The Portland Files: City Center

Located on the west side of the Willamette River, Portland's city center I find is as iconic as any larger North American City. Like New York City or Chicago or Toronto, you have to appreciate the skyline from afar. If you don't have a drone, you can enjoy its scenery on the Burnside Bridge or even atop the West Hills at the Japanese Garden.

Whenever I visit Portland, one of the first places I head to is its City Center. As the heart and soul of the city, it is a place where I feel most at home. Coming from Toronto which these days are filled with monotonous glass curtain wall skyscrapers, I feel Portland's City Center as less claustrophobic and dirty, and yet more lively and full of character. Whether you sit and relax in any one of the public squares such as Director's Park, Pioneer Courthouse Square, or the Keller Fountain, you feel like you can lose yourself amongst the trees or people, depending on which public square you go to. 

And speaking of public square, a city of this size cherishes its public spaces. Also called "Portland's Living Room", the Pioneer Courthouse Square is one of the most celebrated public spaces in the city. It is the site of many events such as the farmers market and the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. 

Over the next few series I will be discussing the great things about the City Center from an urban planning perspective. Stay tuned...