Pioneer Courthouse Square will undergo major repairs and renovations this year.
It’s being paid for by the Parks Replacement Bond that was approved by voters in 2014. This is the largest Parks Replacement Bond project. Construction at PCS is scheduled to start on Monday, January 30, 2017, and substantial completion is expected to be completed by the end of July 2017.
The Umbrella Man statue, which is really titled Allow Me will be removed for a refurbishing. The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC), working with the renovation staff and contractor, will soon remove the iconic Allow Me sculpture from the Square. The 460 pound bronze sculpture will be stored off-site for 6 months. During this time, RACC staff and art caretakers will clean the surface, freshen up the figure’s painted highlights, and apply a hot wax protective finish.
Other work at the Square will include:
· Replacing the leaking waterproof membrane under the bricks on the upper tier of the Square along SW Broadway and a section of SW Yamhill Streets
· Replacing deteriorated bricks in the upper tier of the Square
· Repairing the Square’s iconic Stoa terra cotta columns on SW Yamhill
· Renovating restrooms to install all-user bathroom facilities
· Repairing the HVAC system and improving structural reinforcement in the HVAC/Mechanical Room
· Increasing accessibility to the Square at one of Portland’s most visited sites
· Replacing five trees along SW Broadway Street
“Together, Portland Parks & Recreation and Pioneer Courthouse Square, Inc. are working to make sure this unique public asset serves the next generation of Portlanders,” says Portland Parks Commissioner Amanda Fritz. “Portland voters have my and the City’s continued gratitude as we work to address the most critical needs across our Parks system.”