Portland’s living room is getting a much needed restoration thanks to the largest Parks Replacement Bond project.
The bond was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2014. Construction at Pioneer Square began January 30th, 2017 and is expected to be mostly complete by July, 2017.
Mark Ross, Public Information Officer with Portland Parks and Recreation, says when done, you won’t see a huge visible change. He says It will look like it did 30 years ago – new, clean and functional.
Work includes replacing the leaking waterproof membrane under the bricks on the upper tier of the Square along SW Broadway and a part of SW Yamhill. Deteriorated bricks in the upper tier of the Square will be replaced. The iconic Stoa terra cotta columns on SW Yamhill will be repaired. The HVAC system is being repaired and structural reinforcement is being improved in the HVAC/Mechanical Room. The restrooms will be renovated to install all-user bathroom facilities and five trees will be replaced along SW Broadway.
Ross says one of the most photographed statues in Portland is also getting a makeover. The man with the umbrella, formal title “Allow Me” has been sent off to the Regional Arts and Culture Council for the next six months to get restored, and will be back at the same spot when the project is complete.
All businesses will remain open during construction, events will continue to be held in areas not impacted by the construction and the public restrooms will be closed.
Thirty Bond-funded projects are underway with five complete. Eighteen projects are expected to break ground over the next year. For more information, visit parksreplacementbond.org.