Reshaping Portland's Waterfront

Every now and then, a development comes along that has the potential to impact a city’s identity.  In Portland’s case, this appears to be what’s being touted as Portland Foreside.  Its ambitious plan to drastically alter and greatly improve a currently underutilized 10-acre waterfront parcel will result in a mixed-use neighborhood that features a new deep-water marina, restaurants, shopping, hotels, and a residential component (condos).

Granted this is based on renderings, but my thought is that what they’re proposing looks amazing!  It looks like they’ve done a masterful job of blending brick facades, which is what Portland is known for, with glass and steel, which gives a nod to a more modern aesthetic.  The juxtaposition of old and new is tough to pull off, but I feel like the developer here has nailed it!  Mindful incorporation of view corridors and open space/public plazas will also encourage community interaction.  And provide for some prime people watching!

Needless to say, I’m a huge fun of this development and think it’ll be great for the city.  Not that it’s all about tax revenue and job creation, but let’s be honest, that’s certainly an added bonus.  And a big one at that!  Can’t wait to see this come to fruition!