The other thing is that the other three building are the result of massive investment of public funds from the university and from urban renewal. And there is the continuing investment by the substantial property tax exemptions. While the three buildings, not the block, are winning deserved awards one has to consider the price Portlanders paid.

What will be their ROI? There is little property tax revenue from these buildings. And, it may be too early to make a judgment on any benefit to Old Town, but it seems unlikely that it will have had a positive impact when in 10 years we look back. In particular, I am talking about jobs and residents in Old Town. Not that it will because of any failure on the part of the university, but because the city seems content to let Old Town remain as is.

It is worth mentioning too that the area around these restored buildings is still a high crime area especially for those crimes considered livability crimes. Although one of the recent gang shootings took place a mere block away.

It seems that an award is not a justifiable ROI of public funds.