Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkDaMan
These two sentences are in conflict.
If you honestly think the Pearl, and not just the Pearl, but the Pearl near the established and gentrified Brewery Blocks, is Portland's creative district, you need to go on a walk with Ms. Cliff. Make sure to cross a bridge to N, NE and SE to see some real creativity going on.
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I'll pass on the hike with Ms Cliff, having had 30 years' experience walking the streets of this town long before she arrived on the scene. My characterization of the Pearl is based on the district's recent history and my own experience as a graphic designer. Back in 1988 I had the pleasure of leasing one of Al Solheim's very first office loft rehabs at 13th & Everett - directly across the street from the old Ice House that now houses the Weiden & Kennedy advertising agency after Allied Works' acclaimed renovation - an occurrence that involved two of our burg's most renowned creative firms and which served as a primary catalyst in transforming the district. At that time the Pearl was also home to many of Portland's most respected graphic arts printing, typesetting and pre-press companies. Many have since either moved to cheaper environs or closed due to the advance of digital technologies, however many creative-related tech firms have since taken their place.
More recently my office was located in a small studio at 9th & Flanders (thank you Peggy Oliver for keeping your rents affordable for small businesses!), a building that remains full of creative professionals. It's certainly true that many fine artists and freelancers who first inhabited the district have also fled to less expensive territory in as you say N, NE and SE Portland. Nonetheless the Pearl retains a more diverse and significant creative presence than these other areas, from ad agencies, architects, theaters and galleries to software developers and technology firms. It is home to RACC and PNCA, the Armory, Art in the Pearl, Bullseye Glass Gallery, Tanner Creek Park and the Jamison Square fountain and totems... not to mention Powell's for Pete's sake! If someone would ever fund the restoration of the Lovejoy columns I could throw those in the mix also. And, perhaps most critically the only Blick art supply store in town!
As a creative person the vibe you get walking the Pearl is way beyond anything happening elsewhere in town. These other districts are up-and-coming, but not there yet. Not even close.
But really Mark, what is the argument you're trying to make? Let's assume the location has no bearing as far as you're concerned, are you pleased with direction of this building's architecture? For me, if the building were downtown grouped among similarly sized structures the design wouldn't be as big a deal. Even at the north end of the Pearl - adjacent the NV let's say - one might be more forgiving of dull architecture in appreciation of its contribution to the vertical mass of that area. At 12th & Flanders though, it will tower above its neighbors and much like the Cosmopolitan to the north it will, due to its height alone, become the focal point in that part of the district. I would like to see a Cosmo-like level of thoughtful - perhaps even inspired - design applied here as well. Too much to ask?