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.
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.
Not really. Most of the high rises include ground level shops & restaurants that should help downtown maintain a 'chummy' feel.
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.
Wow, Pioneer Courthouse Square is going to have a different feel with this building that's under construction.
