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O’Bryant Square will be closed indefinitely to the public because of structural issues with the underground parking garage on the block, Portland officials said today.

鈥淲e just got a better understanding of the situation with the structure,鈥� said Dylan Rivera, a spokesman for the Portland Bureau of Transportation. 鈥淥ur engineers have advised us that it’s probably best to limit public access out of an abundance of caution.鈥�

Engineers found flaws in walls, joists, columns and footings of the SmartPark garage.

A fence will go up around the block beginning today. Sidewalks will be closed as well, forcing pedestrians to detour. City officials asked the public to stay away from the block while the fence is erected.

It’s not clear what comes next for the half-acre site. City officials said it would take time to evaluate the cost of reconstruction and any other options.

鈥淟ong-term plans haven’t yet been identified,鈥� said Mark Ross, a spokesman for Portland Parks & Recreation. 鈥淚t’s going to be a city effort. The bureaus will have to work together to solve a challenge.鈥�

The half-block site is bounded by Southwest Ninth and Park avenues, and Stark and Washington streets.

The plaza has been a popular destination for customers of nearby food carts, but locals have long complained the site is blighted with street youths and homeless individuals. A fountain on the plaza has been shut off for years.