91ÊÓƵ

One of the most interesting features of the Central City 2035 Plan recently adopted by the city of Portland is the . It will become a six-mile linear pedestrian/bicyclist/park feature that will energize the streets it traverses by providing an easy way for all people to enjoy different parts of the central city in a car-limited environment.

Implementation of the concept will take time, with various elements of the public right-of-way being gradually transformed through publicly funded improvements and as adjacent development happens. The first proposed project in downtown to be affected by the new Green Loop regulations is in the design review process now. Also, some very interesting ideas have been proposed for how to create the Green Loop on the ground.

The project is referred to as Block 216 and is bounded by Southwest Washington and Alder streets and Ninth and 10th avenues; the site now has parking and numerous food carts. The proposed building would occupy the whole site, and top out at over 450 feet with retail, office, hotel and residential uses.

The Green Loop runs along the Ninth Avenue frontage, and the current zoning requirements call for a 12-foot setback on the ground floor to accommodate outdoor public space. But it’s pretty clear that from an urban design standpoint the space to be created would not add much benefit to the walking environment of the street.

The project design team is proposing some very creative use of the entire 50-foot street right-of-way, which it would provide as an alternative to the setback space. If done right and with full public input, this could set the tone for other blocks in this stretch of Southwest Ninth and Park avenues, but it will be critical to find the right public mechanisms to achieve the best Green Loop results.