Quote:
Originally Posted by Pavlov's Dog
I think we're finally getting to the point where Gateway can take off. To me it seems like the ideal environment in which to build small office buildings with first floor commercial. Perhaps a lifestyle center would be a good catalyst in establishing the Gateway area as a place to be. The demographics of the area are decent to become a regional center and there really is no core for Multnomah County east of Mount Tabor/65th or so. Given that 40% of Portland's youth live East of 82nd and a third of Portland's population and you're looking at an area of approximately 300,000 with no heart. Gateway can become that. If I were a developer I would be salivating.
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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.