Downtown Portland

[Fez Hammersticks]

Every other block there seems to be a mid-rise/high-rise going up or have been constructed within the last two years.

Anyone else seeing Portland losing it's small-city feel with the construction galore? According to the PDC, over 50 high-rise and mid-rise buildings have been built since 2001.

 

[maxiep]

Nope. Density is good. People living downtown is good as well. The structure of PDX with it's 200 foot blocks and ground-floor retail will ensure that it retains its feeling.

 

[theprunetang]

Nope. Density is good. People living downtown is good as well. The structure of PDX with it's 200 foot blocks and ground-floor retail will ensure that it retains its feeling.

"Small-city charm" has traditionally been one of those things that make Portland "feel" like Portland. It is one of the reasons I was drawn towards the city, being from small town southern Oregon and all. It has a lot of the activities, individual mindsets and cultural attitudes of a big city, but not completely impersonal like alot of other towns of its size. I agree with you though, whole-heartedly, that density is good, and especially downtown in the heart of the city. Things cannot always stay the same, especially with population growth. I think raising downtown up off of the street level and supplying more downtown living is essential and one of things that will help the city thrive through impending growth. I say, bring on more growth in downtown.

As a side note, people usually associate small towns and rural settings with friendlier people and the opposite with larger cities. However, I have been much more comfortable walking around Portland and smiling, saying hello or being curteous to strangers than I ever was in rural Oregon.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Every other block there seems to be a mid-rise/high-rise going up or have been constructed within the last two years.

Anyone else seeing Portland losing it's small-city feel with the construction galore? According to the PDC, over 50 high-rise and mid-rise buildings have been built since 2001.

Not really. Most of the high rises include ground level shops & restaurants that should help downtown maintain a 'chummy' feel.

 

[Furball]

With all of the layoffs around the state, I'm wondering who is going to be living in those high rises. The real estate market is tanking in the Portland area.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Wow, Pioneer Courthouse Square is going to have a different feel with this building that's under construction.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

I also read that the base of the high-rise will be the new home of 'Nike Town.' Nice!