Portland/ Tanner Place Condominiums 122 market Multnomah County Shelter Recon- Pearl Lofts 28 1990s market figuration Plan, though not without controversy, • Provides separate permanent shelters and transitional housing for single men and women, including the mentally ill; and • Shifts the emphasis away from large projects with 100 or more beds to smaller, dispersed shelters.

Central City Plan 77 Transition Projects, Inc., with offices in Property tax abatement. In 1989, the City the Glisan Street Shelter Building, man- expanded the property tax exemption Parks and Open ages the following projects. program to the entire Central City area. As was true in the earlier program, the Space Jean’s Place. Renovated in 1997, Jean’s owner is taxed on the land, but for ten place is located on NE 11th, just north of years taxes are not levied on improve- Policy. Build a park and open space Burnside. It provides 44 beds for single ments. In 1996, the program was ex- system of linked facilities that tie the homeless women. panded to include the development of Central City districts together and to Glisan Street Shelter. Located at NW 4th multifamily residential and mixed-use the surrounding community. Avenue and Glisan, this 90-bed facility is projects near major public transit facili- designed to serve single homeless men for ties. With the exception of Downtown, Central City districts were surprisingly devoid of six weeks or less. A short-term, 24-hour Housing Investment Fund. This fund was facility, the building was renovated for parks and open space, with scarce established in 1994 with $14 million in linkages between districts and the rest of $489,000 with a Portland Development general fund financing. It is available Commission grant. the community. These problems have citywide to encourage new multifamily been slightly mitigated, primarily from Clark Center. Also known as the Eastside housing and rehabilitation of existing the addition of public spaces within Men’s Shelter, this new brick building was residential units. Then-Commissioner private developments, but not to the constructed on the site formerly occupied Gretchen Kafoury spearheaded the fund. extent suggested in the Central City Plan. by the Oregon Breaker’s, Inc. Storage Since 1996, the fund has provided $3.47 The most important new linkages are the Space and the Drawing Studio on SE million to five projects in the Central City. Willamette Greenway improvements Hawthorne Boulevard. The center was Preservation Housing Study. The Portland discussed on page 72 and assorted bridge completed in Winter 1998 for $1.3 million. Development Commission has analyzed improvements. It provides 90 beds for single homeless the cost of refinancing or transferring New parks men for a maximum of three months. ownership of housing whose federal low- Participation in a case management study, income subsidies are scheduled to expire. Oregon Square Courtyard. These two with emphasis on finding employment and PDC anticipates that by the end of 2005 landscaped blocks along the MAX line housing, is required of shelter occupants. over 1,200 units in 23 projects will be provide paths, restrooms, benches, and a removed as low-income units, thus gazebo. The 8,000-sq. ft. park is used Programs. The following programs have threatening housing options current extensively during lunchtime by employ- been established or expanded since residents. ees from the four Oregon Square Build- completion of the Central City Plan. ings between Holladay and Oregon. They represent a small portion of the Outdoor concerts are held here during total number of programs available to warm weather months. The park also house homeless, low, moderate, and hosts special displays, including some of middle income persons. the Rose Festival parade floats.

78 Highlights Report Oregon Square Courtyard provides a welcome The are undergoing a Children enjoy the colorful playground in relief from the many office buildings and renaissance due to the many renovations and the North Park Blocks. parking lots in the Lloyd District. new construction on both sides. MAX Park. This small landscaped park Katz referred to this possibility in her Others. With funds from Bond Measures abutting the Liberty Centre MAX station at 1998 State of the City speech before the 26-10 and 26-26, the park block south of NE 7th Avenue is owned and maintained City Club. As a result of her interest, the Burnside Street was redeveloped to the by Kaiser Permanente. It was completed Mayor’s office initiated a study of the idea. standard established on the North Park in 1998. PDC also established an adjacent property Blocks, including new walkways, owner stakeholder group to evaluate the plantings, and restroom improvements. South Park Square. The first of four new feasibility of capping the freeway. O’Bryant Square was also renovated, with parks in the River District. South park is new irrigation, lighting, and park furni- th th bounded by NW 10 and11 Avenues, NW Park rehabilitation ture. Johnson Street and the vacated NW Kearney Street. A team of residents, North Park Blocks. Major redevelopment of consultants, and staff from Portland Devel- the North Park Blocks has recently oc- opment Commission and Portland Parks curred. In 1993 the Childpeace Montessori and Recreation are currently designing School co-sponsored the Children’s Park in this 40,000-sq. ft. block in the River the North Park Blocks. Between 1997 and District. Construction is expected to begin the recent closure of the Blitz Weinhard in 2000. Brewing Company, its employees volun- teered to clean up and enhance the park Proposed Park over I-405. Although the blocks every two months. idea to build a park over the I-405 freeway remains conceptual, Mayor Vera

Central City Plan 79 Culture and Major new facilities Entertainment Convention Center. Although the Con- vention Center was primarily constructed as an economic development tool, the Policy. Provide and promote facilities, center also hosts events that draw its programs and public events and festivals audience from the local and regional that reinforce the Central City’s role as a area. Some of these events include the cultural and entertainment center for Yard, Garden, and Patio Show; Bridal the metropolitan and northwest region. Show; Festival of the Trees, and Fabric Design Show. The South and North Park Blocks provide Downtown residents and employees alike savor the offerings of merchants in the weekly space for ethnic festivities, cultural events, Rose Garden Arena. Home of the Port- Public Market. and sports celebrations. The Portland Art land Trail Blazers, the arena is the largest Museum’s recent Chinese and Egyptian venue within the metropolitan region for Public Market. Begun initially in Pioneer shows provided an expanded foundation major performances. Among the shows Courthouse Square, the Public Market for activities and focused attention on the recently held are major rock music moved to the South Park Blocks. The Park Blocks’ amenities. The annual concerts, ice skating shows, Luciano market is held on weekends throughout Festival of the Arts is a relatively new Pavarotti, and arena football. the Summer and Fall. event being held in the South Park Blocks. Portland State University continues to organize and co-sponsor multiple activities Public events and festivals Art projects in the blocks as well. Art in the Pearl. Held in the North Park The Central City Plan District requires all Blocks over Labor Day weekend, this new The renaissance of Downtown theaters public developments to contain public art festival was created to celebrate artistic or commit one percent of the develop- began in 1984 with the six cinemas in the achievements in the River District. KOIN Tower. This trend has continued ment’s value to a public art trust fund. In addition, the plan district allows with the four-theater Broadway Metroplex International Showcase. This new event private developers to earn additional floor across the street from the Performing Arts draws on the wealth and breadth of area by committing one percent of the Center and the anticipated ten-theater different cultures within Portland. The value of the development to public art. complex in the Fox Tower. Not only do event, held at Memorial Coliseum during The program has resulted in the creation these theaters attract people into the city, Rose Festival, includes folk dancing and of artworks gracing all parts of the they also serve a growing population of singing and is indicative of the increasing Central City. Among the more interesting Central City residents and entice office diversity of Portland’s residents. workers to remain Downtown for are: entertainment after work.

80 Highlights Report “Stone, Water, and Heaven” (Daedulus and These sculptures are located just west of the The Promised Land sculpture rests across Icarus) is one of several sculptures in the Rose Lloyd Station along the MAX line. from the Justice Building facing the Quarter. Portland Building. Rose Quarter. Several of the better Figures along MAX. These three whimsi- known artworks in the Rose Quarter cal steel figures greet eastbound travelers include the Crown, Icarus, and Essential on MAX. They were brought to the Forces. The latter, a $2 million kinetic Lloyd Center Station in 1998. sculpture fountain, features nearly 500 water jets and two pillars that erupt with The Promised Land. Sculptor David balls of fire. Manuel created this tribute to families who traveled the Oregon Trail seeking Collins Circle. Created by Robert Murase, prosperity in the west. The statue faced this impressive traffic circle dominates considerable opposition because of its the junction of SW 18th Avenue, Jefferson apparent disregard for Native American Street, and the MAX line in the Goose inhabitants and the implication that the Hollow neighborhood. The circle has only pioneers to Oregon were Cauca- The Collins Circle round-about by Robert generated significant praise for its deft sians. Nevertheless, after much Murase is adjacent to the Collins Circle mixed- rendering of a Japanese symbol in debate, City Council agreed to place it in use project along the Westside MAX line. fractured basalt. Chapman Square.

Central City Plan 81 Rip Caswell’s bronze goose at the Goose Hollow The backdrop for the King’s Hill Station are The Suzhou Stone in Terry Schrunk Plaza was MAX Station is dedicated to the residents of these panels designed, in part, by students a gift from Portland’s sister city, Suzhou, this Central City neighborhood. from adjacent Lincoln High School. China.

Westside MAX stations. Goose Hollow • King’s Hill Station. Designed by Suzhou Stone. Placed in a small pond in houses three MAX stations, containing various artists, including Lincoln High Terry Schrunk Plaza, this 16-foot lime- public art. School students, the area just south of stone rock was a gift from Portland’s • Civic Stadium Station. The artwork at the station reflects historic architec- sister city, Suzhou, China in 1998. The the westbound station invites the tural styles and Lincoln’s history. The City of Portland was fortunate to receive public to use the bronze podiums, a station contains a winding path this rare and distinctive Lake Tai Stone. tree trunk, box, and pedestal, to speak embedded in stone reminiscent of the at will. Storage sheds with distinctive underlying Tanner Creek. The Goose coverings are located on either side of Hollow Foothills League dedicated a the small plaza. One is a steel cube goose, sculpted by Rip Caswell, to containing thoughts on the city’s past the residents of Goose Hollow. and present, the other is decorated • Goose Hollow Station. The various with tile and glass, The eastbound manifestations of house and home on station, adjacent to the Oregonian the station canopies recall Goose building, contains wall cutouts with Hollow’s sense of place within historic pages from the Oregonian Portland’s history. Glass blocks create and punctuation-shaped furniture. a window through which the sur- rounding neighborhood can be glimpsed and goose wings stretch across the canopy.

82 Highlights Report The other two institutions offer educa- Education tional resources not addressed elsewhere. The Portland Northwest College of Art Policy. Expand educational was founded in 1909 with close, interac- opportunities to meet the needs of tive ties to the Portland Art Museum. Its Portland’s growing population and original location was the Ladd Grammar businesses, and establish the School at SW Park and Jefferson Streets. Central City as a center of academic In 1969, the college moved into the new and cultural learning. facility, designed by Pietro Belluschi, adjacent to the museum. It recently The Central City is home to four educa- relocated to the Pearl District, though it tional institutions: Portland State Univer- retains connections to the museum. The Hoffman Hall on the PSU campus opened sity (PSU), Portland Community College Western Culinary Institute was established in 1997. (PCC), Pacific Northwest College of Art in 1983 by Horst Mager and Donald district and plan will move PSU closer to (PNCA), and the Western Culinary Insti- Waldbauer, local Portland business own- its policy: to be a vital, multicultural, tute. ers. The institute is located at SW 10th and international crossroads with an Avenue and Columbia. The 26,000-sq. ft. environment which stimulates lifelong Because of its longevity, size, mission, and complex contains lecture rooms, kitchen learning, collaboration between business location, PSU has been the primary focus classrooms, a restaurant, and assorted and government, and a rich cultural of the City’s attention. In addition to its other rooms and offices. experience. The new Central City Streetcar educational services, PSU emphasizes will link PSU with Northwest Portland, urban issues and promotes interaction Portland State University (PSU). The the River District, and the Central Business between professors, students, and metro- value of PSU as an urban university was District. Other improvements are listed politan leaders and citizens. recognized and became a major compo- below: nent of the Downtown Plan. The Central The PCC campus in the Central Eastside City Plan further promoted PSU as a Branford Price Millar Library. Though the Industrial District is a recent addition to the major state institution of higher education. main body of the library was built in Central City. Opened in September 1996, City Council took the next step on April 1966, an $11 million addition to the front this campus is the college’s Workforce 12, 1995, when it amended the Central half of the building was completed in Training Center. Its location allows access City Plan to create the University District 1991. to the many incubator businesses within and adopt the University District Develop- Hoffman Hall. This 400-seat lecture hall, the Central Eastside Industrial District, the ment Plan. Much of the plan elements completed in 1997, is outfitted with the media at adjacent KPTV Channel 12 came from an earlier Vision for a Univer- latest technological advances. The hall is station, and the various scientific and sity District, prepared by a PSU task force available for community meetings in technological forums held at the Oregon and the Association for Portland Progress. addition to PSU functions. Museum of Science and Technology. Together, the creation of an identifiable

Central City Plan 83 Historic Preservation

Policy. Preserve and enhance the historically and architecturally important buildings and places and promote the creation of our own legacy for the future.

The Central City Plan extended elements of the Downtown Plan’s historic preser- The Central Eastside campus of Portland vation goal to areas beyond Downtown. PSU’s Urban Center reflects the exuberance of Community College provides professional In addition, the plan focused attention on the university’s growing campus. development, management, and public improvements, transfer of devel- computer training. Urban Center. Located between SW 5th opment rights, establishing new historic and 6th Avenues, Montgomery and Mill, districts where appropriate, and the 118,000-sq. ft. center will include expanding financing options for im- class space and offices for the College of provements of historic structures and Urban and Public Affairs. It will also sites. All historic districts called for in the contain a pedestrian plaza, a transit stop Central City Plan with the exception of a on the Central City Streetcar line, and proposed Terra Cotta Historic District h commercial space on the ground level. ave been established. The building is scheduled for completion in mid-2000. Reflecting the need for historic preserva- tion, the Central City Plan recommended Portland Community College. Along public information programs. Supporting The Pacific Northwest College of Art recently with other PCC campuses, the Workforce this effort are local Portland historians relocated from the Portland Art Museum to and institutions such as the Oregon Center provides professional develop- the Pearl District. ment, management, and computer train- Historical Society and the PSU School of Pacific Northwest College of Art. Urban and Public Affairs. Self-walking ing and English as a Second Language. th The center brings together unions and Located at NW 12 Avenue and Johnson, tour guides are available at bookstores trade programs to meet the educational/ the college leased the former Westing- throughout the city. Urban Tours, a training needs of the unemployed and house warehouse for ten years. At a cost volunteer organization, offers “Portland at underemployed. Its student body for the of about $2.5 million, the college in- Your Feet,” a guided 22-block tour of the fall term was 2,000. Administrators creased its square footage from 38,000 to Downtown’s art and architectural trea- anticipate a full-time student body popu- 43,000 for new classrooms, library, meet- sures. The Bosco Milligan Foundation, a lation of 10,000. ing rooms, and performance space. nonprofit organization dedicated to the 84 Highlights Report The elaborate Chinatown arch heralds the The Russell Street Conservation District is part The West Block is part of the East Portland/ entrance to the Chinatown/New Japantown of the Eliot neighborhood. Grand Avenue Historic District. Historic District. completed in 1987. Its installation fore- ft. block at NW 3rd Avenue and Everett preservation of the Portland region’s shadowed improvements to this unique Street in Old Town /Chinatown. The garden historic resources, offers historic preserva- part of town that would later be expanded is scheduled for completion in June 2000. tion programs each quarter. The Bureau of as part of the Central City Plan. Improve- Planning provides technical information ments include painting of light fixtures and Russell Street Conservation District. and assistance to community-based groups the installation of single and twin Portland Adopted in 1993, the Russell Street Conser- wishing to research possible historic desig- cast iron ornamental lighting. vation District contains four buildings that nations and the identification and establish- were added to the National Register of ment of historic inventories. An exciting project on the horizon is the Historic Places in 1998. Classical Chinese Garden. Designed in Historic and the style of classic, private urban gardens East Portland/Grand Avenue Historic Conservation Districts in Portland’s sister city of Suzhou, the District. Adopted in February 1991, the district was listed on the National Register New Chinatown/Japantown Historic garden will serve as a cultural showpiece of Historic Places that same year. The District. City Council adopted this district and center for community activities. The Design Guidelines for the East Portland/ in November 1989. It is also listed on the City of Portland, the City of Suzhou, the Grand Avenue Historic Design Zone, National Register of Historic Places. Use of Classical Chinese Garden Trust, and the adopted in June 1994, reinforces the area’s PDC-administered enhancement programs Classical Chinese Garden Society collabo- character through preservation of existing strengthened the district’s identity, as did rated to raise the $6.4 million needed to historic buildings. It encourages compatible construction of the . bring the garden to fruition. Northwest renovation and new construction. In 1998 The elaborate Chinatown arch at W Natural Gas signed a 99-year lease option the Bosco Milligan Foundation, dedicated Burnside Street and NW 4th Avenue was agreement with the City for the 40,000-sq.

Central City Plan 85 to the preservation of the region’s historic resources, relocated to the oldest commercial building in the Central Eastside District.

NW 13th Avenue Historic District Design Guidelines. The guidelines for this district were adopted in February 1996.

Transfer of Development Rights. This provision, which allows the transfer of density from the designated landmark to another location, was adopted in 1996 as Tom McCall Waterfront Park includes stairs and platforms that allow people to move freely part of the Historic Resources Code between the park and water levels. Amendments. It is an incentive that an owner may use to protect, renovate, Portland was largely established. Its wide, and preserve the landmark in its inviting, brick-lined streets contained original condition. trees, seasonal planters, fountains, public art, and ornamental street lighting. Its American Heritage River designation. buildings presented pedestrian-friendly President Clinton designated the façades of spacious windows, generous Willamette River as one of fourteen The Esplanade in RiverPlace is an example of doors, and varied wall coverings and American Heritage rivers in Fall 1998. a pedestrian street. Store windows open trim. As the Central City Plan progressed, This designation qualifies the river for directly onto the esplanade, enhanced by stakeholders and other participants federal programs such as economic landscaping, awnings, and street furniture. realized that these design elements development and small business grants, should be expanded beyond Downtown. technical and financial assistance to implement restoration and pollution Urban Design Initially a clear vision of the desired prevention, and economic modeling to character for the various districts had not help communities assess benefits and costs Policy. Enhance the Central City as a been defined and the costly design of proposed projects. The purpose of the livable, walkable area which focuses on review process could not be relied upon program is to support community-based the river and captures the glitter and for guidance. The decision was made to efforts to restore and protect the environ- excitement of city living. limit design review and the creation of mental, economic, cultural, and historic design guidelines to areas with unique value of our rivers. By the time the Central City Plan was characteristics that were to transition into initiated, the character of Downtown a more urban form. Design guidelines

86 Highlights Report were subsequently prepared for adopted historic districts, parts of Lloyd District, and, most recently, the Goose Hollow MAX stations and the River District.

The most significant change to the Zoning Code to come out of the Central City Plan was the institution of the Central City Plan District. The idea of a separate section in the code for Downtown had been estab- lished with the institution of the Downtown New developments in the River District exemplify the design elements that make Portland a Development Regulations. With the estab- walkable city: wide, inviting sidewalks, landscaping, and pedestrian amenities. lishment of the expanded plan district, however, the Central City Plan set the stage was also the first attempt to combine • Pedestrian Emphasis, which empha- for similar “site-specific” plan districts for unique elements and ensure that public sizes people and walking; and other areas of the city. and private development worked together • Project Design, which ensures that each to serve those who live, work, shop, and development is consistent with Central City Plan District. The Central play in the area. Portland’s urban design framework and City Plan District was a direct outgrowth sensitive to users. of the Downtown Development Regula- Design Guidelines. City Council passed tions. As part of the Central City Plan, the its first design review requirements in 1968 Since their adoption, the Fundamentals regulations were re-evaluated for the to better distinguish Portland’s buildings have been expanded through the adop- Downtown core and expanded to the and create a unique skyline. The Down- tion of design guidelines specific to other Central City districts as well. The town Plan reiterated the need for guide- individual districts. Special design guide- plan district retained all elements of the lines; the Central City Plan gave them lines have been adopted for the follow- regulations: floor area ratios, height limits, further definition. In August 1990, City ing: bonuses for amenities, and requirements Council adopted the Central City Plan • East Portland/Grand Avenue Design related to lot lines, façades, parking, Fundamental Design Guidelines. In so Guidelines, adopted July 31, 1991; retail, and residential activity. The City doing, design review was endorsed as • Lloyd District Design Guidelines, added bonus options for day care, rooftop critical to the livability and viability of adopted September 11, 1991; gardens, water features of public foun- Downtown and the surrounding districts. tains, theaters on Broadway, and public • North Macadam Design Guidelines, art. The Fundamentals focus on three adopted September 9, 1992 and cur- general categories: rently being updated as part of the North Macadam Framework Plan This was the first plan district application • Portland Personality, which estab- process; a compilation of development standards lishes Portland’s urban design frame- specific to a particular area of the city. It work;

Central City Plan 87 • Goose Hollow Design Guidelines, Table 6 adopted February 21, 1996; • River District Design Guidelines, Protected Views and Corridors; Portland Scenic Views, Sites and Corridors adopted February 21, 1996 and Resource Protection Plan, March 1991. amended November 1998; and • Central Eastside Design Guidelines, View corridors of Mt. Hood and/or Mt. St. Helens from: adopted July 31, 1991. Views of bridges from: • Washington Park • North Viewpoint at Riverplace: Marquam and • Lewis and Clark Monument Ross Island Bridges Central City Developer’s Handbook. • • Broadway Bridge: Fremont Bridge Due to the complexity of regulations • Washington Park Rose Garden • South Viewpoint at Riverplace: Marquam and pertaining to development in the Central • Upper Hall Drive Ross Island Bridges • Terwilliger Drive • Waterfront Park: Marquam and Ross Island City, the Bureau of Planning published this Bridges document in July 1992 to assist potential Views of the city from: • : Hawthorne Bridge developers. The Handbook includes • Oregon Art Institute: east down SW Madison • SW Jefferson Street: Vista Bridge graphics and maps to help describe City • Convention Center Plaza: River and • South Side: Marquam Bridge Downtown design standards and guidelines and • Burnside Bridge: Steel Bridge • OMSI: Downtown • Hawthorne and Morrison Bridges explain their purpose. • Red Lion Motel and Memorial Coliseum: • Hawthorne Bridge: Morrison Bridge from the Downtown Westside: Broadway Bridge View Corridors. The Downtown Plan • 12th Street Overpass at I-84: Downtown • Waterfront Park: Hawthorne Bridge recognized the need to regulate building • Eastbank Esplanade: City • Eastbank Esplanade: Morrison Bridge • East Burnside: First Interstate Tower • Waterfront Park: Burnside Bridge height in order to protect views from the • RiverPlace Floating Dock: Downtown • Rail Yards: Broadway Bridge Rose Garden and Terwilliger Parkway. • Montgomery Street Stairs: RiverPlace • Lower Albina: Broadway Bridge The Central City Plan went significantly • Albina Park: Downtown • Steam Plant: Marquam Bridge beyond this provision by including an • SW Salmon Street: Waterfront Park Fountain • Eastbank Esplanade: Burnside Bridge action to protect view corridors at public • OMSI: Marquam Bridge Views of mountains from: • South: streets and parks. To implement this • South Park Blocks: Mt. Hood provision, City Council adopted the • Gazebo at SW Front Avenue: Mt. St. Helens Views of the river from: Scenic Views, Sites and Corridors Resource • Steamer Portland Site: Mt. Hood • The middle of the Ross Island, Hawthorne, Protection Plan and related Title 33, • South of the Morrison Bridge: Mt. Hood Morrison, Burnside, Broadway, and Steel Bridges • NW Lovejoy Street: Mt. Hood • Along the Eastbank Riverfront Park Planning and Zoning, regulations in • Jefferson Street Overpass: Mt. St. Helens • Along the west side of the river between the March 1991. Table 6 identifies major • Broadway Bridge: Mt. Hood Steel and Broadway Bridges views and corridors that directly impact developments in the Central City.

88 Highlights Report provement Project. The North Mall Street lighting. As of 1992, the Cast Extension includes twin ornamental Iron Ornamental Lighting District ex- lighting standards for NW Fifth and Sixth tended from SW Jefferson to Burnside Avenues to Union Station. Remaining Street and north of Burnside along MAX, installation of ornamental lighting in the and in the Chinatown District. On January River District will follow the plan de- 1, 1989 there were approximately 1,800 tailed in the adopted River District Devel- twin ornamentals in the Central City; two opment Plan and will occur with con- years later there were 2,287, represent- struction of associated private develop- ing a 228 percent increase. These num- ment. bers do not include single ornamentals, which are more scarce. Cast iron orna- Goose Hollow neighborhood. Westside mental streetlights have been or are light rail funds were used to install being installed in the following locations: ornamental streetlights and pedestrian, bicycle, and transit amenities along the Downtown. In 1989-90 twin ornamental MAX line and throughout station areas. lighting was installed on Second Avenue, Oak Street, and Taylor Street. Installation Lloyd Center District. More than $3 of ornamental lights in Skidmore Fountain/ million has been spent over the last several Old Town have been completed between years to install ornamental street lighting in W Burnside and NW Davis Streets from 1st the Lloyd Center area. The improvements to 3rd Avenues and in the area of SW Ash, promote pedestrian and traffic safety and Pine, Oak, and 2nd Avenue. Painting of enhance the area’s appearance. Installa- Ornamental street lighting enhances the light fixtures and installation of single and tion was coordinated with other design special character of parts of Central City. twin cast iron ornamentals in Chinatown/ and public improvement projects. New Japantown is substantially completed. Central Eastside. A five-year, $800,000 Utilities. All utilities in the Downtown Approximately half of the ornamental face-lift for the Central Eastside District th core and along the Grand/Martin Luther lights on SW 9 Avenue and SW Park from includes the addition of twin-light orna- King Jr. corridor are underground. Utilities W Burnside to SW Morrison in the South mental street amenities, as well as trash along the westside light rail line were Park Blocks have been installed. receptacles, street trees, and flower undergrounded in 1994 as part of that River District. Twin ornamental lighting baskets along Grand Avenue and Martin project. In the River District along NW 9th was installed on NW Ninth and Park Luther King Jr. Boulevard. and 13th Avenues utilities will be placed Avenues as part of the Boulevard Im- underground as part of all new develop- ment.

Central City Plan 89 Other amenities Public Safety Exterior treatment program. Since its inception in the early 1990s, an estimated Policy. Protect all citizens and their 100 sites in the River District have taken property, and create an environment in advantage of the Portland Development which people feel safe. Commission’s exterior building, lighting, and façade treatment program. The Central City Plan public safety policy emphasizes the creation and Banners. This program to place banners of a human-scale environment that lessens throughout the Central City, provides a the potential for criminal activities. This strong visual mosaic for Portland’s districts reflects a continuation of one of the funda- and neighborhoods. Some of the banners mental goals of the Downtown Plan - that that line streets and transit corridors of creating a pleasurable human environ- The Police Bureau maintains three community celebrate the Rose Festival, MAX, special ment by implementing core physical and police centers in Downtown and River District. cultural attractions, and waterfront festi- service improvements. Among these vals. improvements are: None of these elements would be effective on their own, but together they help keep • the creation of comfortable and secure crime levels low. environments; • hiring a corps of persons to keep Police precinct. The new police office streets and sidewalks clean, landscap- opened in 1991 on Front Avenue. Its ing trimmed and watered, and illegal presence helped create a pleasant place to signs removed; live, work, and shop Downtown. Increased • extending retail hours into the evening foot, bicycle, and horse patrols, a more and on weekends; successful method for Downtown than • police officers on horses or bicycles, a vehicular patrolling, were implemented. far less intrusive manner of interacting with persons on the street; Crime prevention. The Portland Police • an active crime prevention program in Bureau works with the Association of conjunction with neighborhood and Portland Progress, the City’s Office of business associations; Neighborhood Involvement, and various • provision of homeless shelters and neighborhood coalitions, businesses, and community groups to provide crime Banners celebrate many aspects of the city, coincident services; and prevention services. These programs range such as cultural attractors, festivals and • a year-round functioning university sporting events. within Downtown. from personal and property safety, control

90 Highlights Report of shoplifting and workplace violence, and Portland Police Mounted Patrol. The and the Portland/Multnomah County creating defensible space. Residential and Portland Police Bureau’s Mounted Patrol Shelter Reconfiguration Plan. Not surpris- commercial block watch programs and Unit, augmented with police cyclists, ingly, the documents extend beyond the foot patrols have been organized through- primarily patrols the Downtown area. In Central City to address the broader objec- out the city. addition, the Mounted Patrol Unit is used tive of promoting self-sufficiency through for special events, crowd control, and park counseling, education, and employment. Storefront police centers. Three store- problems. Horse and bike patrols provide fronts in Downtown have been converted opportunities for positive interaction The Housing Authority of Portland recently for use by public safety officers: O’Bryant between police officers and citizens. started a new program, Greater Opportuni- Square, Old Town, and the St. James ties to Advance, Learn and Succeed Apartments. Officers use the space while (GOALS). Its purpose is to work with completing paperwork and processing other agencies to train and educate moti- arrested individuals. The O’Bryant Square Human Services vated renters to be more self sufficient, contact office, established in conjunction moving out of subsidized housing, and off with the district attorney’s office, also Policy. Provide social and health welfare. In the past three years, about 35 provides crime prevention assistance and services for special needs populations, renters have graduated from the fledgling space for community meetings. and assist dependent individuals to program. become more independent. Special programs Youth and homeless adults services Down- The Central City Plan recognized that, in town include housing, food, clothing, Downtown Clean and Safe Program. The addition to the city’s physical framework, health care, and counseling. Most are Association for Portland Progress (APP) social elements also needed consideration. provided on a short term, ad hoc basis. administers this program, which is spon- The human services policy focuses attention sored through a downtown assessment on the homeless, mentally ill, chronically Youth. The Association for Portland district. APP Green Guides act as Down- unemployed, and other special needs Progress and Multnomah County Citizens town ambassadors, providing a friendly populations. Multnomah County and the City Crime Commission co-sponsored a home- presence and information on locations, of Portland have inventoried and investigated less youth study in 1997-98. Results activities, and programs. The APP local service providers to identify unmet indicate that, in any given year, there are security patrol, working with two Port- needs and evaluate program feasibility. 1,500 to 3,000 homeless youth, ranging land police officers, focuses on safety Among the relevant documents that have in age from 10 to17 in Portland. Local issues such as aggressive panhandling, recently been produced are: Alleviating the service organizations do not yet have a sidewalk obstacles, graffiti, and inappro- Consequences of Current Child Poverty, clear idea of the magnitude of the prob- priate public behavior. Reducing the Causes of Future Poverty, lem and need to define objectives and completed in April 1999 by the Multnomah outcome-based parameters. Nonprofit County Department of Support Services, organizations providing youth drop-in

Central City Plan 91 center facilities in Downtown include Outside In, Salvation Army Greenhouse, Natural Environment Janus Youth Programs, New Avenues for Youth, and local churches and institutions. Policy. Improve the Central City’s The Salvation Army offers a pilot pro- environment by reducing pollution, gram with 24-hour drop-in facilities two keeping the Central City clean and nights per week. New Avenues for green, and providing opportunities to Youth began in 1997 as a multi-service enjoy nature. center offering comprehensive programs such as street outreach and residential, Actions implementing the Downtown Plan medical, substance abuse, psychological, significantly reduced air pollution, but did spiritual, and employment assistance little to address ongoing problems of litter services. and water and noise pollution. Nor were there clear policies for enhancing wildlife Homeless adults. Together with habitat areas. The Central City Plan con- Multnomah County, the Cities of Portland centrated on natural environment im- and Gresham formed the McKinney Advi- provements within the urbanized area. As In order to improve habitat along the Willamette River, the sory Committee to plan a continuum of well, it increased trash receptacles and City incorporated erosion-control measures as well as native care and funding for homeless services. As utilized the Association for Portland plants into the bank design of the South Waterfront Park a result of the Portland/Multnomah County Progress Green Guides for cleaning up addition. Shelter Reconfiguration Plan, shelters are litter and graffiti. Some immediate measures for addressing being constructed throughout the Central these designations are: City. Recognizing that some homeless Now public and private attention is shifting • Stronger erosion and runoff standards; individuals prefer outdoor camps over toward improving Willamette River water shelters, organizations and agencies coop- quality and creating and enhancing wildlife • Cleaning or capping polluted areas erate in reducing the trauma and costs of habitat areas within the Central City. Much along the river; and homeless camp sweeps in Portland. These of the recent awareness is occurring • Opening the eastbank suspension include the Portland Police Bureau, neigh- because of the designation by the U.S. bridge only after guarantees for endan- borhood crime prevention specialists, Environmental Protection Agency of part gered species survival are in place. Homeless Person’s Legal Issues Task of the Willamette River as a superfund Water quality and fish and Force, Sisters of the Road, and Join: A site and the U.S. National Marine Fisher- wildlife habitat Center for Involvement. ies Service’s designation of salmonids and steelhead trout as endangered species. Metro Title 3. In June 1998, Metro adopted a stream and floodplain protec- tion plan to preserve water quality and prevent flood damage in the region. The

92 Highlights Report plan defines wetlands, regulates mainte- flowing sewer pipes. Sewer pipes are Other projects. The Bureau of Parks and nance of vegetated corridors along routed so as to empty into the city’s Recreation and PDC are working with the waterways and wetlands, creates a wastewater treatment plant, but when Oregon Audubon Society, Oregon Depart- floodplain management program that inundated, sewer pipes overflow directly ment of Fish and Wildlife, and other bans new development or requires flood into the river. In 1994, the City signed an environmental groups to enhance storage capacity and maintenance, and agreement with DEQ to reduce pollution Willamette River habitat through the recommends erosion control measures. related to these combined sewer overflows. Eastside Waterfront Plan and the North Mitigation techniques planned and exe- Macadam Framework Plan. Willamette Riverkeeper. Willamette cuted by the Bureau of Environmental Riverkeeper is a nonprofit organization Services include sumps, stream diver- Air quality. Since 1990, when the founded in 1996 to help reverse the sions, downspout disconnections, sewer Downtown Parking Management Plan was declining health of the Willamette River. separation, new pipes, conduits, and approved by City Council: Recently the organization increased its treatment alternatives. • 8,000 employees were offered transit inspections and water quality efforts in subsidies; the area’s river system. Portland’s Bureau Stormwater Management Manual. of Environmental Services (BES) and a Stormwater is generated during a rain- • About 300 employees have switched private environmental company analyze storm. When the ground is absorbent to alternative work hours; the water samples taken by Riverkeeper enough to soak up the water, there is • 125 carpool spaces were added in staff and volunteers. The U.S.Coast usually little problem when it rains. When garages; and Guard, Oregon Department of Environ- excess rainwater is not absorbed, it runs • Five alternative fuel vehicles were mental Quality (DEQ) and City agencies toward the Willamette, causing erosion, acquired for the City fleet as a demon- work together to follow up on sources of silting streams, and picking up pollutants stration project. water problems. The 3-year-old on its way. So, while the CSO project helps Riverkeeper also educates river users to mitigate the pollution resulting from Portland brownfield showcase commu- watch for and report deformed fish and stormwater, a preferable alternative is to nity. Brownfields are former commercial wildlife, spills, sewer overflows, and reduce stormwater runoff at the outset. The or industrial lands that cannot easily be wetland filling. Riverkeeper also works Stormwater Management Manual intro- developed because of previous contamina- with the Governor’s Willamette Basin duces regulations to reduce the impacts tion. Frequently, these lands are located Task Force to address broader river use of stormwater runoff (water quantity) and in or near existing communities and policies. pollution (water quality) resulting from contain infrastructure which could sup- new development and redevelopment. port redevelopment if cleaned up prop- Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO). City Council adopted the Stormwater erly. Potential brownfield sites within the Pollution in the Willamette River within Management Manual in July 1999. Central City are found in all subareas Portland is primarily attributable to oil fronting the Willamette River except from cars, fertilizers, and other chemicals Downtown. In March 1998, the City of washed into the city’s ditches and over-

Central City Plan 93 Portland was designated as a U.S. Envi- Eliot Neighborhood Plan. During ronmental Protection Agency Brownfields discussions of the Lower Albina District, Showcase Community, one of 16 nation- Eliot residents requested that the City ally. Showcase communities function as work with them to create a neighborhood brownfield laboratories, coordinating plan. The Eliot Neighborhood Plan was government, private sector, and commu- completed as part of the Albina Commu- nity resources and efforts. Each federal nity Plan that was adopted in 1993. participant has money exclusively ear- marked for this purpose. The U.S. Army River District. In April 1995, City Corps of Engineers, for example, contrib- Council combined the former Northwest utes technical assistance for environmen- Triangle and North of Burnside District tal assessments. A major benefit of policies into a new River District policy receiving this showcase designation is within the Central City Plan. that it increases the city’s ability to ac- quire other federal resources to clean up University District. In April 1995, City the properties. Council adopted the University District as a special subdistrict within the Downtown.

Goose Hollow. In January 1996, the Plan Review Central City Plan was again amended with the adoption of the Goose Hollow Policy. Periodically review the Station Community Plan. This action progress of the Central City Plan. expanded the plan in several places and revised the Goose Hollow district policy. The Central City Plan was intended to be a living, dynamic document, continually referenced and revised according to new projects and issues. To facilitate this process, the plan includes a section to guide its own review. Since 1988, the plan has been revised several times. The most important changes are discussed below:

94 Highlights Report Lovejoy Fountain is a popular wading location on hot summer days.

Central City Plan 95 Central City Plan Site Map

96 Highlights Report Central City Plan Site Locator

Transportation Museums and Event Facilities Parks and Open Space 1. Westside MAX 21. Oregon Convention Center 46. Eastside Waterfront Park 2. Central City Streetcar 22. Rose Quarter (+ artwork) 47. Oregon Square Courtyard 23. Oregon Museum of Science and 48. MAX Park Office, Retail, and Hotels Industry 49. South Block Square 3. Pacific Gas and Electric 24. Civic Stadium 50. Chinese Garden Transmission-Northwest Building 4. Hilton Hotel Housing Culture, Entertainment, Art and 5. Lipman Wolfe Building 25. Fifth Avenue Court Education 6. Embassy Suites 26. Sally McCracken House 51. “The Promised Land” Sculpture 7. Marriott City Center Hotel 27. Glisan Street Shelter 52. Figures along MAX 8. The Westin Portland 28. Clark Center 53. Suzhou Stone 9. Paramount Hotel 29. Irving Street Lofts 54. Westside MAX Station Artwork 10. Oregon Agricultural Marketing 30. Chown Pella Lofts 55. Portland State University Center 31. North Park Lofts 56. Urban Center 11. Robert Duncan Plaza 32. MacKenzie Lofts 57. Portland Community College 12. Pacific Square 33. The Yards at Union Station 58. Pacific Northwest College of Art 13. Wieden and Kennedy Building 34. Hoyt Street Yards 14. Liberty Centre 35. Pearl Court Apartments Historic Districts 15. Lloyd Center 36. Legends 59. New Chinatown/Japantown 16. Metro Building 37. Arbor Vista Condominiums Historic District 17. Marriott Courtyard 38. Collins Circle Apartments 60. Russell Street Conservation District 18. Widmer Brothers Brewing (+ artwork) 61. East Portland/Grand Avenue Company 39. Webb Plaza Historic District 19. White Eagle Café and Saloon 40. Stadium Station Apartments Police Activity Centers 20. Goodwill Industries of the 41. Lloyd Cornerstone 62. Police Precinct Columbia-Willamette 42. Lloyd Place Apartments 63. Community Police Contact Offices 43. Irvington Place 44. Left-Bank Lofts 45. Mississippi Court Apartments

Central City Plan 97 98 Highlights Report Albina Community Plan

N

Location of the Albina Community Plan within the City of Portland This drawing depicts mixed-use development at the proposed light-rail station at Interstate and Denver Avenues. This drawing is courtesy of the University of Oregon Department of Architecture and Allied Arts. Background

Initiated in 1989, the Albina Community Plan is the long-range component of the City’s strategy to revitalize inner North/ Northeast Portland. The area comprising the former City of Albina had been losing population, housing, jobs, and businesses since the 1950s. Decline in some of these neighborhoods by the late 1980s was accelerating, and there was an associated This is a detail from a painting by Charlotte Lewis that hangs in the Community Room at the NE rise in drug-related gang activity. Community Policing Facility.

Both public and private revitalization Front, the Urban League, the National riorating conditions in Northeast Portland efforts were launched to address these Association for the Advancement of neighborhoods. The panel identified issues before the initiation of the plan. Colored People, the Northeast Coalition target areas and sought to develop These included the formation of the of Neighborhoods, the Northeast Com- immediate programs toward neighbor- North/Northeast Economic Development munity Development Corporation and hood livability. Task Force, the Neighborhood Revitaliza- other community groups. tion Program, and the shift to community In May 1989, the North/Northeast Eco- policing. The Task Force, formed to In January 1989, the Portland City Council, nomic Development Task Force published develop an action plan to guide revitaliza- Multnomah County Board of Commission- an Economic Development Action Plan, tion efforts, included the Albina Ministe- ers, and other participating jurisdictions which provided guidance to government rial Alliance, the Oregon Association of adopted a Neighborhood Revitalization agencies in formulating economic Minority Entrepreneurs, the Northeast Strategy. Directed by a management development projects and programs for Business Boosters, the Black United panel, its purpose was to address dete- the area.

Albina Community Plan 101 At about the same time, Portland com- revitalization of the community. The Some of the particular issues that the City pleted a five-year plan to implement its public safety policy proposed additional and the community intended the Albina new community policing program. The actions to aid in the establishment of a Community Plan to address are plan emphasized a partnership between community-policing program. summarized below. citizens and the police to solve neighbor- • Loss of businesses, jobs, and commu- hood public safety problems. Improving Planning for the regional light rail system nity wealth. The decline in neighbor- the public safety of many of the Albina and the creation of a new urban renewal hood businesses and commercial neighborhoods was crucial to encourage district in the Lloyd District were also districts, especially along MLK, was a families to remain in the area and attract integrated into the plan. The North Port- frequently voiced concern by Albina new investments. land neighborhoods of Kenton, Arbor area residents. A sizable amount of Lodge, and Overlook were included land zoned for business uses was Community-based groups including the because two of the four possible align- vacant or underused along MLK, and Task Force urged the City to start a plan- ments for the northbound line rail line potential new employers were not ning process in Albina parallel to the were included within their boundaries. To locating there. Many felt that develop- Central City Plan process that would provide funds for revitalization activity along ment constraints on land zoned for address the disinvestment and declining NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (MLK), business was partly responsible for this livability of the area. In July 1989, the City including the redevelopment of the Walnut situation. To combat high unemploy- initiated the Northeast District Plan, later Park area, the plan proposed the expansion of ment rates in the community, more job renamed the Albina Community Plan. The the Convention Center Urban Renewal District. training and placement programs for plan was intended to provide the future residents were needed. vision of the area as well as to coordinate The Albina Community Plan took almost • Loss of housing and population. In the and build on the other revitalization and four years to complete and involved the more distressed neighborhoods little planning efforts that were underway. In participation of an estimated 4,000 people new housing construction had taken addition to proposing a new land use map from the community. It was developed place for decades. Much of the exist- for the area, the plan contained action in cooperation with 15 neighborhoods, ing housing stock was at least 50 years agendas that coordinated the activities of a five business associations, and many old, and some of it was in poor repair. broad set of government agencies, commu- other community organizations. The Housing abandonment was a growing nity groups, and other implementing North/Northeast Economic Development problem–over 700 residential buildings, agencies. These action agendas addressed Task Force (now the N/NE Economic mostly single-family dwellings, were land use, transportation, historic preserva- Development Alliance) guided the citizen listed by the Bureau of Buildings as tion, education, and family services issues. involvement process so that all commu- vacant and abandoned. The greater As well, the plan incorporated and ex- nity groups had the opportunity to voice Albina community and a portion of the panded on the objectives of the North/ their concerns. The Albina Community Lloyd District lost approximately 15,000 Northeast Economic Development Task Plan, plus 11 accompanying neighbor- residents between 1960 and 1980. This Force’s action plan to guide the economic hood plans, was adopted by City Council contributed to the decline of neigh- in October 1993.

102 Highlights Report borhood commercial districts. At the same time, a lack of neighborhood- serving businesses made Albina less desirable to prospective residents. • Community image. Many viewed the Albina community as unsafe for resi- dents, visitors, employees, and custom- ers. This perception contributed to the loss of residents and disinvestment in the community. The community’s architectural heritage from the late 19th and early 20th centuries was unpro- tected and endangered, while its multicultural history received little citywide recognition. • Public safety. Crime rates in some neighborhoods were high. Residents wanted a new police precinct and storefront police contact stations in the community. • Education and family services. Many residents were concerned about their children’s prospects for a good educa- tion in the area’s public schools. More youth services and recreational facili- ties were needed, particularly to reduce the attractiveness of gang involvement. This is the corner tower of the historic Lion and The Rose bed and breakfast located in the Irvington neighborhood.

Albina Community Plan 103 Albina Community Plan Concept Map

104 Highlights Report Major Plan Concepts

The focus of the land use, transportation, the area and urban design elements of the Albina between Community Plan was to attract new Interstate investment to the area. The siting of new Avenue and and expanded businesses in Albina’s the I-5 commercial and industrial areas and new Recent improvements to NE MLK Jr. Boulevard include new sidewalks and freeway are changes to the median that allow on-street parking in commercial nodes. affordable housing construction in residen- designated tial areas was particularly sought after. for high Besides offering incentives and removing density residential to support local Multnomah County Library, and barriers to development, attracting new businesses and transit, particularly the Jefferson High School. Lombard Street residents and investment also required proposed northbound light rail line. provides the principal access to the improvement of the area’s image and • East-west commercial centers along North Portland Peninsula; its commer- preservation of its historic character. Alberta, Killingsworth, and Lombard cial zoning takes advantage of high Streets. Alberta Street revitalization is traffic volumes and transit use. The major concepts of the Albina Commu- built around the development and • Protection of older commercial dis- nity Plan include the following. expansion of small businesses, many of tricts. The Woodlawn and Kenton • North-south high-density development which serve the local neighborhood. business districts and the commercial corridors with greater depth along MLK Killingsworth is seen as a retailing strip node around the intersection of and Interstate Avenue. A commercial between Williams and Interstate Mississippi Avenue and Shaver Street and employment center is planned Avenues. This area is anchored by are reinforced through new develop- between Ainsworth and Skidmore Portland Community College’s Cascade ment standards. Specifically, historic Streets. Some areas along MLK and campus, the Albina Branch of the design zones preserve the character

Albina Community Plan 105 of these districts. They are intended rezoned for high density housing. to further develop into neighborhood New incentives are now available to commercial areas and neighborhood encourage infill housing in residential gathering places. areas. • Institutional campuses. Albina’s • Urban design. The creation of new educational and medical institutions historic districts now preserves signifi- are major employers. To foster their cant historic resources and locations. growth and provide certainty for Voluntary design guidelines help make surrounding residential neighborhoods, new housing construction and alter- the institutional campus Comprehensive ations compatible with the historic Plan map designation was created. character of the Albina neighborhoods. This designation can be used to set an • Open space. Proposed new open ultimate facility boundary. spaces include a new park near Broad- • Employment areas. The plan way Street and MLK and additional identified several new areas for public access to the Columbia and employment zoning where a mixture Willamette Rivers. of commercial, light industrial, and • Transportation. Preliminary planning is residential uses are allowed. These complete for transit station areas in the include segments of Interstate Avenue Interstate/ I-5 corridor, including and the Williams-Vancouver corridor identification of preferred northbound and areas along Mississippi Avenue light-rail alignments. south of Failing Street. • Industrial areas. Industrial develop- ment opportunities are preserved in Lower Albina, Albina Yard, Swan Island, Mock’s Bottom, and the Columbia Corridor. • Housing. There are increased opportunities for new housing con- struction along major streets. Some former commercial and employment areas along MLK and elsewhere were

106 Highlights Report The Albina Community To d ay

In the last five years, the tide has turned for the Albina community. The popula- tion is growing and new businesses are opening on MLK, Alberta Street, and in other commercial districts. After decades of little construction activity, new hous- ing is being built and existing housing renovated. Household incomes are rising, particularly in the poorest neighborhoods, and the crime rate appears to be on the decline.

Albina Community Bank located at 2002 NE MLK Boulevard has made at least $13.2 million in home and business loans, mostly in North and Northeast Portland, since it opened in 1995.

Albina Community Plan 107 108 Highlights Report Highlights Economic Development (Combines Business Growth and Devel- opment and Jobs and Employment)

Albina residents, community organizations, and business owners have made a con- certed effort over the past 15 years to restore Albina’s economic vitality. For example, community-based groups formed the North/Northeast Economic Develop- The renovated Smart Building on N.E. MLK Boulevard houses Doris’ Cafe and the Albina Coffee House. ment Task Force in 1988 and produced an These are popular gathering places for local residents. action plan that was published in May Alberta and Killingsworth Streets. New Portland Boulevard and east along Alberta 1989. Many Albina Community Plan businesses are locating in existing buildings Street to NE 15th Avenue. The district objectives were derived directly from this and several new commercial developments supports tax increment funds for commer- plan; specifically stimulating new com- have been built on land that was vacant cial and residential development along mercial and industrial investment, creating and underused. New multifamily housing MLK and Alberta. jobs for residents, and revitalizing neigh- complexes with ground floor retail/office borhood commercial areas. space are also being built on MLK. Urban The Kenton business district on Denver renewal funds provided financial assistance Avenue is another Albina commercial area An early success of these planning efforts is for this new development activity. The that is improving. Kenton community the return of commercial uses to NE Martin Oregon Convention Center Urban members published the Kenton Action Plan Luther King Jr. Boulevard (MLK) and the Renewal District was extended by City in 1992 to guide revitalization efforts in revitalization of commercial districts on Council in July 1993, north along MLK to the business district and surrounding

Albina Community Plan 109 neighborhood. Among the improvements made to the Denver Avenue area was the 1993 restoration of the three-story Kenton Hotel to its historic 1910 character.

Two local community institutions assist new business owners and residents seeking employment. The Cascade Business Center, operated by the Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (OAME), provides training and incubator space for small businesses. Located in the same complex, the NE Workforce provides job placement services for community residents. Other programs related to creating and accessing jobs have been initiated since the plan’s adoption. These include the award of public contracts to businesses owned by minorities and women and improved public transit service to the Rivergate employment center.

The North/Northeast Economic Develop- This new commercial development near the intersection of NE MLK Jr. and Portland Boulevards was ment Alliance continues to promote the completed in 1999. The center occupies a site that was largely vacant ten years ago. implementation of the Albina Commu- Revival of commerce on NE MLK Jr. on the ground floor of housing projects. nity Plan, into which their action plan Boulevard (MLK) Tax increment funds and other resources was incorporated. The Alliance has MLK is the main street of the Albina have been used to entice new businesses been meeting recently to revise and community as well as its major north/south to locate on MLK and help owners make update some of the plan’s strategies, arterial. It is currently assuming a new storefront improvements. Funds have also particularly as they relate to the creation role: “Portland’s Multicultural Main Street.” been allocated for boulevard improve- of wealth in the community and attract- Restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, ments such as removing portions of the ing new businesses. They expect to professional offices, and a community median to allow on-street parking near complete this work in the Winter of bank have recently opened to serve Albina businesses. Some of the new develop- 2000. residents and the wider metropolitan area. ments and building renovations on MLK Some of these new businesses are located are on the following list:

110 Highlights Report State Farm Insurance Center. This new Standard Dairy Building. Extensive complex, completed in 1999, consists of remodeling and expansion has trans- two buildings totaling 15,000-sq. ft. One formed this building into a mix of 65 serves as a State Farm claims office and residential units and and 20,000-sq. ft. of vehicle inspection center; the other commercial space. Commercial uses houses a community center and insurance include a restaurant, gym, laundromat, agent offices. general store, and cybercafe. This pri- vately financed project opened in the Fall Lynch Steel Building. This renovated of 1999. building houses Neil Kelly Cabinets. Smart Building. Renovation of this Walnut Park Retail Center. The Walnut building was completed in 1992. Current Park Retail Center, 22,500-sq. ft., is at- tenants are the Albina Coffee House and Albina Corner contains housing as well as the tached to the Northeast Community Polic- Doris Café, both popular gathering places, Albina Community Bank, Portland Community Design, and a day care center. ing Center. Commercial tenants include the and Vessels, a retail shop. The Smart Reflections Bookstore, a local gathering Building is part of a developing commer- place; Blimpies, a sandwich/salad shop; study area includes the portion of Alberta cial node at King and Russell Streets. th and a video store. The Blazers Boys and Street from MLK to NE 15 Avenue that Girls Club was constructed nearby in 1995. The Albina Corner Building. Located at lies within the Convention Center Urban Northeast Community Development San Rafael Street and MLK, this building Renewal District. Corporation built ten new rowhouses south was completed in 1996. It houses the of the retail center. Albina Community Bank, Portland Com- Alberta Street commercial district munity Design office, and Peninsula revitalization. New businesses are Harry Jackson Plaza and Retail Center. Children’s Center on the first floor, with opening and existing ones are remaining The construction of a 6,500-sq. ft. three stories of affordable housing above. and expanding. OAME initiated the effort Adidas/America retail store was com- to revitalize this area; the Sabin Commu- pleted at the corner of NE Alberta Street In April 1998, the Portland Development nity Development Corporation (CDC) has and MLK. This project includes $135,000 Commission (PDC) completed the MLK also become involved. As part of the in Portland Development Commission Commercial Development Strategy to guide revitalization strategy, a portion of the th (PDC) funds for a 5,000-sq. ft. plaza. It their revitalization efforts in the MLK street from MLK to NE 15 Avenue was commemorates police officer Harry corridor for the next five to ten years. Key included in the Oregon Convention Center Jackson, an important leader in the elements are streetscape improvements to Urban Renewal District. This allows the revitalization of the boulevard. make the boulevard more hospitable to use of tax increment and other funds to help small businesses open and upgrade Catalina Coin-Op Laundry. This new pedestrians, parking and access improve- ments, site assembly, targeted business and facilitate other business district im- laundromat is located at the corner of NE provements. Failing and MLK. recruitment, and marketing activities. The

Albina Community Plan 111 emerged, includ- ing art galleries and restaurants. A gallery walk is held the last Thursday of the month. Some of the new busi- nesses that have opened on Alberta since Roslyn’s Garden Coffee House is located on 1990 include: NE Alberta St. S. Brooks and In September 1998, PDC published a Associates/Brooks study in association with the Bureau of Temporary. This Housing and Community Development business occupies (BHCD) and Sabin CDC as part of the a renovated Alberta Street Development Opportunity institutional A new, two-story commercial building at 1330 NE Alberta Street houses a Strategy. The study presented design and building at 1130 barber shop, sports apparel store and offices. feasibility analyses for six Alberta Street NE Alberta Street. properties. The purpose was to help a loan from PDC. Its owner recently built existing business owners plan for im- The Barber Shop Building. Former north- a new building containing a studio loft provements to their properties and east resident and current NBA All-Star, above retail space across the street from provide examples for other small busi- Terrell Brandon, made a private contribu- the coffeehouse. ness owners who might want to do so in tion toward the King neighborhood revital- Sabin Community Development the future. The Development Opportunity ization effort. He built this two-story Corporation (Sabin CDC). This local Strategy assists property owners and commercial building at 1330 NE Alberta in community development corporation is developers along Alberta Street between 1997 to house a barbershop and other retail located in a combined office and housing MLK and NE 33rd Avenue to develop businesses and offices. development at 1488 NE Alberta Street. and/or improve their properties. Roslyn’s Garden Spot. Now home to Alberta Station Ballroom. Formerly an The King Neighborhood Plan, adopted as Roslyn’s Garden Coffee House, the Oddfellows Lodge in the 1920s, this part of the Albina Community Plan, Shades of Color Gallery, and an urban recently renovated building at 1829 NE called for the creation of a cultural district garden with outdoor seating, this building Alberta now contains a large ballroom along Alberta Street. This goal has largely at 1438 NE Alberta was renovated using that can be rented out for social events. materialized. New businesses have

112 Highlights Report Alberta streetscape improvements. The Sabin CDC, as part of its Alberta Corridor Target Area Program, planted 104 trees on Alberta in conjunction with Friends of Trees. They also published a directory of businesses and nonprofits for the target area and established three ongoing work groups to improve the streetscape, undertake clean-up and beautification projects, and aid commercial revitalization. The Alberta Street Target th The Kenton Hotel was renovated in 1993. This art gallery at NE 30 Avenue is one among Area Program is one of the best examples the galleries and other businesses that of the City, nonprofit community-based area’s revitalization activities. Residents comprise an emerging arts district on NE groups, and local businesses working and business owners drafted the plan to Alberta Street. together to revitalize a neighborhood promote: It also provides two retail spaces on the commercial area. • the revitalization of the business first floor, currently occupied by a bakery district; and real estate office and office space on In 1998, Sabin CDC and the Bureau of • neighborhood livability; the second floor. When the owner Planning received a grant for streetscape • community pride; purchased it two years ago, the building design from the Oregon Departments of • community safety; and was vacant and in disrepair. Transportation (ODOT) and Land Conser- • programs to serve the needs of youth, Rexall Building. This building was reno- vation and Development (DLCD). Sabin CDC, together with the Portland Office of children, seniors, and adults in need vated and now houses a cafe at 2403 NE of job training/placement. Alberta Street and a community cycling Transportation (PDOT) and PDC, will also center at 2407 NE Alberta Street. complete a design and transportation plan for Alberta from MLK to NE 33rd Avenue. City Council adopted the action plan in April 1992. The plan designated a 60-block Guardino Building. This renovated com- target area that included Kenton’s historic mercial building located at NE 30th and Kenton business district revitalization. business district and the surrounding Alberta Street contains six small busi- Community-based efforts are restoring the residential area. This became a designated nesses. These include Guardino’s Gallery historic Kenton business district on target area for the expenditure of the and Frame Shop, an acupuncture clinic, Denver Avenue as a thriving community City’s BHCD funds in July 1993. and other retail shops specializing in and commercial center. The Kenton fiber arts, lamps and lanterns, and stained Action Plan and an organization of the In 1994, the Kenton Action Plan organiza- glass. same name (KAP) coordinate many of the tion was chartered as a tax-exempt corporation. In addition to using BHCD

Albina Community Plan 113 funds, KAP has undertaken a number of OAME’s Cascade successful projects and has raised thou- Plaza. The Oregon sands of dollars to implement them. The Association of Minor- target area is also improving because of ity Entrepreneurs private investment by Kenton business (OAME) provides owners. Some of the recent improve- small businesses with ments are as follows: incubator space in the Cascade Plaza The Kenton Hotel. The hotel was reno- Building. This vated with private funds and reopened in program has been in October 1993. A storefront police precinct place since before and Kenton Station pub/restaurant are the Albina Commu- located on the first floor. nity Plan’s adoption. KAP Business District Improvements. Projects Approximately 25 include cleaning and repainting the Paul businesses are current Bunyan statue at the intersection of Interstate tenants in the plaza. Emanuel Hospital is both the largest medical center in the Albina and Denver Avenues, creating the Kenton The Portland State community and one of the community’s largest employers. Rose Garden along N Interstate Avenue, and University Outreach preparing for renovation of the Kenton Program, funded in part by BHCD, is 1995, the center has been responsible for Firehouse, a local community center and available to mentor northeast businesses 879 job placements, with an average meeting place. in their early stages of development. wage of $8.66 an hour. Several North and Technical assistance includes setting up Northeast residents were trained and Kenton Business District Revitalization finance systems, computer training, employed as a result of a recent pilot Plan. KAP received a grant from ODOT networking meetings and marketing. program with the Oregon Metals Industry and DLCD to develop a revitalization plan. Representatives from OAME participate and Portland Community College. Em- The goal was to maximize the benefits to in a planning process to guide the revital- ployer sponsors were Oregon Steel and the Kenton business district resulting from ization of the Williams/Vancouver com- NW Pipe. Between January and June in the future south-north light rail line, mercial district between NE Broadway 1998, center employees conducted a door particularly locating a light rail station on and Killingsworth Streets. to door outreach in Northeast neighbor- Interstate Avenue. KAP and local business hoods to contact those in need of job and neighborhood associations directed NE Workforce Center. Located in training, referrals, and support services. consultants’ preparation of the plan. The Cascade Plaza, the NE Workforce Center Later that year, the center and the final document was published in Novem- provides information on job openings, job Humboldt Neighborhood Association ber 1998. training and counseling, and job search cooperated in developing and completing support. It is supported by funds from a neighborhood livability survey. BHCD and the City’s general fund. Since

114 Highlights Report Institutional campuses. Emanuel Hospital, Kaiser Medical Facility, Concordia College, and the Cascade Campus of Portland Community College are major employers in Albina. The institutional campus Comprehensive Plan designation (IR) is used to set expansion boundaries for these institutions and provides secure development standards for them and surrounding residential areas. Institutions must complete impact mitigation plans for some changes or th expansion of the activities on their The #6 bus route provides service to the This rowhouse project at NE 6 Avenue and NE Going won the American Institute of Architect’s campuses. This helps reduce potential Rivergate Industrial area. Essential Housing design competition for this site adverse effects of development activities Public transit service to employment in 1991. on surrounding residential neighborhoods. centers. Tri-Met service between the Emanuel Hospital completed its impact Albina community and Rivergate employ- mitigation plan in 1995. ers was improved in September 1995. Housing The #6 bus route on MLK was expanded Emerging small businesses and to include Rivergate service; the original While real estate prices continue to soar minority contractors. The Bureau of Rivergate line was dropped. Prior to this in the Portland area, the Albina area still Environmental Services awarded $6.5 change, passengers could only board at offers affordable housing options close to million of $19.5 million in professional four locations in Albina; now they can the city center. Dilapidated housing is services contracts to minorities, women, board at any stop along MLK. The being renovated or replaced and new or emerging small businesses between number of morning peak bus trips travel- housing construction is proceeding at a October 1995 and early 1997. ing to Rivergate has increased by five to rate that has not been seen for decades. 13. The number of afternoon peak bus Loss of housing through neglect and Swan Island shipyards. The Swan Island trips departing Rivergate increased from abandonment is substantially less than it Plan District was created to foster the five to nine. was at the initiation of the Albina Com- continuation and growth of Portland’s ship munity Plan. During the 1980s, the repair yards. This industry provides Albina area, including part of Lloyd family wage jobs for area residents. Center, gained about 190 housing units but lost roughly 550, resulting in an obvious loss of both housing and resi- dents. Since 1994, over 1,000 net new

Albina Community Plan 115 housing units have been built in the plan area, not including the Lloyd Center. MLK and the Bridgeton neighborhood are two areas where nonprofit and private devel- opers have constructed hundreds of multifamily and rowhouse units in the last several years. Affordability and displace- ment are the new issues facing Albina neighborhoods as the area’s housing continues to improve. New rowhouses line the south side of NE Roselawn The objective for housing development in The Dawson Park Apartments are located on N Morris and Vancouver Avenue. This is a high Street just south of the NE Community Policing the Albina Community Plan is to provide density multifamily use on a street with good bus Facility in the Walnut Park area. at least 3,000 new housing units over the service close to Emanuel Hospital and employers next 20 years. The plan outlined the in the Lloyd Center. renovate and build affordable housing in following measures toward meeting PDC’s inner northeast target area. These this objective: Nonprofit organizations are responsible groups are constructing and rehabilitating • In the portion of the plan area closest for at least 50 percent of the new resi- housing for sale and rent to low- to to Lloyd Center, off-street parking dential development in the Albina com- moderate-income households. requirements were waived for small munity. National organizations such as projects. Habitat for Humanity and local organiza- This construction is improving the ap- • Density bonuses were made available tions, such as the Northeast Community pearance of the most distressed residen- under the alternative design density Development Corporation (NECDC), tial areas and is spurring further invest- overlay zone in exchange for meeting Home Ownership One Street at a Time ment in new housing and the renovation additional design requirements. (HOST), Housing Our Families, of existing housing. Construction of new • Some areas, such as north of Dawson Franciscan Enterprises, and Sabin CDC, housing by private developers is creating Park in the Eliot neighborhood and have contributed. Most of this construc- a mix of households of varying incomes along MLK, were rezoned Central tion is taking place in the neighborhoods in neighborhoods that formerly were Residential (RX). This zone allows that had lost significant amounts of predominately low-income. As Albina’s high-density apartments with ground housing in the past. The community housing values rise, construction of new floor retail uses. The Dawson Park development corporations (CDCs) and housing by nonprofit organizations is Apartments and Albina Corner Build- other nonprofit housing providers receive preventing the displacement of long ing are new developments built in operating support and other assistance term, low-income residents. areas zoned Central Residential (RX). from BHCD, PDC and other sources to

116 Highlights Report The Oregon Transportation and Growth Management Program provided a grant to PDC to complete a handbook on Mixed Use Development for North/Northeast Portland. The handbook focuses on feasibility studies and designs for mixed- use projects that can be built on NE MLK Jr. Boulevard sites, particularly those zoned RHd and RXd. These two zones are the City’s two high-density, multiple dwelling zones. New rowhouses in the Eliot Neighborhood Decrease in vacant and abandoned blend in well with the existing housing housing units. The Albina Community constructed at the turn of the century. Plan called for decreasing the number of vacant and abandoned housing units by 50 Housing rehabilitation. The objective percent over the first five years of the plan. of rehabilitating 100 housing units a year This objective has been met and exceeded, has been exceeded. PDC’s Five-Year in part through clearing unsalvageable Business Plan Year-End Reports state that housing and building new housing in its 142 owner-occupied units were rehabili- place. According to the Bureau of Build- tated in Fiscal Year 1995-96, and 90 ings, there were only about 100 vacant owner-occupied units were rehabilitated and abandoned buildings in Albina in in Fiscal Year 1996-97. The CDCs, with These rowhouses at N Williams Avenue and NE 1996. This was down from 700, most of assistance from PDC, were responsible Morris Street won the American Institute of which were single-family houses, in for the rehabilitation of a number of Architect’s Essential Housing design competition for this site in 1991. 1990. multifamily units as well as some single- family houses. These figures do not Sabin, and King neighborhoods for Rate of housing construction. The reflect private rehabilitation by owners inspection of rental properties. The Bureau of Building’s records from 1994 and for-profit developers. second, the At-Risk Multifamily Program, through October 1998 indicate that over inspected and inventoried multifamily 1,000 net new housing units have been Substandard rental housing pro- structures three stories and higher, built built in the Albina Community Plan area. grams. before 1974. A third program, the Safe These numbers exceed by 60% the 150 The Bureau of Buildings had two programs Streets program, an interbureau effort led units a year needed to reach the plan’s in the mid-1990s to address substandard by former Police Chief Charles Moose at goal of 3,000 new units in the study rental housing. The first, the Target the request of Mayor Vera Katz, also area over the next 20 years. Inspection Program, targeted the Boise, screened rental housing for substandard

Albina Community Plan 117 conditions. It was designed to address percent second mortgage of $15,000 for public safety, blight, vandalism, unsani- housing construction and rehabilitation. tary conditions, and inadequate public This provided home ownership opportu- infrastructure in target areas. The 1994 nities for 164 households at 80 percent or Safe Streets Target Area included the less than median income. NECDC built Vernon and King neighborhoods. 129 new houses and renovated 35 existing houses in the Boise, King, AIA Essential Housing Competition. Humboldt, and Vernon neighborhoods. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) held the Essential Housing design competi- Allen Fremont Plaza. The Greater Baptist tion for two sites as one of its contributions Convention of Northwest built this project to the Albina planning effort. Major Allen Fremont Plaza is a 64-unit senior at 221 NE Fremont Street with assistance sponsors were Emanuel Hospital, Pacific housing project at 221 NE Fremont. from PDC. This is the first tax credit fi- nanced housing project sponsored by an Power and Light, and the Architectural District. The second, three rowhouses, African-American nonprofit group. This 64- Foundation of Oregon. The two winning were built at N 6th Avenue and unit apartment complex is for seniors with designs were constructed as owner-occu- NE Going Street. pied projects. The first, an eight-unit incomes under 60 percent of median family income. It opened in May of 1997. rowhouse project was built at N Williams New housing construction and rehabili- and NE Morris Streets. The project relates tation by nonprofits. Nonprofit develop- Betty Campbell Building. Housing Our well to the other late nineteenth and early ers have built and rehabilitated hundreds Families constructed a three-story building twentieth century architecture that charac- of housing units in Albina’s most dis- at N Mississippi and Shaver Streets. It terizes the Eliot Neighborhood Historic tressed neighborhoods in the last five contains nine apartments and ground floor years. Excluding the projects built on NE retail space. Five units are affordable to MLK Jr. Boulevard, some of the larger those at 50 percent of median family projects are: income; four are affordable to those at 60 percent of median family income. Nehemiah Grant Program Housing. The Northeast Community Development Maya Angelou Apartments. Housing Our Corporation (NECDC) administered the Families renovated and reopened this Nehemiah Housing Opportunity Grant previously vacant, 42-unit apartment received by the City in 1989 to provide complex in 1994. Improvements included home ownership opportunities for low- to the addition of a community room, Head moderate-income households. Some of Start space, a playground and individual Thousands of new housing units are currently the first new housing in these neighbor- patios for tenants. This project received under construction in the Bridgeton hoods was built under this program. The the 1995 Rudy Bruner Award for Urban neighborhood. Nehemiah Program offered a zero- Excellence.

118 Highlights Report neighborhoods with little eligible properties. A total of 285 single- new single-family hous- family housing units are covered by the ing construction, many limited tax assessment program in the residential properties in Albina plan area. need of repair, and other characteristics of blight. NE MLK Jr. Boulevard (MLK) housing In the case of new and mixed-use projects. The Albina housing construction Community Plan recommended residential covered by the tax zoning for a portion of land on the south- abatement, the value of ern end of MLK in the Oregon Convention the new dwelling is not Center Urban Renewal District, so that high taxed for the period of density housing projects could benefit from the abatement; the value inclusion in the district. The tax increment of the land continues to revenue from the urban renewal district This new rowhouse project at NE 7th Avenue and Knott Street is be taxed. In the case of has been used to help finance new multi- an example of the new housing built in areas covered by the owner-occupied rehabili- family units in mixed-use projects. These “distressed area” tax abatement. tation, the assessed include: Woodlawn Place. Home Ownership One improvement value is frozen at the value Albina Corner Building. This new build- Street at a Time (HOST) completed this of the year prior to the completion of the ing at MLK and San Rafael contains 44 project of 20 townhouses in the late 1996 rehabilitation. low-income apartment units. It was built or early 1997. These were for sale units on one of the sites rezoned for high- targeted to households at 80 to 100 The Planning Commission identified density multi-dwelling residential (RXd) percent of median family income. Some additional areas to be covered by the as part of the Albina Community Plan. units had income restrictions as required “Distressed area” designation in the Albina for PDC fund eligibility. Community Plan. These areas were in Knott Street Townhouses. A private addition to Albina neighborhoods previ- developer completed this 42-unit project in New housing built under the “Dis- ously designated in 1990, including Boise, 1998. The town homes are built on a site tressed Area” designation. In 1990, Eliot, Humboldt, Kenton, King, Sabin, just off MLK between Knott and Russell the City of Portland adopted a new Vernon and a portion of the Concordia Streets that had been vacant since the early limited property tax exemption program. neighborhood. Both for-profit and non- 1960s. This project makes use of the Its purpose was to encourage new profit developers are using the limited tax “Distressed Area” limited property tax single-family home construction and exemption to build affordable housing. abatement, so units are affordable to owner-occupied housing rehabilitation in PDC provides information about the moderate and middle income neighborhoods designated as “Distressed availability of this ten-year property tax homebuyers. Areas.” The designation was applied to abatement, as do area realtors selling

Albina Community Plan 119 Gladys McCoy Village Apartments. This New Housing in Walnut Park Area. Alberta Simmons Plaza. This project project at MLK and Prescott Street con- NECDC built 16 rowhouses on NE contains 74 units of elderly housing with tains 55 apartment units and 3,207-sq. ft. Roselawn Street just south of the NE ground floor retail. The developer is of commercial space. NECDC and ONE community policing facility and 26 Housing Our Families, a nonprofit corpora- Company, Inc. developed this project, other units nearby. Portland Community tion that is working in partnership with completing construction in 1997. The units Reinvestment Initiatives, Inc. rehabilitated PDC. It was completed in July 1999. are targeted to residents earning 50 percent six housing units in this area, and of median family income. Franciscan Enterprises moved and reha- bilitated 14 homes for low-income fami- Education and Family Mixed-use development at MLK and lies from the Rose City Fred Meyer site. Wygant Street. This project contains 38 apartment units and 1,800-sq. ft. of com- Services mercial space. These units are also targeted to residents at 50 percent of Education and family services are areas of median family income. vital concern to members of the Albina community. Related Albina Community The Center for Self Enhancement in Unthank Park opened in March 1997. Plan policies address the physical, social, and educational needs of Albina residents, especially youth and children. The City is not directly responsible for many of the action items, but other government agencies and community institutions such as the School District, state agencies, and nonprofit groups, have agreed to implement them. Since the plan’s adoption, other organiza- tions have stepped forward to provide facilities to serve Albina’s youth and chil- dren. These include the Blazers’ Boys and Girls Club located just south of the NE Community Policing Center and Self En- hancement Incorporated’s (SEI) complex located in Unthank Park. Both offer social, educational, and recreational alternatives for youth and younger children.

120 Highlights Report The centrally located Cascade Campus of Portland Community College is one of the Albina community’s most important educational institutions. these programs in association with SEI. The facility is also open to adult community groups.

Blazers’ Boys and Girls Club. This complex opened at 5250 NE MLK Jr. Blazer’s Boys and Girls Club is located on NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard just south of the Boulevard in March 1996. The club NE Community Policing Center. provides a variety of after-school cultural, from single parent families living below educational, and recreational programs Organizations the poverty level located in inner North/ for youth, ages six to 18 years old. Northeast neighborhoods. The center Among its facilities are a gym, a learning Center for Self Enhancement Inc (SEI). contains classrooms, computer and music center, a game room, a science room, SEI opened its Unthank Park facility in laboratories, athletic facilities, a dance and an arts and crafts room. Sports and 1997. This 62,000-sq. ft. community studio, a library, an auditorium, and fitness activities available at the club center serves children, youth, and fami- administrative offices. SEI also offers crisis include basketball, soccer, and self- lies. After-school and summer educa- intervention, parenting, and life skills defense classes for girls. Educational and tional, recreational, and performing arts classes for families in crisis through its cultural activities include an OMSI- programs, as well as basketball camps Family Enhancement and National Center sponsored science club, an airway sci- and a basketball league, are offered to Against Child Abuse and Neglect Programs. ence program sponsored by the 1,200 school age youth. Over 50 percent The state Office of Children and Families Strickland Foundation, arts programs of the participants are African-American, and Portland State University created sponsored by the Regional Arts and

Albina Community Plan 121 Culture Council and the Haven Project, first year that students enrolled in the and dance classes sponsored by the program have reached college age. Last Oregon Ballet Theater. The club has an year, 110 high school seniors that were average yearly membership of enrolled in the program graduated. Of 1,200 youth. these students, 36 entered college this past Fall. Programs Other scholarship programs. Legacy Health care scholarships. Ten years ago Emanuel Hospital recently established a Legacy Emanuel Hospital initiated its one-year Albina Rotary/Neil Kelly Memo- Emanuel Health Care Scholarship program rial Scholarship program for high school for students in North and Northeast Port- seniors or students transferring from a land who want to pursue health care community college to a four-year institu- careers. It provides $1,000 annual scholar- tion. Aimed at students living in the ships, renewable up to four years, to three neighborhoods that are represented by the to six high school seniors living in the North/Northeast Coalition, it is unrestricted neighborhoods that are represented by the as to career programs. North/Northeast Coalition. Scholarship recipients must maintain a 2.75 GPA and remain in a health care program. Transportation “I Have a Dream Program.” Oregon’s “I Have a Dream” Foundation was founded The Albina community enjoys a high level in 1990. It is affiliated with the national Curb extensions are being installed at certain of transportation services, due in part to its intersections on MLK. New York-based foundation. For a particu- central location in the metropolitan area. lar school’s entire second or third grade The I-5 freeway, located in the center of class, the program provides tutoring, the plan area, provides easy access to the The transit system is also largely com- mentoring, scholarships and an assured Central City, communities to the south of plete except for a connection to the opportunity for higher education. The Portland, Vancouver, and nearby commer- regional rail system. Funding for light program covers the full amount of tuition cial and industrial employment centers. rail service through North and Northeast not covered by financial aid, up to the cost There is also quick access to the I-84 Portland is currently being explored. of a local public university education. freeway and the Portland International Four hundred and fifty children from Airport. The Bridgeton neighborhood, in During the Albina community planning inner Northeast Portland were enrolled in the northernmost part of the plan area, is process, residents focused on the need this program in 1999. These include one of the only areas in the Albina for improvements to the existing street classes from Woodlawn, Humboldt, and Community Plan area where the street and transit system. They indicated the Vernon Elementary Schools. This is the system is not already fully improved. importance of issues such as increased

122 Highlights Report traffic control and improved conditions businesses are located along it from NE Improved bus connections. Tri-Met’s for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit Broadway Street to Columbia Boulevard. Line 72 is the primary east-west line users. Residents requested traffic control Although MLK is designated a major city through the Albina area. With 12-minute devices and street and sidewalk im- traffic street, it carries mostly local traffic. headways - the time between buses - provements for pedestrians and bicyclists Metro designated it a main street, and it during mid-day, it has the highest ridership in neighborhood plans. Participants also serves that function for the Albina commu- of any Tri-Met bus line. Customers and requested improved transit service to nity. In response to community concerns, organizations, including the Friends of some areas. the Oregon Department of Transportation Alberta Street, the Police Activities League, (ODOT), PDC, and PDOT are modifying Jefferson High School, and the Concordia Since the adoption of these plans, the City the median so that on street parking can Neighborhood Association, requested and Tri-Met have taken steps to meet these be restored on the boulevard. The project service to Killingsworth and Alberta needs. The community plan designated will also make MLK more attractive to Streets. Tri-Met responded with new bus five new pedestrian districts: Boise, Eliot, pedestrians and transit users. routes in September 1996. Kenton, Killingsworth, and Woodlawn. Pedestrian access and safety are given Preferred light rail alignments. The Traffic mitigation projects. PDOT’s top priority when the City makes im- Albina Community Plan recommended two Traffic Calming Program (formerly the provements to the right-of-way in these alignment alternatives for the future north- Neighborhood Traffic Management Pro- districts. Portland’s Office of Transporta- bound light rail line. These are located gram) has installed a number of traffic tion (PDOT) has implemented a number along Interstate Avenue and the I-5 free- calming devices in Albina of traffic management projects in the way. Four alignments were under consid- neighborhoods. Among the most impor- plan area to control traffic speeds in eration at the beginning of the planning tant are the following: residential areas. They have also created process. After consideration by the public • A NE 14th Place Crime and Safety striped bike lanes on NE Broadway and and public agencies, two of the four Project between Alberta and other Albina streets to separate bike and alignments were dropped, one along NE Killingsworth Streets, installed in automobile traffic. Tri-Met made transit MLK Jr. Boulevard, and another in the December 1992. service improvements to the Rivergate Williams-Vancouver corridor. At one • A project NE 7th Avenue in the Eliot employment center to better serve point, the route of the light rail line run- neighborhood. Albina residents employed there. ning from Clackamas Town Center to the • A project on NE 15th Avenue to Kenton business district had been deter- reduce traffic volume and speed. Business owners and other community mined with the exception of the cross- • School Safety Projects around members requested the removal of the over point from I-5 to Interstate Avenue. Humboldt and Peninsula Elementary MLK median to allow for more parking With the defeat of the light-rail bond Schools, Jefferson High School, and and pedestrian/transit access. The measure in the November 1998 election, Applegate/Holy Redeemer Schools in business community considers the return a new, less expensive alignment entirely 1995-96, and a pedestrian refuge of on-street parking critical to reviving along Interstate Avenue is being pursued. near Sabin School in 1998. commerce on the boulevard. Over 300

Albina Community Plan 123 Removing the median and other im- provements to NE MLK Jr. Boulevard. The MLK Transportation Project provides a new street design concept for the boulevard. The project is responsible for improvements to better serve adjacent neighborhoods and businesses. Activities are being coordinated with earlier plan- ning efforts: PDC’s MLK Commercial Development Strategy, the work of the MLK Action Committee, and the Albina Community Plan. The most significant improvements are modifications of the median to restore on-street parking in commercial nodes and to allow the creation of more left turn lanes. Gateway enhancements near Broadway, Alberta and Ainsworth Streets, and new street tree plantings are also planned. Recom- mended improvements to the pedestrian environment include more designated pedestrian crossings, curb extensions at This barrier keeps traffic off NE 14th Place and provides some open space along NE Alberta Street. selected intersections, special pedestrian- • Projects on N Bryant Street, N • A mitigation project on NE 25th, 26th, scale lighting in some locations, and Wabash, N Denver, N Missouri, N and 27th Avenues between Broadway identification of opportunities for public Montana and N Vancouver Avenues in and Hancock Streets in Irvington art. North Portland and curb extensions on because of unexpected traffic vol- N Denver Avenue in the Kenton umes from the Hollywood West Fred PDC, PDOT, Metro, and ODOT sponsor business district near McClellan and Meyer. this project, being completed in four Kilpatrick Streets. phases. The estimated total cost is $8.8 million. The median between NE • A project on NE 21st and 24th Av- Tillamook and Russell Streets and be- enues above NE Stanton Street and a tween NE Knott and Morris Streets was project on NE Dekum Street between removed and narrowed to four feet in Vancouver Avenue and NE MLK Jr. width between NE Fremont and Shaver Boulevard. Streets.

124 Highlights Report Public Safety

Public safety in the Albina community has improved in the last few years. The overall crime level has decreased 40 percent since 1994*, with crimes against persons showing the greatest decline. The efforts of Albina residents, community groups, and the City’s community policing program have improved the safety and The mixed-use North Harbour project is the The Northeast Community Policing Facility livability of some of the areas with the largest development in the Albina Community entrance opens on to a pedestrian plaza highest crime rates. Albina residents and Plan area. between NE Killingsworth and Roselawn neighborhood associations set up active Streets, making it inviting to walk-in traffic. Improvements to the Broadway- citizen foot patrols and block watches. They worked with the Bureaus of Police Weidler Couplet. The Irvington Neigh- North Harbor complex under construction and Buildings to rid their residential areas borhood Plan calls for making NE Broad- in the western part of the neighborhood. of drug houses and other criminal activity. way more pedestrian-friendly. In 1998, The latter will likely bring over 2,000 new PDOT completed improvements to the residents to Bridgeton when finished. To The Portland Police Bureau’s community Broadway-Weidler couplet between MLK ensure a smooth connection between east th policing program emphasizes a partner- and NE 15 Avenue. These included and west Bridgeton, the City and neighbor- ship between citizens, the police, and widened sidewalks, curb extensions, curb hood residents agreed on an internal trans- other City bureaus, such as the Bureau of ramps, traffic signals, and transit improve- portation concept plan that would use Buildings, to solve neighborhood public ments such as more bus shelters. Addi- design and landscaping to initially limit the safety problems. The program provides tionally, bike lanes were added from the connection only to pedestrians and th a coordinated approach to address public Broadway Bridge to NE 16 Avenue. bicyclists. Five years after the new devel- safety problems that have long plagued opments in the western part of the some of Albina’s neighborhoods. Bridgeton transportation improve- neighborhood are completed, the connec- ments. Until recently Bridgeton was a tion will be re-evaluated and possibly sparsely settled neighborhood made up opened to automobile use at that time. * The percentage change in crime was calculated using primarily of older homes and houseboats Recent transportation improvements in- Portland’s Office of Neighborhood Involvement crime along North Portland Harbor (part of the clude a reconfiguration of the Marine statistics for the Albina neighborhoods. These are total Columbia River). It is now becoming a crimes against property and persons. Some categories of Drive/Gantenbein intersection and a new crime such as those related to drugs and vice are not significantly denser neighborhood that bicycle lane along Marine Drive. reported in these crime statistics. includes rowhouses and the mixed-used

Albina Community Plan 125 the Kenton Hotel on N McClellan Street; was implemented by the Northeast the other is on NE Killingsworth Street Neighborhood Response Team working across from the Cascade Campus of cooperatively with the NE Coalition Portland Community College. Staffed by Office, the neighborhood associations, volunteers, they serve as places for block watches, precinct resource offic- police officers to meet with citizens and ers, the Gang Enforcement Team, and fill out paperwork and for citizens to file other City bureaus. Crime situations at accident reports. 102 addresses, identified as problem locations, were lessened or resolved. In Community policing redistricting plan. addition, the Police Bureau conducted a In 1994, the Police Bureau adjusted and number of special investigations and This is one of two community contact centers in the Albina plan area. redefined patrol district boundaries to sweeps to address drug dealing, drug more closely match neighborhood bound- houses, and gang activity. They also Northeast District police precinct. aries. The five-precinct configuration was worked with club owners to resolve The Northeast Community Policing initiated at this time. The Police Bureau problems with noise, public drinking, Center, a new police precinct, opened in assigns liaison officers to each neighbor- litter gang activity, and traffic problems. June 1994 in the center of the Albina hood association. Liaison officers attend community. It is located on MLK south of association meetings and provide public Killingsworth. The addition of a retail safety information to residents and busi- center adjacent to the police facility on the ness owners. Community Image north and new and rehabilitated housing to the south and east has stabilized this Operation Safe Streets. This special and Character formerly troubled area. The facility serves project concentrated resources on a target as a magnet for the community and has area near the Northeast Precinct in 1994 Like any community, Albina’s image and hosted many events since its opening. and 1995. Mayor Vera Katz asked former character is shaped by many circum- Northeast Precinct, the Tactical Operation Police Chief Charles Moose to lead an stances, including its history, physical Division, the Police Activities League interbureau effort to address public appearance, and diversity of ethnic and (PAL), Gang Resistance Education and safety, blight, and vandalism in the King income groups. The Albina Community Training (GREAT) Program, and the Drug neighborhood’s Walnut Park area. This Plan acknowledges that recognition of Abuse Resistance Education Program Safe Streets Target Area was bounded by the community’s positive qualities was (DARE) are all located here. MLK on the west, Killingsworth Street on central to the plan’s success. The Com- the north, NE 17th Street on the east, and munity Image and Character element of Community contact centers. Two NE Alberta Street on the south. Intensive the plan addresses the protection of community contact centers, also known as efforts were made to rid the area of gang Albina’s historic residential areas and storefront precincts, were established in and drug activity and address other commercial districts and the promotion the Albina plan area. One is located in neighborhood nuisances. The project of compatible design of new develop-

126 Highlights Report ment. This policy area also addresses the Alberta Street, MLK, and the portion of response, as part of the Albina Community reuse of historic structures and the pro- Interstate Avenue in the Kenton business Plan, City Council adopted the Supplemen- motion of the area’s history and cultural district. Colorful banners adorn the tal Compatibility Standards and the Albina diversity. commercial areas on Alberta and MLK, Community Design Guidelines. In the and small public plazas have been Albina Community Plan area, developers Albina is one of Portland’s oldest commu- created in a couple of locations along in three different places must go through nities. Some of its commercial districts and MLK. design review: residential areas date back to the late • Properties within the seven historic nineteenth century. The Albina Commu- Both public institutions and private venues design zones; nity Plan designated these significant showcase the talent and celebrate the • Properties along Marine Drive; and areas as historic conservation districts to multicultural heritage of Albina’s resi- • Properties that have been designated preserve their character and to ensure the dents. For example: with the “d” design overlay zone compatibility of new construction. Good • Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center is anywhere else. design standards that enhance historic the community’s primary arts and elements are critical to preserving the cultural center. Standards and guidelines. The following fabric of Albina neighborhoods. These • The Cascade Campus of Portland mechanisms are used by the City to standards and guidelines are particularly Community College sponsors cultural review developments for design important as: events such as their annual African film compatability: • Historic neighborhood business series. • Supplemental Compatibility Standards. districts, such the one in Kenton on • Artwork from local artists and school A developer that met these objective Denver Avenue, revitalize; children is incorporated in the build- standards did not have to go through • Historic structures, such as the ings and plaza adjoining the Northeast design review. In 1997, because the Kennedy School, are reused; and Community Policing Center and the Standards presented problems and • Housing construction and renovation Walnut Park retail center. because developers elsewhere in the continues at a rapid pace. • New privately owned art galleries, city wanted to use them as well, the restaurants, coffee shops, and perfor- Supplemental Compatibility Standards The plan also designated areas of high- mance spaces are opening along were revised and expanded to the density development, such as NE MLK Jr. Alberta and Killingsworth Streets rest of Portland. They were then Boulevard and Interstate Avenue, with creating a new, ethnically diverse, called the Community Design Stan- design zones to ensure that new develop- cultural district in the heart of the dards and are found in the Zoning ment is compatible with the character of Albina community. Code. surrounding neighborhoods. • Albina Community Design Guidelines. Design review. Participants in the plan These guidelines were not objective. In the public realm, streetscape improve- process indicated a desire that new devel- They were qualitative and were used ments are planned or are in progress for opment and renovations should fit into the by property owners or developers Albina’s commercial districts along character of the existing neighborhoods. In

Albina Community Plan 127 who had to go through design review. In 1997, because the Guidelines presented problems and because the City wanted to combine some of its other design guidelines into a single document, the Albina Community Design Guidelines became the basis for what has since become the Com- munity Design Guidelines. This historic commercial building at the Design review in commercial and high- intersection of N Mississippi and Shaver Streets was built in 1929. Two streetcar lines crossed at density residential districts. The Albina this intersection. Community Plan designated the MLK corridor south of Columbia Boulevard as a Eliot and the Russell Street Historic design zone to ensure that new develop- Conservation Districts. A multiple re- ment would be compatible with the source nomination allows for the designa- surrounding neighborhoods. The plan also tion of individual buildings that relate to a required large institutions and properties particular theme within a relatively large zoned central residential, high-density area. The multiple resource designation residential, and central employment to go covers about 80 properties, many of The historic Greater St. Stephens Missionary through design review. which were inventoried in the early Baptist Church in the Boise Neighborhood 1990s as part of the Albina planning previously housed German Evangelical Historic resources effort. The owners of the Hryszko Broth- Free Brethren and Russian-Greek ers Building, constructed in 1915, took Orthodox congregations. New historic conservation districts. The advantage of its inclusion in the multiple plan designated seven new historic resource designation to apply for indi- preservation consultant to train volunteers conservation districts to protect Albina’s vidual National Register status. Today the on field survey and historic research historic housing and commercial districts. building houses the White Eagle Café and activities. Approximately 25 volunteers They are the Irvington, Eliot, Russell Saloon. participated in this effort to identify sites Street, Piedmont, Woodlawn, Mississippi outside the seven design zones for Avenue, and Kenton Historic Conservation Historic resources inventory update by possible historic designation. Since 1994, Districts. Albina residents. During the Albina nine new historic landmarks have been Community Plan process, the Bureau of designated, over half of which have been Eliot neighborhood multiple resource Planning received a grant from the State placed on the National Register. Several designation. The boundaries of the Eliot Historic Preservation Office to update the more properties are in the process of neighborhood generally follow those of 1984 Historic Resources Inventory in being designated local historic landmarks. the original City of Albina and contain the Albina. These funds provided a historic

128 Highlights Report The Kennedy School had been closed for years Neighborhood and business groups have before it was renovated and reopened in October installed sign caps over street signs to promote 1997 with restaurants, a bed and breakfast, a neighborhood identity. theater, and community meeting rooms. Neighborhood signcaps. A number breakfast, restaurants, meeting rooms, of neighborhoods and business districts and a movie theater. A room is available are identified by signcaps with their for use by the neighborhood association; names displayed over street signs. a community garden has also been These signcaps, often in bright colors established on the grounds. The White Eagle is one of the few remaining with distinctive designs, proclaim commercial buildings on lower Russell Street, Community meeting places. Kaiser neighborhood identity and serve as the main street of the former City of Albina. Permanente’s Town Hall is available for gateway markers. The Portland Bu- Special places meetings of various community groups reau of Maintenance installs these and non-profit organizations. Built by signcaps at locations requested by Kennedy School. The Bureau of Housing Finnish immigrants in 1907, it was moved neighborhood or business associations, and Community Development (BHCD) to its present location in 1990. Kennedy which design, produce, and pay for acquired the Kennedy School site from School and Emanuel Hospital also have their installation. Portland Public Schools in FY 1993/94. meeting rooms for use by community BHCD made emergency repairs and set groups. Artworks up a Kennedy School Task Force to determine the future use of the school Gladys McCoy Plaza. The American State Artwork at the NE Precinct and Walnut site. The task force, composed of repre- Bank constructed a small public plaza Park Retail Center. The following sentatives from the City, Multnomah dedicated to Gladys McCoy shortly after artwork was funded by the City of County, and the community, chose her death in 1994. It is located on NE Portland Percent for Art Program. McMenamin’s as the developer to reha- Knott Street on the west side of MLK on • A large painting by Charlotte Lewis bilitate the building. Kennedy School a formerly vacant, overgrown site. The hangs in the community room of reopened in early 1998 with a bed and bank, which is located adjacent the plaza, the police precinct; maintains it. Albina Community Plan 129 in discussions with developers as a way of influencing the design of new con- struction.

Portland’s African-American history. Kim Moreland’s A History of Portland’s African American Community (1805 to Present) was published in February 1993 by the Bureau of Planning as part of the Albina Community Plan. Copies are available This decorative wall art and fountain are This statue of Martin Luther King Jr. is located on for purchase from the Bureau. Students located in the public plaza adjoining the NE the public plaza in front of the Oregon in the Master of Urban and Regional Community Policing Center and the Walnut Convention Center. Planning program at Portland State Uni- Park Retail Center. The theme is pond life. versity produced a History of the Albina Statue of Martin Luther King Jr. Plan Area in the Winter of 1990. • Tile work by Baba Wague Diakite A statue of Martin Luther King Jr. is adorns the Walnut Park retail facade; located on the grounds of the Oregon Open Space and Environmental • The 10- by 57-foot decorative panel Convention Center. Values in the public plaza that forms the The preservation and management of back wall of the fountain and pool Publications significant habitats such as the Columbia was created by Baba Wague Diakite and Jefferson The 10 Essentials for North/Northeast High School Portland Housing: A Book of Guidelines students; and for Renovations and New Construction. • The tiles inlaid The Portland Chapter of the American on the retaining Institute of Architects published these wall in the plaza voluntary design guidelines as their was created by contribution to the Albina Community artist Ronna Plan. These guidelines are suggested for Neuenschwander use in Albina in areas not covered by and third and design review. The chapter also pub- fourth graders lished a booklet of housing designs from King Ele- entered in the Essential Housing Compe- The American State Bank developed and mentary School. tition in New House Designs for North/ Northeast Portland. These materials have maintains this new public park plaza on NE MLK Jr. Boulevard. been used by neighborhood associations

130 Highlights Report Other environmental efforts include improving the water quality of the Co- lumbia Slough. The Combined Sewer Overflow Project also is being developed in part to prevent sewer flows from entering the slough.

Park improvements. The Portland Parks 1994 General Obligation Bond provided $58.8 million for renovation of Portland’s aging parks and infrastructure. Some of the A Kenton Action Plan project completed several This garden is one of a number of community projects in the Albina community funded years ago was creation of this rose garden on gardening projects in the Albina community in by the bond are listed below. Interstate Avenue. addition to the City’s community gardens. • Improvements to Arbor Lodge, Slough, acquiring new open space, borhood cleanups, street tree plantings, Alberta, Dawson, Irving, and Penin- creating new recreational trails, and garden projects, and other improvements. sula Parks are complete. maintaining city parks are important issues Since the plan’s adoption, a new commu- • Improvements to the East facing the Albina community. Improving nity garden was established and others sports fields are complete and the livability of residential areas and are under construction. improvements to East Delta District neighborhood commercial centers is also Office are underway. an important community focus. As vacant and underused land develops • improvements were and redevelops, site contamination has completed in October 1999. The Albina Community Plan increased become an important issue. Albina was • The improvements to Overlook the number of acres designated for open one of earliest areas of Portland to be House are under construction. Over- space and mapped connections between settled and over the years has been home look Park planning is complete and recreational trails, open spaces, and to many commercial and industrial uses. the improvements will be completed pedestrian districts in the community. Both local government agencies and by Spring 2000. The passage of a general obligation bond community groups are involved in • Improvements to the in 1994 funded improvements to Albina’s projects to develop the sites. The U.S. community center, rose garden and neighborhood parks. About a dozen Environmental Protection Agency recently pool are complete. Additional work projects were approved in the plan area, selected Portland as a Livable Community will be done in the rose garden. some of which are currently under Showcase for its brownfields renewal construction or in the design phase. project. Much of the focus of this project • Woodlawn Park improvements were is on the “Enterprise Community” which completed in Spring 1999. Neighborhood, business, and community includes the Albina Community Plan area groups are actively involved in various and the North Portland Peninsula. projects in Albina. These include neigh-

Albina Community Plan 131 New open space. The adoption of the about 17 garden plots and three raised nity, causing investors to look elsewhere, Albina Community Plan increased the beds that are handicapped accessible. lowering surrounding property values, and designated open space area by roughly providing attractive locations for criminal 15 acres. This additional land is on the Street trees. Friends of Trees works with activity. North/Northeast Portland houses western edge of the plan area in the the Parks Bureau and neighborhood and a disproportionate share of brownfields in Overlook neighborhood. business associations to plant street trees in the region.* A number of public, commu- Albina and elsewhere in the city. Since nity-based efforts are addressing A “Pattern of Green Map” . Appearing in 1996, over 1200 trees have been planted in brownfield issues in Albina. the Albina Community Plan’s Land Use Albina, most of which were co-sponsored Policy, this map, together with the Albina by neighborhood associations. Street trees Brownfields Health Awareness Program. Community Concept Map, show recre- were also planted as part of developments The Multnomah County Health Department ational trails and pedestrian paths connect- such the Walnut Park Retail Center and the operates this program to improve commu- ing parks, pedestrian districts, and open community policing facility. nity capacity to make environmental health spaces in the plan area. decisions. It is funded by the Agency for Community-based code enforcement Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. New community gardens. Two new teams. The Bureau of Buildings is part Brownfields Minority Worker Training community gardens have opened in Albina of an interagency task force that deals Program. Managed by the Willamette since the plan’s adoption. with illegal dumping. A field representa- Carpenters Union, this program provides tive is available to meet with neighbor- increased job opportunities for commu- Woodlawn School. A combination com- hood groups to help and prevent illegal munity garden/children’s garden opened nity members in Brownfields Assessment dumping and survey other nuisances. The and Cleanup. in May 1997 on the Woodlawn School Safe Streets Community Fair held in 1995 grounds. BHCD and a fund raising com- provided citizens within the Safe Streets North/Northeast Pilot Project. This project mitment from the Alice Waters Founda- Target Area a chance to meet with City identifies and revitalizes a community- tion financed the project. The Friends of representatives and identify gaps in ser- nominated brownfield, partially utilizing Community Gardens, the Woodlawn vices and programs. the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site Neighborhood Association, the Woodlawn assessment technical assistance. School, the Parks Bureau, and the fund Brownfield projects. Brownfields are raising group, 16 Girls and A Guy, partici- abandoned, idled, or underused industrial Brownfields Curriculum. The Urban League pated in the establishment of the garden. or commercial sites where expansion or has applied for an EPA Environmental redevelopment is challenged by real or Education Grant to institute a brownfields Kennedy School. A new garden on the curriculum in its Portland Street Academy. Kennedy School grounds opened in May perceived environmental contamination. 1999. It was jointly funded by the Parks Common examples include former gas stations and dry cleaners. These vacant * Information from “Albina Community Plan – Environmental Bureau, McMenamin’s, and Friends of Comments”, February 4, 1999 by Alan Hipolito of the Urban Portland Community Gardens. It contains sites are an economic drain on a commu- League.

132 Highlights Report Harry Jackson Plaza at NE Alberta Street is one of several small public plazas that have been developed along NE MLK Jr. Boulevard in the last decade.

This plaque commemorates Harry Jackson, a Portland police officer that was assigned to this area.

Albina Community Plan 133 Albina Community Plan Site Map

134 Highlights Report Albina Community Plan Site Locator

Business Growth and Development 20. Swan Island shipyards Transportation 1. State Farm Insurance Service 21. Bus service to Rivergate 36. East West Albina Transit Center 37. NE MLK, Jr. improvements 2. Lynch Steel Building Housing 38. Broadway Weidler couplet 3. Walnut Park Retail 22. AIA Essential Design 39. Bridgeton street improvements 4. Harry Jackson Plaza and Adidas Competition Sites 5. Catalina Coin-Op Laundry • NE Williams and Morris Street Public Safety 6. Standard Dairy Building • NE 6th Avenue and Going Street 40. NE Police Precinct 7. Smart Building 23. Allen Fremont Plaza 41. Community contact centers 8. Albina Corner Building 24. Betty Campbell Building 42. Operation Safe Streets 9. S. Brooks and Associates 25. Maya Angelou Apartments 10 The Barber Shop Building 26. Woodlawn Place Community Image and Character 11 Roslyn’s Garden Spot 27. Albina Community Bank 43. Eliot Neighborhood Multiple 12. Sabin Community Development Building Resource Designation Corporation 28. Knott Street Townhouses 44. Kennedy School 13. Alberta Station Ballroom 29. Gladys McCoy Village 45. Community meeting places 14. Rexall Building 30. Wygant Street Housing 46. Gladys McCoy Plaza 15. Guardino Building 31. Walnut Park housing 47. Art work at Walnut Park and 16. Kenton Hotel 32. Alberta Simmons Plaza NE Precinct 17. KAP Business District 48. Statue of Martin Luther King Jr. Improvements Education and Family Services 18. OAME’s Cascade Plaza and NE 33. Self Enhancement, Inc. Open Space and Community Values Workforce Center 34. Blazer’s Boys and Girls Club 49. New Open Space 19. Institutional Campuses: 35. Health Care Scholarships 50. New community gardens • Legacy Emanuel Hospital 51. Brownfields Health • Concordia College Awareness Program • Portland Community College Cascade Campus/ Jefferson High School • Edgar Kaiser Medical Facility

Albina Community Plan 135 136 Highlights Report Outer Southeast Community Plan

N

Location of the Outer Southeast Community Plan area within the City of Portland This drawing from the Outer Southeast Community Plan shows the crossroads of Foster Road and Holgate Boulevard with a proposed streetcar. It was drawn by Cynthia Bankey, Architect. Background

In July 1992, the City of Portland began work on its fourth large-scale plan – the Outer Southeast Community Plan (OSECP). Planning for Outer Southeast Portland was a significant departure from earlier efforts because of its size (28 square miles) and the fact that its acreage was not contiguous with the Central City. Indeed, four and a half square miles The Gateway Regional Center is served by two light rail lines and 13 bus lines. were not within the City limits at the start of the planning process. Additionally, the community plan process to not been realized. The six Outer community leaders in Outer Southeast investigate residents’ needs and Southeast stations contained little, if were not seeking planning assistance. determine how best to address them. any, transit-oriented development. The plan also explored measures to Planning for Outer Southeast was a City Council voted to plan for this area, boost employment levels and the way to implement a revised vision for despite these rather unusual circum- earning power of area residents; station area communities; stances, for these reasons: • MAX station area development. • Johnson Creek. Simultaneous with • Low-income neighborhoods. This Although eastside MAX was com- the plan’s initiation, a separate multi- area had the second largest number pleted in 1986, the original objective jurisdictional task force was convened of low-income neighborhoods in to create high-density residential to examine and explore options to Portland after Albina. The City chose development along the alignment had Johnson Creek flooding and associated

Outer Southeast Community Plan 139 pollution. The community plan centers, regional provided the means to incorporate centers, and main elements of that effort, including streets as defined in appropriate zoning and subdivision Metro’s plan. code changes, into the City’s legal framework; The Outer Southeast • Annexation. The installation of sewers Community Plan in the mid-county area in the 1980s area contains 12 and 1990s made development at urban neighborhoods: densities possible. Although these Brentwood- largely suburban properties would be Darlington, Centen- annexed into the City under analogous nial, Foster-Powell, County zoning, Council members Hazelwood, Lents, determined that such zoning might not Mt. Scott-Arleta, Mill accommodate anticipated growth and Park, Montavilla, urbanization; and Pleasant Valley, • Mid-County Sewer Project. The City of Powellhurst-Gilbert, Portland and Multnomah County began South Tabor, and construction of the $255 million Mid- Wilkes/Glenfair. All Lincoln Park was the recipient of this playground and equipment from the County Sewer in 1986. Until its except Brentwood- 1994 Bond Measure. completion in 1998, the rapidly grow- Darlington and ing Outer Southeast area remained Wilkes/Glenfair prepared neighborhood Most of the Outer Southeast Community predominantly on septic systems. The plans as part of the Outer Southeast Com- Plan was adopted by City Council on increasing need to reduce pollution in munity Plan. Brentwood-Darlington January 31, 1996; remaining parts were the Willamette River hastened the completed a plan that had been adopted adopted later that year. The Outer South- arrival of new sewer lines in the east by City Council in January 1992. The east Community Plan contains six commu- Portland/mid-Multnomah County area. Glenfair Neighborhood Association, cre- nity-wide policies and eight subarea ated out of the Wilkes Neighborhood policies. During the four-year planning process, the Association, was formed during the final Metro Council adopted its 2040 Growth two months of the planning process, Concept Plan. As part of this regional providing too little time to prepare a growth management effort, the Outer neighborhood plan. The Outer Southeast Southeast Community Plan provided a Business Coalition, formed primarily on forum to evaluate areas that might be behalf of businesses along Foster Road and nd appropriate for development as new town 82 Avenue, prepared a business plan.

140 Highlights Report Midland Regional Library, the largest branch (24,000-sq. ft.) of the Multnomah County Library system, opened in September 1996.

Outer Southeast Community Plan 141 Outer Southeast Community Plan Concept Map

142 Highlights Report Major Plan Concepts

The major concepts of the Outer Southeast Community Plan are: • Establishment of the Gateway Re- gional Center. Gateway was envi- sioned to be a vibrant residential, employment, medical, and entertain- ment district, anchored by major retailers and office complexes. Its zoning was partially increased to assist the transition to a more urban center. • Establishment of the Lents Town Steele Street Commons on SE 136th Avenue is an example of the new rowhouses being constructed in Center. Envisioned to be both an Outer Southeast. ”urban village” and area-wide em- urban wildlife corridor attractive. ployment center, Lents needed • Identification of potential new open Other proposed open space included significant assistance to fulfill its space. The concept plan identified a a gravel pit adjacent to Cherry Park potential. The Outer Southeast Com- wide swath of Mt. Scott between the and another adjacent to Parklane Park. munity Plan recognized this, particu- Willamette National Cemetery and larly with regard to its infrastructure, as an opportunity for a • Improvements to transit station areas. and made provisions for future major park. Mt. Scott’s proximity to The plan anticipated lively mixed-use planning processes. Johnson Creek, the Springwater Corridor, environments of housing, retail/office and Powell Butte made the idea of an establishments, day care centers, and

Outer Southeast Community Plan 143 gyms at the stations between 82nd and • Recognition of the interrelationship 122nd Avenues. Plan elements were between development with in the carefully chosen to encourage and Johnson Creek watershed and flood- direct this sort of development. ing. The Zoning/Comprehensive Plan Rowhouses and other multi-family designations within the Johnson Creek residences were envisioned for other floodplain and Mt. Scott uplands stations along Burnside, with a neigh- remain at the same designation as borhood commercial node at 139th prior to the start of the plan process, Avenue. except along the 122nd and 136th • Increase of housing opportunities. Avenue transit streets. As well, former The plan increased opportunities for county-designated environmentally new housing construction along main sensitive areas were revisited and streets and transit corridors. By adopted into the Zoning Code. focusing development along transit lines, main streets, the Lents Town Center, and the Gateway Regional Center, the Outer Southeast Commu- nity Plan was able to address the concerns of many residential property owners that changes to the Zoning/ Comprehensive Plan map would not harm the character of their neighbor- hoods. New incentives are available to encourage mixed use development around transit stations and infill housing in “distressed” residential areas.

144 Highlights Report Outer Southeast To d ay

Outer Southeast Portland is the fastest growing area of the city. This is largely due to completion of the sewer project and the zoning stability provided by the Outer Southeast Community Plan. For the first time in many years, property owners have been given certainty about what they could do, how much it would cost, and what development standards would be applied. SE 106th Avenue, lined with Floyd Light Middle School, the East Portland Community Center, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, Floyd Light Apartments, and the East Portland Police Precinct, has Evidence of the plan’s positive impact the potential to become a significant public space in the Gateway Regional Center. is plentiful: • The area around the former city of • High density, mixed use development nature. The Outer Southeast Community Lents is undergoing steady building linked to MAX is occurring at all four Plan laid the groundwork for that change and infrastructure improvements. stations along Burnside. to occur in a manner respectful of its • Land purchases and new develop- past, hopeful toward its future, and ment standards for flood-prone areas Because the plan is so new, most of its flexible enough to provide a common and on steep slopes appears to be more ambitious projects are years away meeting ground both for those who live slowing Johnson Creek flooding and from completion. Nevertheless, the area and those who invest in this part of the possibly decreasing associated pollu- is clearly transitioning from its formerly city. tion levels. suburban character to one more urban in

Outer Southeast Community Plan 145 146 Highlights Report Highlights Economic Development

Policy. Improve the vitality of outer in the early 1980s, southeast business districts and em- posing a significant ployment centers. Ensure that they threat to the first- grow to serve the needs of outer south- generation shopping east residents, attract customers from malls along 122nd throughout the region, and generate Avenue and Division family wage jobs for residents. and Powell Streets. Most of these strip The Oregon College of Oriental Medicine expanded its facility to include this building at the corner of SE 106th Avenue and Cherry Blossom Drive. While the Outer Southeast area population commercial develop- had grown steadily since the end of World ments behind large parking lots were barely As a result of the Outer Southeast plan- War II, its business community had begun able to cover their investment. The con- ning process, economic development to deteriorate. Construction of Interstate 205 sumer base was not strong enough to fi- efforts since 1996 have been primarily in the late 1970s split the former city of nance upgrades or modernizations. directed to two locations: the Lents Town Lents, now part of the Lents neighbor- Center and the Gateway Regional Center. hood, in half, further disrupting economic The majority of Outer Southeast neighbor- In addition, City agencies have assisted activity. The opening of Mall 205 in the hoods lagged significantly behind the Port- projects in the Brentwood-Darlington 1960s drastically affected businesses in land average in terms of education and neighborhood and along Foster Road. Lents, along SE 82nd Avenue, and the income. Five of the six neighborhoods west former city of Montavilla (just west of 82nd of I-205 were eligible for low-income Gateway Regional Center. In recogni- Avenue along Stark and Washington). housing and community development funds tion of its regional importance and at the Then the Clackamas Town Center opened when planning in Outer Southeast began. request of the City of Portland, Metro

Outer Southeast Community Plan 147 This view of SE 106th shows the Floyd Light The gazebo at was one of the first apartments to the left and, to the north, the East projects accomplished as part of the Lents Portland Police Precinct. Revitalization Project. Market Street also adds a new dimension designated Gateway as one of eight The New Copper Penny, between Foster and to the medical alternatives available in regional centers in the metropolitan area. Woodstock, used a Storefront Improvement Grant The regional center concept was intended the Gateway area. to make its rear facade more appealing to to create new mixed-use communities with freeway users. access to a variety of transportation modes Lents Town Center. On September 31, and amenities such as cultural, educa- 1998, City Council adopted the Lents Town tional, and medical facilities. The Outer Center Urban Renewal District, the first in Southeast Community Plan sought to Outer Southeast. This designation gave the optimize Gateway’s unique potential as a Portland Development Commission (PDC) regional center. To take advantage of these the ability to: opportunities in the Gateway Regional • Consolidate property and offer it as Center, the City, with local support and a package for new development assistance, initiated projects to examine the opportunities; existing conditions and devise a probable • Negotiate with businesses, investors, scenario for the future. Also, since 1996, and industries for new employment the East Portland Police Precinct and the opportunities; and Oregon College of Oriental Medicine • Offer funding possibilities for building (OCOM) have added to the employment rehabilitation, job training, and other The Antique Building at 92nd Avenue and base of Gateway. OCOM, along with the public improvements, such as pedes- Foster was improved with a PDC Storefront nearby National College of Naturopathic trian amenities and construction of a Improvement Grant. Medicine at Cherry Blossom Drive and public plaza.

148 Highlights Report addresses many neighborhood objectives related to employment and empower- ment. It offers: • Job training and related employment assistance; • An early childhood development center; and • Space for several social agencies, such as Portland Impact Family and Senior Services, Brentwood-Darlington Neigh- This small plaza in the newly renovated Eastport The Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood borhood Association, Multnomah Plaza provides a welcome place for pedestrians Association gained the support of three along SE 82nd Street. government agencies to build the Brentwood- County Aging Services, Oregon State Darlington Community Center. University Extension Services, Outer This City Council action followed several Southeast Caring Community, and the years of planning undertaken by the Eastport Plaza. The 37-year old, 44-acre State of Oregon Services to Children ROSE (Revitalize Outer Southeast) Com- Eastport Plaza was demolished in 1996 and and Families. munity Development Corporation (ROSE replaced with a mini-mall of small shops, CDC), the Outer Southeast Business anchored by Wal-Mart, an Albertsons Coalition, Portland Development Commis- grocery store, and a 16-screen Century sion, Portland Office of Transportation, Theater. and the Bureau of Housing and Commu- nity Development. Since 1996, the Lents 2000. This mixed-use project on following economic development Foster Road is being developed by ROSE projects have been completed or are in CDC and the Morrison Company. When the implementation stage within Lents: completed, it will include 22,000-sq. ft. of commercial space, 24 rental units, and five Storefront improvements. PDC funds have townhouses. It is the first major develop- been and continue to be used to improve ment project resulting from the Lents storefronts on the Antique Building, the Urban Renewal District. New Copper Penny, and the Tidee Didee infant department store. Brentwood-Darlington Neighbor- hood. The $1.2 million Brentwood- Land purchases. PDC has purchased three Darlington Community Center was built acres of land, comprising over 120,000- largely with financial and in-kind support sq. ft., within the Lents business district from Multnomah County, the City of west of I-205, and has the option to Portland, and Portland Public Schools. The Banners adorn the streets of downtown Lents. purchase other properties as they be- center, completed in October 1996, come available. Outer Southeast Community Plan 149 Foster Road. The Bureau of Housing and Community Development established Transportation the Foster Target Area Program in 1997. The purpose of the program is to pro- Policy. Ensure that streets in outer mote commercial revitalization, crime southeast form a network that provides prevention, residential improvements, for efficient travel throughout the parking and traffic improvements, and community and to other parts of Port- youth activities. land and the region. Reduce congestion and pollution caused by the automobile Southeast Works. One of the most impor- by creating land use patterns tant recent additions is Southeast Works at that support transit, bike, and Patrons wait for MAX and buses at the Gateway th 68 Avenue and Foster. The mission of pedestrian travel. Transit Center. Southeast Works is to increase employment and reduce homelessness. Ten different Outer Southeast Portland for the most part The Outer Southeast Community Plan organizations are co-located at the site to has a largely functional, gridded street recommended several transportation provide family services and job training. system. Built after the start of the automo- system improvements for the area. The Southeast Works developed a set of skill bile age on generally flat, unobstructed following have been completed or are standards with local businesses, which they land, streets tend to be wide with ample underway now. use in training and placing employees. room for parking on both sides. A draw- Staff also follows these workers for a back is that many streets are ¼ - ½ mile Gateway Regional Center period of time after initial employment to long between intersections. Combined with MAX light rail line between Gateway and provide support and ensure success. The the numerous ½ - 1-acre lots, this has Portland Airport. Since the mid-1980s light program also includes several specialized recently resulted in many properties being rail to the Portland International Airport training programs, including residential subdivided and developed without ad- has been part of the region’s transportation property management. equate street connections. agenda. The design of Interstate 205 includes a widened median specifically for Storefront improvements. A number of Transportation projects in the area have some form of mass transit. In 1997 the Port businesses along Foster have utilized the primarily involved paving unimproved of Portland, Bechtel Infrastructure Corpora- Portland Development Commission’s streets, adding sidewalks and bike lanes, tion, Tri-Met, and the City of Portland Storefront Improvement Program to and introducing traffic calming tech- announced a joint venture to build an make significant changes in the face of niques. Private developers have been extension of MAX from the Gateway transit their buildings. responsible for many of these improve- center to the airport. It is scheduled for ments, including the creation of new completion in 2001. The $183 million streets. and 5.5 mile project is part of the 120- acre transit-oriented, mixed-use

150 Highlights Report Table 8 Bike Lanes added in Outer Southeast

• NE Weidler/Halsey from 102nd Avenue to 162nd Avenue • 148th from NE 146th Drive to Powell • SE Division from 130th to 148th Avenue and from 162nd Avenue to 175th Place • SE Foster from 90th Avenue to 122nd Avenue • SE 92nd from Powell to Lincoln Court and Foster Road to Hinckley Court • NE 122nd from Prescott to Glisan, Stark to Market, Powell to Bush and Reedway to Foster th The Airport MAX light rail, when finished in 2001, Streetscape improvements along 90 Avenue Road will travel between the Gateway Regional Center began the transformation of the Lents • SE Woodstock from 52nd Avenue to Foster and Portland International Airport. Town Center. Road • SE 45th/46th Avenues from Woodstock to the nd CascadeStation project between NE 82 Intersection of Foster Rd, I-205 southbound Springwater Corridor Avenue and I-205 south of Airport Way. off-ramp, and the I-205 bike path. This • SE Harney from 46th Avenue to 52nd Avenue It is estimated that Airport MAX will intersection was reconfigured in 1997 to be • SE 52nd Avenue from Woodstock to Harney nd nd serve 7,500 riders per day by 2015. safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. • SE Duke from 52 Avenue to 82 Avenue • SE Flavel from 52nd Avenue to 92nd Avenue Preliminary travel time from Pioneer Courthouse Square in Downtown Portland Springwater Corridor and Foster Road. A new crosswalk and user-activated signal existing Lents Pedestrian District to link to the airport is estimated to be 33 other sites in the Lents Town Center. minutes. was built where the Springwater Corridor crosses Foster Road (at about SE 105th), These pedestrian districts were then incorporated into Phase I of the Trans- Opportunity Gateway. Through the Oppor- making biking, walking, and other recre- ational activities safer. portation System Plan, which was tunity Gateway project, the entire transpor- adopted by City Council on May 22, tation system within the Gateway Regional Foster Road and 102nd. A new traffic 1996. Southeast 91st Avenue between Center is being evaluated for possible signal was installed at Foster and 102nd, Foster and Woodstock was improved changes. The analysis will include evalua- making the industrial property south of with sidewalks, street lighting, and trees tion of parking demand and management, Foster more accessible for trucks. to improve the pedestrian environment transit center park and ride, traffic opera- and attract developers’ investments to the nd tions, transit service, and 102 Avenue. Pedestrian districts. The Portland area. Office of Transportation (PDOT) created Lents Town Center. Safety and accessi- pedestrian districts in Montavilla, Gate- Street improvements. Most of the major bility concerns were addressed through way and at 122nd Avenue and Burnside as streets east of I-205 (for example, Division, the improvements listed following. part of the Outer Southeast Community Stark, Glisan, Powell, Foster, and Halsey) Plan. In addition, PDOT extended the lack continuous sidewalks, bike lanes, and

Outer Southeast Community Plan 151 Table 9 Traffic mitigation projects. Table 9 Traffic Mitigation Projects identifies the location of traffic calming devices installed by PDOT since comple- • 101st Avenue between Ellis and Henry tion of the Outer Southeast Community th • 115 Avenue between Holgate and Powell Plan. All are speed bumps unless other- • 116th Avenue between Brooklyn and Powell wise identified. •67th Avenue between Division and Holgate •76th Avenue between Taylor and Alder •92nd Avenue at Steele (pedestrian refuge) • Brookside Drive at 117th Avenue (cul-de-sac) • Center between 136th and 148th Avenues Housing • Harney between 82nd and 89th Avenues • Harold at 97th Avenue (pedestrian refuge) Policy. Provide a variety of housing • Harold between 52nd Avenue and Foster Road choices for outer southeast community Russellville Commons, located adjacent to the nd (speed bumps and curb extensions) residents of all income levels by main- 102 and Burnside MAX station, contains 478 • Holgate at 78th Avenue (pedestrian refuge) taining the existing sound housing housing units. th •128 Avenue between Harold and Foster Road stock and promoting new housing Outer Southeast increasing numbers of rd • 143 Avenue between Mill and Division development. rowhouse projects are being built. Ex- •78th Avenue between Division and Powell th amples can be seen on transit corridors •88 Avenue between Holgate and Foster Road nd • Flavel between 45th and 52nd Avenues When the objective to construct 14,000 such as 122 Avenue and Burnside, as th • 92nd – 100th between Harold and Holgate new housing units within 20 years was well as on smaller streets such as 80 th • 108th and 113th between Burnside and Stark adopted, few anticipated how rapidly the and 130 Avenues. In addition, several • 58th, 78th, 111th, and 118th-119th between area would develop. However, the zoning subdivisions for manufactured homes, Division and Powell certainty provided by the Outer Southeast including several along Foster Road, have th th • 78 and 80 between Duke and Cooper (speed been constructed. The two largest bumps and curb extensions) Community Plan and completion of the Mid-County Sewer Project combined with projects in Outer Southeast are the flat topography, excellent transporta- Russellville Commons on SE 102nd Ave- bus shelters. PDOT has constructed new tion system, and easily accessible shop- nue and Burnside, and Hawthorn Ridge at sidewalks and bike lanes on thirteen ping areas, have made this area the SE 162nd Avenue and Foster. Russellville streets since 1996. Tri-Met, through its fastest growing part of Portland. Since Commons is a multifamily, mixed-use Transit Choices for Livability program, October 1996, more than 2,400 new development of 478 units. Hawthorn has agreed to add buses to SE 148th and housing units have been built in Outer Ridge consists of lots for 298 single- SE 162nd Avenues. Both are “feeder” Southeast. family homes. streets to MAX stations on Burnside. Table 8 identifies the location of bike Most of the current housing projects being Several nonprofit agencies provide housing lanes added by PDOT since 1996. built are 1/2 - 5-acre subdivisions contain- services in Outer Southeast. Described ing relatively large single-family detached below are some of their current activities. homes. However, throughout much of

152 Highlights Report on the Outer Southeast Concept Map, but there were insufficient public funds to purchase it for this purpose.

Senior housing

Floyd Light Apartments. Floyd Light is a 50-unit mixed used apartment complex built as an adjunct to the East Portland Police Precinct. The project, opened in 1997, contains 20 units for low-income senior citizens. The Hazelwood is an innovative senior housing project in a mini-mall anchored by Safeway Cherrywood Senior Housing. Portland and Target. Adventist Medical Center is constructing Projects this assisted-living housing complex Russellville Commons. Russellville Com- between SE Market and Cherry Blossom mons is the largest residential project in Drive. It will provide 324 units of the Gateway Regional Center. It is being senior housing. nd constructed at 102 Avenue and Burnside The Hazelwood. Originally comprised of on the former 12.2-acre Russellville School several retail stores, the Mid-County Sewer Floyd Light Apartments add to the pedestrian site. Phase 1 of the $35 million project, friendly nature of SE 106th. Project offices, and a construction storage including 282 market rate units, is almost area, the 17.2 acre Hazelwood site has • ROSE Community Development complete. Phase 2 (196 units) is in now been transformed into a combination Corporation (ROSE CDC) recently progress. Eighty of these units will be retail and senior housing project anchored completed the 63-unit Lents Village affordable at 60 percent of median house- by Safeway and Target. This innovative senior housing project on Holgate and hold income. When complete, the project mixed-use project at 122nd Avenue and 104th Avenue, and is in the final will include a large park, swimming pool, Glisan, less than ¼-mile from the MAX negotiating stage for the 29-unit community room, and fiber-optic wiring station at Burnside, opened in February mixed-use Lents 2000 project within for Internet access. 1998. The four-story housing complex the Lents Town Center Urban Re- contains 119 assisted living units, 24 of newal District. Hawthorn Ridge. Large single-family which are available for low-income se- • Human Solutions has several projects homes are being built in this 298-parcel niors. Funds from a Portland Development in Outer Southeast, its largest being subdivision, located on Mt. Scott at the Commission loan, a state bond program, nd the 42-unit Ankeny Woods near the intersection of Foster Road and SE 162 . and federal low-income housing tax nd 122 Avenue and Burnside transit The site is zoned R10 with an environ- credits were pooled with private invest- station. mental conservation overlay. The area ments to finance the $11 million project. was designated for potential open space Outer Southeast Community Plan 153 Lents Village is the largest housing St. Anthony Village is one of the more vibrant Ankeny Woods is conveniently located within project developed by Rose Community mixed-use projects in the Foster-Powell two blocks of the 122nd Avenue MAX station and Development Corporation. neighborhood. shopping areas on both Glisan and Stark. Lents Village. Since its inception, ROSE Affordable housing Community Development Corporation has actively participated in planning projects Ankeny Woods. Human Solutions built a that impact the Lents, Montavilla, Foster- number of new housing structures in Outer Powell, and Mt. Scott-Arleta neighbor- Southeast since completion of the plan, an hoods. Its most ambitious endeavor is the attractive example of which is Ankeny 63-unit Lents Village senior housing Woods, located on SE Ankeny west of nd project, which opened in 1997, at 104th 122 Avenue and just one block from Avenue and Holgate. The addition of MAX. This $3 million affordable housing Loaves and Fishes has made the $5 million project contains 42 units, a 1,200 square affordable housing project a model of foot community room, and three children’s service provision for seniors within a play areas. compact area. Cascade Crossing is located within five blocks Cooper St. Bungalow Courts. ROSE CDC of the 102nd Avenue and Burnside MAX station. St. Anthony Village. This $14 million recently completed this 12-unit affordable complex contains 127 units of affordable condominium project. It is one of the few Cascade Crossing. Built by co-owners senior housing, as well as a new church, projects to boost home ownership. The two Human Solutions and Lennar Affordable community center, and day care center. and three-bedroom units contain nine-foot Communities, this project provides 74 It was developed by St. Anthony ceilings and new appliances. Eligible apartments and townhomes for persons Village Enterprise. buyers will be those with 50 - 80 percent earning 60 percent or less of median of median income. income. Not only does this transit-ori- ented development limit the number of

154 Highlights Report gram to include multifamily residential and mixed-use developments near major public transit facilities. The goal is to support higher densities within ¼-mile of MAX light rail stations, the Gateway Plan District, and the Lents Town Center.

Open Space and Environment The Cooper Street Bungalow Court development The Cherrywood Senior Housing project is being is located in the Brentwood-Darlington developed by the Portland Adventist Medical neighborhood. Center. Policy. Provide parks and open spaces to meet projected recreational needs of parking spaces, the owners are providing nated in the Outer Southeast Community outer southeast residents. Create a a wide variety of services for their Plan as “distressed areas.” This was sense of connection with the natural tenants, including child care, classes in made possible by the limited property environment. Protect natural resources employment and life skills, and a large tax exemption program established in by reducing the impact of development outdoor playground. 1990 as part of the Albina Community on them. Plan. The purpose of the program is to Park Vista. Human Solutions has cleared encourage new construction and rehabili- th The two critical open space/environment its site at 109 Avenue and Stark for its 59- tation of single-family owner-occupied issues addressed in the Outer Southeast unit Park Vista apartment complex. This housing with the taxes based on land Community Plan were 1) the insufficient project, when completed in December values. In the case of owner-occupied parks, open space, and recreational facilities 2000, will provide 59 affordable units, from housing rehabilitation, the assessed for the large and growing population, and 2) studio to four-bedroom units. Eligible improvement value is taken from the the challenge of managing the natural tenants will be those with 30 – 55 percent year prior to the completion of the environment of flood-prone Johnson Creek of median income. rehabilitation and frozen. Since March and the steep slopes of Mt. Scott. 1996, 230 units have been built within Programs these designated target area neighbor- A major concern expressed during the hoods. Distressed area designation for limited tax Outer Southeast Community Plan process abatement. Portions of the Brentwood- Transit oriented development limited tax was that the area contained too few parks Darlington, Lents, Mt. Scott-Arleta, Foster- abatement. The Oregon State Legislature in and recreational facilities and that many of Powell, Powellhurst-Gilbert, and 1996 expanded the tax abatement pro- its parks remained undeveloped. This Montavilla neighborhoods were desig- issue was addressed primarily through

Outer Southeast Community Plan 155 the construction of the East Portland Community centers Community Center, the upgrading of Montavilla and Mt. Scott Parks, and East Portland Community Center. On equipment provisions at Ed Benedict, April 2, 1998, City Commissioners Charlie Parklane, and Midland Parks. Because Hales and Jim Francesconi, and Parks Outer Southeast is already heavily built Director Charles Jordan formally dedi- out, there are few parcels available for cated the new East Portland Community th open space, particularly for developed or Center on SE 106 near Cherry Blossom recreational parks. The City has recently Drive. The $5 million, 32,500-sq. ft. acquired several pieces of land on or complex is located directly across the adjacent to Powell Butte, Kelly Butte, and street from the Floyd Light senior housing project. The center contains a central Leach Gardens, which increase the size Completed in 1998, the East Portland of these natural areas and offer additional courtyard with classrooms and activity rooms on one side and a 9,000-sq. ft. Community Center adds to the increasing environmental resource protection. variety of activities along 106th Avenue. gym and fitness facility on the other. Loaves and Fishes is also located on the As the last free-flowing creek within the Montavilla Community Center. Bond site. city of Portland, Johnson Creek is consid- Measures 26-10 and 26-26 provided ered vital to restoring salmonids and Mt. Scott Community Center. Major im- funding for the following improvements: steelhead trout to the Willamette River provements to the Mt. Scott facility are • Addition of children’s play equip- watershed. Since completion of the Outer expected to be completed in June 2000. ment, tennis courts, craft shop, and Southeast Community Plan, the City has re- The $4.5 million project includes the multipurpose room; evaluated the environmental zones within following: • Upgrading ball fields, lighting, paths, the Johnson Creek watershed and prepared • Relocation and redesign of the swim- restroom, pool, and locker rooms; and new standards for floodplain development. ming pool for indoor, year-round use; • Expanded and more accessible parking The recent adoption of citywide facilities. stormwater management standards should • Installation of a six-lane lap pool, spa decrease the amount of erosion and facilities, and a new locker; • Renovation of the basketball court, sediment entering Johnson Creek due to Parks and open space construction activities. As part of its flood tennis court fencing, lighting, play- control effort, the City continues to ground, and path; Floyd Light Park. Part of Floyd Light Park purchase land along Johnson Creek for • 20,000-sq. ft. of new construction and was used for the East Portland Community storage and rehabilitation of the 2,000-sq. ft. of renovations to the Center. This project was made possible natural environment. existing 1920s facility; and through a land swap among the City of • Expanded and more accessible parking Portland, David Douglas School District facilities.

156 Highlights Report The 1994 parks improvement bond measure funded renovation of the Mt. Scott Community Center is a major addition to both the and swimming pool, above left, as well as Montavilla park and swimming pool, above right. Lents and Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhoods.

(DDSD), and Multnomah County. DDSD • A landscaped buffer between the originally destined to be part of the Mt. developed the Floyd Light Middle School park and neighboring properties. Hood Freeway. Upon the demise of the track on five acres of the former parkland. freeway project, the State donated the The remainder is being maintained as Other park improvements were made land to the City on the condition that it be undeveloped open space. possible in 1997 through a $3,000 grant developed as a park. Consistent with this from the City. This funding enabled the plan, former legislator and longtime Midland Park. Part of Midland Park at Mill Park Neighborhood Association, neighborhood leader, Ed Benedict, 122nd Avenue and Morrison was needed for together with a local non-profit group, to donated $1,200 as seed money for the the reconstruction of the Midland Regional purchase native plants as part of a park’s development. Improvements Library and its adjacent parking lot. In naturescaping project. Students from David include ballfields, playgrounds, order to compensate for the loss of Douglas High School helped design the restrooms, a basketball court, park furni- parkland, Multnomah County commission- project and Mill Park Elementary School ture, and landscaping. Recently the ers agreed to the following improvements: students grew native grasses. American Society of Landscape Archi- • New and rerouted soft surface path- tects, Parks Bureau, and community ways to provide access to all portions Ed Benedict Park. Mayor Vera Katz and members agreed to construct a “memory of the park while protecting larger Commissioner Charlie Hales joined the garden” - a garden filled with old fash- contiguous habitat areas; Bureau of Parks and Recreation (Parks ioned shrubs, arbors and scented blos- • Two small outdoor classroom areas Bureau), Lents Neighborhood Association, soms - for elderly people who suffer adjacent to the path, with interpretive and Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood from memory disorders. signs; Association to celebrate the completion of 11-acre Ed Benedict Park in September Powell Butte. Powell Butte is a 620-acre • A butterfly garden, complete with 1996. This land along SE Powell be- recreational area owned by the Portland irrigation system; and tween 101st and 105th Avenues was Water Bureau and operated/maintained

Outer Southeast Community Plan 157 under an interagency agreement with the Portland Bureau of Parks and Recreation. It is used extensively for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and a host of other activities. City Council adopted the revised Powell Butte Master Plan by resolu- tion in November 1996. Shortly thereafter, the Parks Bureau purchased over 5 acres of land along the north slope of Powell Butte for inclusion in the park. Between March 1997 and October 1998, another 48.12 acres adjacent to Johnson Creek and the Springwater Corridor further expanded the park on the southeast side. The Springwater Corridor generally parallels Johnson Creek between the Willamette River and Boring to the east. Springwater Corridor. The former tracks and right-of-way for the Portland Traction • Kelly Butte. Also made possible by Creek Resources Management Plan, Line connecting the rich farmlands of the 1994 bond measure, the Bureau which was accepted by the Portland City Boring and Damascus to Downtown of Parks and Recreation has pur- Council in 1995. The Outer Southeast Portland have been converted into a 20- chased over 50 acres of land on Kelly Community Plan built on the Johnson mile recreational trail, enjoyed by over Butte since 1995. Creek Resources Management Plan and 600,000 users annually. The City of Port- recommended supportive zoning, plan land purchased the entire 16.5 mile Environment/Johnson Creek district requirements, and policies. It was Springwater Corridor in February 1990 watershed. A recurring theme emerged recognized that without active interven- using United States Rails to Trails funding. throughout the Outer Southeast Community tion Johnson Creek flooding would exact In 1996 the Parks Bureau completed the Plan process, particularly for residents in an escalating toll on area residents and first phase of improvements, which the southern portion of the plan area: the businesses, and continue to negatively provided a hard surface. need to halt further degradations of the impact the local transportation network. 54-square mile Johnson Creek watershed Other purchases and improvements and reduce flooding. By 1990, a multi- Water retention, water quality, and flood • Leach Botanical Gardens. Since jurisdictional task force, the Johnson plain management January 1999, the Bureau of Parks Creek Corridor Committee, had formed to • Land purchases. Since 1994, BES has and Recreation has added over 6.8 seek long-term solutions. With primary acquired 115 acres in the Johnson acres to the Leach Gardens. Land leadership from the Portland Bureau of Creek watershed to meet floodplain purchases were funded by the 1994 Environmental Services (BES), the Corri- management and other objectives. bond measure. dor Committee prepared the Johnson This land was purchased through the “willing seller acquisition program”

158 Highlights Report using federal grants, sewer and stormwater Capital Improvement Project funds, and bond measures. While most of this land is within the Outer Southeast Community Plan area, some, such as lands near Tideman Johnson Park, lie outside the bound- ary. The former Zenger Farm, which encompasses someof the marshes between SE 112th and SE 122nd Ave- nues, was purchased in 1994. In addition, the Bureau of Parks and Recreation purchased 35.06 acres of The Brookside Natural Area, created by the Bureau of Environmental Services, was completed in 1997 as a water retention and flood control area. land along Johnson Creek. Refinement of environmental zoning. The • Water retention and flood control • Floodplain remapping. The Bureau of Outer Southeast Community Plan was facilities. BES created wetlands, Planning, in cooperation with the U.S. completed as Portland began to face heavy meadows, and a large pond as part of Army Corps of Engineers, is currently winter ice storms, mudslides, and flooding. its water retention and flood control redefining and remapping the Johnson Historically, Johnson Creek floods follow- facilities on its 20-acre Brookside site Creek floodplain. These activities are ing prolonged heavy rains; but with th at SE 111 Avenue and Foster. The $1.9 expected to be completed and evalu- increased housing development on the clay million facility was completed in 1997. ated by the year 2002. soils of Mt. Scott (part of the Boring Lava BES anticipates that this site could • Floodplain development standards. In Domes), flooding is expected to increase. absorb 19.5 million gallons of water May 1998 City Council adopted safe- As part of the adoption of the plan, City during flooding. Brookside also con- guard measures for new development Council endorsed a re-evaluation of the tains trails, bird blinds, picnic areas, in the Johnson Creek floodplain. The environmental zoning of the Boring Lava and an observation play structure in regulations: Domes. Subsequently, in November 1997, addition to the flood control features. υ Prohibit above-ground structures new environmental zoning in the Johnson • Watershed Revegetation Program. in the floodway; Creek basin was adopted by City Council. This five-year program is designed to υ Require compensatory storage Since then the National Marine Fisheries restore forest-like conditions along throughout the floodplain; Service (NMFS) has declared steelhead, Johnson Creek. Over $230,000 will υ Require flood-proofing or eleva- trout, and certain types of salmon as be used to restore habitat through tion for structures built in the endangered species within the planting native trees and shrubs. This floodplain; and Willamette and Columbia River water- effort should aid water retention, υ Prohibit land divisions in the flood sheds. Following NMFS’s action, because water quality, and promote recovery risk area (five-year floodplain). fish protection had not been considered of threatened fish species in the in previous mapping efforts, the Bureau Willamette River. Outer Southeast Community Plan 159 of Planning initiated a new evaluation of Willamette River the environmental zone designation than with the more process. Environmentally sensitive areas sprawling suburban of the Johnson Creek watershed will properties east of likely need to be remapped if this latest the freeway. Most evaluation project results in significant of the plan area has changes. a limited sense of place and identity. Tree plantings. Between 1996 and 1998 There are a few Friends of Trees sponsored the following built landmarks that plantings through their Seed the Future provide focus for a program: particular area, such • 65 trees at elementary and middle as the brick Bank of schools and at the Lents Boys and Girls America building at These drawings from Building Blocks for Outer Southeast nd Neighborhoods help developers consider different options for Club; 102 Avenue their projects • 2700 seedlings, shrubs, and trees along between Stark and the Springwater Corridor and in the Washington, the Johnson Creek watershed; and Gateway arch, and the clock tower at nd • 60 trees in the South Tabor neighbor- 122 Avenue and Division. The Midland hood Library with its distinctive clock tower, the nascent elements of the Lents Town Center, and the pedestrian area along SE Urban Design 106th Avenue between Stark and Cherry Blossom Drive are helping build identity Policy. Foster a sense of place and for parts of Outer Southeast. Natural identity of the Outer Southeast Com- features such as Mt. Scott, Powell Butte, ning, was published in March 1996. The munity Plan area by reinforcing exist- and Kelly Butte dominate their immediate handbook contains design guidelines for ing character-giving elements and vicinity though do not exude a strong single, attached, and multiple unit dwell- encouraging the emergence of new enough presence to define Outer South- ings, mixed-use and commercial build- ones as envisioned in the Vision Plan. east in a larger context. ings, contemporary main streets, village squares, gateways, and pedestrian dis- Neighborhoods west of I-205 within the Handbook of development proto- tricts. Each category contains recommen- Outer Southeast Community Plan area types. Building Blocks for Outer South- dations for streetscapes, interest and generally have more in common with east Neighborhoods: Neighborhood Design compatibility, front entries, security, older neighborhoods closer to the Guidelines for Residents and Developers, prepared by Portland Community Design parking, outdoor rooms, and a sense of in cooperation with the Bureau of Plan- place.

160 Highlights Report ing efforts in Outer Public Safety Southeast is the liaison program design to form Policy: Apply Crime Prevention cooperative relationship Through Environmental Design prin- between police officers ciples to both public and private devel- and local residents/ opment projects. Encourage land use businesses. arrangements and street patterns that provide more eyes on the street. En- Crime Prevention courage site layouts and building Through Environmen- designs that encourage proprietary tal Design (CPTED) attitudes and natural surveillance over Principles. These shared and public spaces. principles have been applied to a number of The public safety policy within the Outer projects in Outer South- Southeast Community Plan addresses crime east. Among them are: prevention design elements of buildings, landscaping, and transportation networks. SE 106th Avenue. In These condominiums at SE 141st Avenue and Burnside are Many residents and business owners addition to the police immediately adjacent to the MAX light rail line and just blocks from th expressed a desire for stronger, more station siting, other safety the SE 148 Avenue station. specific safety measures. This was measures have been th reflected in most of the neighborhood taken along SE 106 . Applied CPTED at individual doorways and along the plans, many of which called for a police principles include bright lighting, orienta- street, these rowhouses are a classic precinct located within Outer Southeast, tion of doors and windows to the street, example of effective CPTED design. and strategic location of landscaping retention of existing fire stations, im- Russellville Commons. Under construc- elements. proved response time to emergencies, tion at 102nd Avenue and Burnside, and elimination of elements threatening Safeway/Hazelwood project. By design, Russellville Commons is well-lit, with to neighborhood stability, such as drug mixed-use developments such as this pedestrian and landscaping amenities houses, abandoned vehicles, and graffiti. provide safety elements. Hazelwood specifically designed to promote security. The site layout is also conducive to th residents keep watch over the area and The new police precinct on SE 106 the large retail presence provides them safety; buildings front onto 102nd, but are Avenue in the Gateway Regional Center with added security. also oriented toward the interior shared was a direct response to citizens’ con- spaces, providing a wide range of visi- cerns and to the increased level of crime Condominiums at 141st Avenue and bility. activity in this part of Portland. An associ- Burnside. With their windows and doors ated component to the community polic- fronting the sidewalks and good lighting

Outer Southeast Community Plan 161 East Portland Police Precinct. The Police Bureau officially dedicated the East Portland Police Precinct at SE 106th Avenue near Cherry Blossom on October 10, 1996. Former Commander Mark Paresi noted that this is the first facility built by the Bureau strictly for police services. A range of police activities, including patrols, investigation of prop- erty crimes, senior service callbacks, and neighborhood response teams, are The East Portland Police Precinct is another coordinated here. In addition, it hosts th recent addition to SE 106 Avenue. community organizations such as the East Portland Neighborhood Office, an Explorer Post, and the East Precinct Youth Council, as well as educational programs such as the Police Activities League and the Gang Resistance Educa- tion and Training program.

Portland Communications Center. The 911 Center, formally known as the Portland Communications Center, was constructed in 1996 on part of the land set aside for Ed Benedict Park. Dispatch- The Portland Communications Center is more ers route and distribute all incoming commonly known as the 911 Center. telephone traffic from citizens, city bureaus, and other local and region-wide agencies, often receiving hundreds of calls per hour. The Center is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

162 Highlights Report The Willamette National Cemetery on Mt. Scott overlooks the Outer Southeast Community Plan area toward the north.

Outer Southeast Community Plan 163 Outer Southeast Community Plan Site Map

164 Highlights Report Outer Southeast Community Plan Site Locator

Mixed-Use Areas 21 Springwater Corridor 1 Gateway Regional Center 22 Additions 2 Lents Town Center 23 Kelly Butte Additions 24 Brookside Stormwater Facility Housing 25 Gazebo in Lents Park 3 Lents Village 4 Ankeny Woods Business Development 5 Russellville Commons 26 Oregon College of Oriental 6 Hawthorn Ridge Medicine 7 Floyd Light Apartments 27 New Copper Penny 8 Cherrywood Senior Housing 28 Antique Building 9 The Hazelwood 29 Eastport Plaza 10 St. Anthony Village 11 Cooper St. Bungalow Courts Community Services 12 Cascade Crossing 30 Brentwood-Darlington Community 13 Condominiums Center 31 Southeast Works Parks, Open Space, and Environment 32 Midland Library 14 East Portland Community Center 33 East Police Precinct 15 Mt. Scott Community Center 34 Portland Communications Center 16 Montavilla Community Center 17 Floyd Light Park 18 Midland Park 19 Ed Benedict Park 20 Powell Butte Additions

Outer Southeast Community Plan 165 166 Highlights Report How Well Have We Done?

This document has highlighted some of the major projects and programs that have been accomplished since adoption of the Down- town, Central City, Albina Community, and Outer Southeast Community Plans. Imple- mentation of all four plans continues today through the on-going efforts of citizens, Mt. Hood beckons in this view from Washington Park. From this vantage point, viewers can see businesses, organizations, and government Downtown, parts of the Central City and parts of Outer Southeast Portland. agencies. The current efforts regarding the West End discussed on page 31, for ex- ample, directly relate to elements of the plans’ policies, goals, and objectives. It is To do this, staff evaluated each action item Downtown Plan. The Outer Southeast area to this list of actions that the Bureau of with the agency or organization identified of Portland has seen only four years elapse Planning has returned to determine as implementing that particular action and since its adoption, but already projects in whether or not they have been imple- made a determination as its completion this area are gaining momentum. mented. Considering how much time, status. Every effort was made to accurately energy, and financial resources the City identify the stage of each action’s imple- This final chapter looks beyond the high- and its citizens have expended on the four mentation. This classification system was lights to the action items in each plan. It is plans, it is worthwhile asking how success- complicated, however, by the timeline these action items that specify particular ful these plans have been in accomplishing projects and programs that carry out the the identified actions.

How Well Have We Done? 167 associated with some of the action items only to action items. Objectives and other and programs. Note that the “not imple- implementation measures such as elements mented” category for all four plans con- of plan districts or environmental designa- tains some action items that were not tions are not included. pursued because they lost relevance or importance over time. It also notes those Below is a sample list of action items, whose scheduled timeframe has not yet from the Central City Plan. been reached. The tallies below pertain

168 Highlights Report Downtown Plan and excludes others that were removed as • 69 action items have been imple- a result of the River District, University mented, District, and Goose Hollow District amend- • 92 action items have been partially Creators of the Downtown Plan did not ments to the plan. Since adoption of the implemented, develop “action items,” as they became Central City Plan in March of 1988: • 111 action items are on-going, and known in later plans. Instead, the Down- • 53 action items have not been imple- town Plan includes goals, both broad and • 150 action items have been imple- mented. specific, and 99 planning guidelines mented, designed to implement the goals. To • 120 action items have been partially measure the success of the Downtown Outer Southeast Community implemented, Plan, these planning guidelines were • 58 action items are on-going, and Plan evaluated in the same manner as action • 37 action items have not been imple- items of the Central City, Albina, and mented. The Outer Southeast Community Plan Outer Southeast Community plans. Since contains 157 action items. Action items adoption of the Downtown Plan in 1972: Albina Community Plan evaluated are those included in the com- munity plan only. Action items contained • 66 of the planning guidelines have within individual neighborhood and been implemented, The Albina Community Plan contains 325 business plans are not included here. This • 12 of the planning guidelines have action items. The Bureau of Planning is the youngest of the four plans described been partially implemented, completed research on the status of these in this report. Since March 1996, the plan • 17 planning guidelines are on-going, action items both for this document and area has been the recipient of significant and the 1997 Albina Community Plan Follow- public and private investments. However, • 4 planning guidelines have not been up Report. Input and action item evaluation having only been adopted four years ago, implemented. was also provided by the North/Northeast it is too soon to expect the implementation Economic Development Alliance. A num- of a large percentage of action items. ber of plan action items are not under the Since adoption of the Outer Southeast control of the City; in some cases outside Central City Plan Community Plan in January of 1996: sources were consulted to determine implementation stages. Action items The Central City Plan contains 365 action • 80 action items have been imple- evaluated are those included in the com- items, ranging in magnitude from provid- mented, munity plan only. Action items contained ing convenient trash receptacles throughout • 37 action items have been partially within individual neighborhood plans are the Central City to constructing the implemented, not included here. Since adoption of the westside light rail line. This total includes • 30 action items are on-going, and Albina Community Plan in July of 1993: new items added since the plan’s adoption • 10 action items have not been imple- mented.

How Well Have We Done? 169 170 Highlights Report “I have seen a lot of great scenery in my life, but I have seen nothing so tempting as a home for man as this Oregon country. You have here a basis for civilization on its highest scale, and I am going to ask you a question which you may not like. Are you good enough to have this country in your posses- sion? Have you got enough intelligence, imagination and cooperation among you to make the best use of these opportunities?”

Lewis Mumford’s 1938 Presentation “Rebuild- ing Our Cities” to the City Club of Portland

The answers to Mr. Mumford’s questions are “Yes”. We have demonstrated our intelli- gence, imagination, and cooperation in each of these plans — in each of the actions and in the coordination of a series of actions. Aiming at creating a whole that is greater than its parts magnify the implemented projects, programs, and regulations that being with the involvement of the city’s citizens. Each plan is a demonstration of our caring communities working together to prove themselves good enough for this place called Portland. Each of these plans has been based on a shared desire to leave as a legacy to the future a better community.

As in the past, the coming decade will continue to challenge us. The successes of the past and the future opportunities, as yet unimagined, will bolster our resolve to seek a Portland that exceeds its potential.

How Well Have We Done? 171