UPDATED 9/26/2011
A January 19 public forum pushed two highly anticipated, and long awaited, River District development projects one step closer to completion.
Both the Fields Neighborhood Park and the Centennial Mills redevelopment projects, as well as the pedestrian bridge planned to connect the two sites, were discussed when around 200 concerned citizens and interested individuals packed into the Heritage Room at the BridgePort Brewpub, located at the corner of 13th and Marshall in Northwest Portland.
While a majority of the meeting followed a standard public open house script with ample time allotted to questions and answers, there were two major developments that made the realization of these two projects, well, a lot more real. The first being an updated, and fairly detailed, timeline for the completion of both projects. Along with detailed timelines came a plethora of detailed renderings and schematic designs for both projects.
BridgePort's Heritage Room was packed with interested neighbors
The Fields Neighborhood Park
The Fields Neighborhood Park, the third and final park planned for the River District, will sit on a 3.1-acre lot North of Overton and east of NW 11th. The park was originally imagined through a 2001 Portland River District Park System urban design framework study by Peter Walker and Partners Landscape Architecture (the same report that strongly recommended the connection of the park to the Centennial Mills development). The project remained just an idea until Portland Parks & Recreation created an advisory committee in March of 2007 to drive the development of the park. For the next couple months the committee worked vigorously to gain insight from the public on what they wanted to see come of the park.
Pearl residents participated in a 2007 Fields Park workshop
The project was then stalled almost two years for a number of reasons. Most recently, Portland Parks & Recreation was waiting to hear the final plans for the highly anticipated Centennial Mills redevelopment from the Portland Development Commission in order to somewhat synchronize the two projects and possibly build a pedestrian bridge to connect them.
The project picked up again in September of 2009 as progress was made on the plans for the Centennial Mills redevelopment. Portland Park & Recreation has been working with the landscape architecture firms: the San Francisco-based Office of Cheryl Barton and Koch Landscape Architectures of Portland.
George Lozovoy, Portland Parks & Recreation
After a short introduction to the history and progress of the Fields Neighborhood Park by George Lozovoy, project manager with Portland Parks & Recreation, Cheryl Barton took the floor to discuss the timeline for the project and show off prospective designs.
“Although this project has been stalled for quite some time, we have been hard at work trying to incorporate everyone’s ideas into the design of this park,” said Barton, founding principal of the Office of Cheryl Barton. “We have attempted to incorporate these while maintaining the original ideals we were given: a civic purpose, connectivity to the river, history revealed, simplicity and sustainable urbanism.”
The Fields Park schematic diagram. Image: Office of Cheryl Barton.
The first thing that jumps off the page when looking at the schematic design of the park is a large, oval-shaped open space in the center of the park. This element was born in the dialog with the public. Both a March 2007 survey of residents and a June 2007 neighborhood workshop echoed public concern for an open field in the center of the park.
“When we held our workshop we split 60 people into five groups and had them build models of the park,” said Barton. “The one common element in all of the models was an open green space in the center of the park.”
The open space in the preliminary design is surrounded by a 5,000 sq. ft. off-leash dog park (a 35’ by 90’ dog run and a 28’ by 64’ dog play area), a large nature play area for children and an ‘urbanology’ walking trail that is surrounded by trees, a rain garden and a river habitat.
The children's area. Image: Office of Cheryl Barton.
“We are really excited about the nature play area for the children,” she said. “Instead of just building a playground, we want to incorporate aspects of nature that the children can play with. This includes climbing features, a sandy area and open space to run.”
The dog area was by far the most contentious part of the evening, with numerous audience members prefacing their questions and comments with “I am a resident and one of the dog people”. Although this project will mark the first fenced off-leash urban dog park in Portland, certain dog owners believe park designers aren’t allocating enough space to what will be a destination for downtown dogs.
The dog park with possible expansion area. [This modified rendering was not presented in the open house. Highlighted red area and "possible dog park expansion area" added by Neighborhood Notes. ]
“A study done in New York dog parks showed that any dog park under 6,500 sq. ft. can bring out aggression in dogs…the rule of thumb is that there needs to be 25 sq. ft. per dog,” said LeRae Hunt, member of the advocacy group, Friends of the Fields. “We have proposed that the designers should extend the dog park up the rest of the Northwest side of the park. This solution wouldn’t cut into the open space in the middle of the park, while allowing the dogs enough room to play.”
Hunt also pointed out that there are 548 registered dogs in the 97209 zip code, and with national licensing rate of only 28-percent, that number could be closer to 2,000 dogs.
Residents participating in the Q & A.
Both Lozovoy and Barton referred to the 2007 residents survey that showed residents were far more likely to use the park for sitting/relaxing, walking and informal play than for dog related activities.
Barton finished her discussion by laying out a timeline for the completion of the project. She hopes to have full schematics, the initial design and the construction design done by early next year. The project will be bid in early 2011, with construction expected to begin in March. At this time the park has a $3.1 million dollar construction budget. Construction will begin immediately following the bid with an expected completion date of September/October 2011.
Centennial Mills viewed from the eastside.
The Centennial Mills Redevelopment
“We truly want the park, the bridge, Centennial Mills and the reintroduction of the river to all flow together organically and mesh seamlessly with the fabric of the surrounding community,” remarked Shaheen Sadeghi, principal at Lab Holding of Costa Mesa, Calif., the development agency awarded the contract by the Portland Development Commission in December of 2006 to redevelop and repurpose the Centennial Mills area. “That is why we are here tonight. To make sure this area becomes an extension of the community.”
Shaheen Sadeghi of Lab Holding (left), Steven Shain of PDC (right)
Centennial Mills, the 4.75-acre site of an old flour mill located between Naito Parkway and the Willamette River just North of NW Overton St., was originally acquired by the PDC through funds from the River District Urban Renewal Plan and City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services.
Lab Holding was awarded the project after submitting a proposal entitled SEED that PDC and City Council thought most encompassed the five principals they were looking for: to strengthen connectivity, create a community focal point, capture history, sustainability and an ample amount of open space.
“When we originally looked into this project we wanted to incorporate the ideals of the community into a public space,” said Sadeghi. “What we found is that there are two things the people of Portland cherish: sustainability and food.”
Centennial Mills viewed from the river. Image: MS&R Architecture.
In order to blend the concept of public space with the ideals of sustainability and culinary arts, Lab proposed an open public market surrounded by locally born shops and public gathering space.
Considering the property, as it stands now, is a conglomerate of old buildings, there will be no new buildings and very little new materials associated with the project.
“Repurposing the materials we have is a major part of this project because it allows us to be as sustainable as possible while upholding the idea of capturing the history of the site,” said Tom Meyer, principal at Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle Architecture of Minneapolis, Minn. and Hyattsville, Md., the architecture firm hired by Lab.
Centennial Mills viewed from the pedestrian bridge. Image: MS&R Architecture.
An example of this will be the third level of the building where the bridge from Fields Neighborhood Park will connect to the development. The third floor will have an open breezeway where pedestrians and bicyclists can pass over the bridge, through the building and down stairs to the open wharf. The removed 2’ by 10’ paneling to open the space will be used as flooring through the breezeway.
Notable historic elements that will be retained include the water tower, dust collector, part of the original conveyor and the entire original wharf. Other sustainable aspects will include an eco roof and a rainwater management system.
Proposed layout of the wharf level. Image: MS&R Architecture.
There will be approximately 150,000 sq. ft. of building space in the development and 1.5 acres of open space. The first and third floors will house locally owned, artisan-driven shops and galleries, while the top floors will be office space. The wharf level will also include a market hall, living room space and natural theatre seating with a view of the river. Lab is also looking into a possible marine-related museum tenant.
“One thing we know for sure is that there will be absolutely no national tenants,” said Sadeghi. “This development will be driven by local artisans.”
Current roadblocks in the development include parking and water access. There will be about 80 street spots available for parking, but no structure.
As far as water access is concerned, Sadeghi remarked, “We have all the intention of connecting this development to the water, but it just might not be feasible.”
The schematic design for the redevelopment is 100-percent done. Lab will be pricing the project out over the next several months while waiting to hear about possible PDC gap funding. Lab’s original proposal was priced at $57.4 million, largely through private funding. Construction for the project is tentatively scheduled for late 2011 or early 2012.
Two proposed pedestrian bridge designs. Image: MS&R Architecture.
The Bridge
The proposed pedestrian and bicycle bridge that will connect the two developments was also discussed.
“We have a concept for the bridge but we are looking at it independently of the other developments,” said Meyer. “We want the other projects to be more definitive before we finalize our plans for the bridge.”
What is certain is that the bridge will be made of steel and will maintain a sleek and simple design in order to keep the focus on the surrounding landmarks like the Freemont Bridge and the Centennial Mills development.
One point of contention is whether the bridge should be curved (staying with the theme of the park) or straight (staying with the theme of the Centennial Mills development).
More Information
For additional information on the Fields Neighborhood Park, please visit Portland Parks and Recreation.
For additional information on the Centennial Mills redevelopment project, please visit The Centennial Mills web site or the Portland Development Commission.
View the slideshow for more images of the Fields Park and Centennial Mills open house, or visit our Flickr gallery:
Photos © 2010 Kenneth Aaron, Neighborhood Notes
UPDATE 9/26/2011: "PDC Mishandles Centennial Mills, Conflict of Interest Emerges"
By Ben Waldron, NeighborhoodNotes.com
UPDATE 6/30/2011: "Centennial Mills Deadline Looms, PDC Offers No Extension"
By Ben Waldron, NeighborhoodNotes.com
UPDATE 5/12/2011: "Pearl District's Centennial Mills Project Facing Bureaucratic Difficulties"
By Ben Waldron, NeighborhoodNotes.com
Great article. Thanks for the comprehensive report and photos. Since I couldn't be at the meeting, this is the next best thing. It is exciting to see a timetable for progress being discussed for the park and mill developments. Wow! What incredible additions to an already awesome neighborhood; I look forward to the completion dates. By the way, how do I get on the list to rent a small office on the upper floor of Centennial Mills?
Hi Jerry,
Thanks for your comment! We do our best to keep neighbors who can't attend public meetings informed. We're also excited to see these projects moving forward again! At this point, I don't think LAB Holding is taking names for office space. When they do we will let everyone know.
This project needs to include a link between new sections of the westside Willamette Greenway Trail that have been recently completed on both the upstream (Waterfront Pearl) and downstream (old Terminal 1 housing) side of the old mill.
Great idea, Lenny! Has it been presented to PDC and PP&R for consideration?
Your eastside photo of Centennial Mills is not possible. There is no forest behind it from ANY direction!
Hi, Catherine. The photo of Centennial Mills you are referring to is a real photo. The forest you see behind the mill is part of Portland's west hills. I shot the photo from the east side of the Willamette River just north of the grain distribution terminal that is north of the Broadway Bridge. From that angle the south west hills are in the background. Also, I used a long telephoto lens which flattens the image, making the background appear closer to the foreground than you would perceive with your eye.
The image is an infrared photograph which I have hand colored. That is why it is partially black & white and color.
Thanks for your comment!
I think that the only fair allocation of space should be considered within the concept of The Fields being the third park in the Pearl District with Tanner Springs being just a block away and Jamison Square several more blocks away.
These parks have addressed many of the residents needs including Tanner Springs no dogs allowed policy, quiet reflective area, natural habitat, and water features, etc.
Jamison Square serves children and families very well with the water feature, grass, and open areas, etc.
Over 60% of the population are dog owners or dog friendly.
A park area for dogs and their owners is the unmet need of the Pearl District.
Right now the unfinished Fields is primarily being used by dogs and their owners.
To allocate a space equivalent to just over 3% of the park is unfair to both dogs and their owners.
If you consider the 3 parks together the area is actually just over 2%.
To start with such a small area allocated for dogs and their owners is an extreme disadvantage when requesting adequate space.
On behalf of all the dogs and dog owners I am confident that the decision-makers will see the merit and argument for the large population of dogs, dog owners, and dog friendly residents of the Pearl District.
Randy Oathes
6 1/2 year resident of the Pearl District
Hi Randy. I agree that dogs need a larger area to run and play. But I think it's important to consider the larger picture in which the park designers are operating to understand how we arrived at this design.
There are many competing uses for The Fields Park and the designers are challenged with balancing these uses. The basic goal of The Fields is to provide a large open space for informal activities such as a game of catch, frisbee, or a pickup game of baseball or football. Activities that people of a broad range of ages enjoy.
Jamison Square serves very young children, but in talking to families, the park loses its appeal as kids reach the age of 5 or so because of the limited activities the park supports. The North Park Blocks provide space to throw a ball or frisbee, but its layout is not amenable to informal pickup games.
As the Pearl grows north the goal is to attract more families to live in the area. One of the goals of the North Pearl Plan of 2008 is to create housing that is more accessible to families. The plan included many zoning changes that will result in larger, more affordable condos and apartments that are more suited to families. There will also be a school in the new building under construction at 1350 NW Raleigh, whose students will be using the park.
Designers of The Fields are charged with creating a park that not only meets todays needs but will serve Pearl residents into the future, taking into account the plans for neighborhood growth. This is a challenging proposition.
This isn't a kids vs dogs battle, and I think the needs of dog owners are being heard. Friends of the Fields has been working with the Project Advisory Committee to address the the shortcomings of the proposed design. There is still time to have your voice heard, contact Friends of the Fields and ask how you can help!
Hi Randy,
I live in the Pearl and I have a 3-year-old daughter. I disagree with the statement that Jamison Park serves the needs of children in the neighborhood.
The water feature in Jamison Park is amazing but it was not originally intended or designed for children. Jamison Park is a lot of fun for an occasional visit but not daily. It is not well-enclosed, not very safe due to hard surfaces, and very crowded in the summer with families from outside the neighborhood. It is fun to meet people from all over the city but it makes it hard to meet other neighborhood families there so it does not foster a sense of community. Due to the crowds and hard surfaces, we never go more than once a week and I know many other families in the neighborhood feel the same way. Outside of the summer months, there is little for children to do there which is why it is usually empty.
Urban children need a place which provides a variety of physical play year-round in a safe, well-enclosed space and a place where families of the community can meet each other. We are so happy that the Fields has an area designated for children. The vision of the Fields as a park for the community as a whole is an excellent idea.
All that said, I do agree with you too. Given all the dogs in the neighborhood, I expected a much larger off-leash dog area and I hope you get that.
Christina
Love the IR shot of the mills! Awesome work.
Scott
Thanks Scott, I appreciate that!
I live in the neighborhood with my 2 and 4 year old boys and agree with christina that we need safe play space with a variety of features that allow for climbing, hanging, balancing, sliding, swinging etc. As urban families, we don't have the option of building our own play structure in the backyard, so we rely heavily on public parks for exercise, social gathering and recreation.
Additionally, we'll soon have at least one new public school in the north end of the Pearl and possibly a private school in the park blocks. Although the plan is still a work in progress, my concern is that tree stumps and rocks will not allow the type variety that will draw children to Fields, and provide families with a place to meet and bond. Therefore, I hope those issues are still under consideration.
Finally, although we do not have dogs, a lot of Pearl residents do, and I agree that they should have a large enclosed space to exercise and play as well.