It sits at the corner of Congress and High Streets tucked between the Portland Museum of Art and the Westin Portland Harborview Hotel in the heart of the Arts District of the city. These past summer days its been home to weekly movies, various installations, the music scene and food trucks, but there is a plan in the works for it to be so much more. Several designers from around the world have been asked to reimage this vibrant piece of real estate. Hopefully someday soon, it will hardly be recognizable to those looking on it today. And yes, there is a dark underbelly to this placid scene on an early morning sun-dappled shot. The homeless like it too. Just to the left in this photograph is the guts of the old Union Station clock.
Don't get me on a rant about that.
I'm not going there today,
It's too early.
Maybe these international "experts" will begin this time by first solving the problem of homelessness. It would be nice to think so anyway.
ReplyDeleteWell...people need food, but also "culture" and culture is food of the soul! Anyway it's a beautiful spot, I love this picture in Summer mood!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a nice day,
Léia
Solving the problem of homelessness is a monumental task and we do need some serious cultural changes, as well as new designs for our community spaces. Both are important. The umbrellas, the clock and the brickwork are all visually appealing.
ReplyDeleteIt's an odd littler square. Hopefully it will blossom. Years ago I enjoyed weekly evening summer concerts there that used to be broadcast on WMPG...I haven't seen the tables with the umbrellas. I like your photo here.
ReplyDeleteoops, meant odd LITTLE square...
ReplyDeleteI find myself ranting about much more than I once did. I think it comes with age, not wisdom!
ReplyDeleteSounds like it could be quite a while yet before you see changes Birdman. Looks pretty good as it is there!
ReplyDeleteI love Kathy's comment above. It's so true for me too.
ReplyDeleteIt looks rather nice now so it will be interesting to see the new concepts for it!
ReplyDeleteI hope you will photograph and post the changes, Birdman!
ReplyDeleteOK, we will see, but I am never optimist about these things!
ReplyDeleteI like what I see now. Hopefully, "they" don't screw it up with their meddling!
ReplyDeleteWe'll see what happens to it!
ReplyDeleteSounds like it's a great space already. Hope they only make it better!
ReplyDeleteAlways a good sign when a city invests in its parks! Can't wait to see the progress. Hoping you will document it.
ReplyDeleteJanis
GDP