Quote:
Originally Posted by hat
While admittedly antiquated (2010), the data here, is a good snapshot of Gateway. Note that it remains one of the more sparsely populated areas of East Portland, and it is by far the most densely business-oriented area. The PDC continues to sit on Parcel III, which borders NE Pacific and 102nd. If anything has the potential to be a catalyst, this would be the unavoidable candidate.
Anecdotally, even my parents and relatives still won't go to Gateway for dinner etc. when I visit. Thanks to Mac we have a pretty clear idea of the potential development, which by my count is 7+ in the making (but very diffuse). Until Gateway develops a sense of "place," i.e. people go to that specific street to simply walk around (note it has plans to become the best biking neighborhood in the state), I have concerns about its future. 2-3 buildings on 102nd with ground floor retail might change this. |
I agree with you here, about the only way we will see any real change in Gateway will be through an urban town center style development eventually. I have heard they want to build a park over there, as well as move the Parks Department to a new building next to the new park. If this is done and a development is done around it that is taller than your average neighborhood development, then I could see this area become a more focal point. It will definitely need to build a realistic skyline for that to happen, while I don't put much weight in skylines, I do think in this case it would give the area a visual focal point. Combine that in with a pedestrian active street or streets, then we would be on to something.
I do think that with the growth we are seeing, that this move would be a very important one for Portland.
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