Address: 721 NW 9th Ave
Pricing: N/A
Phone: (503) 227-8519
Hours: N/A
How To Get There:
From I-5 North:
1. Take exit 299B on the left for I-405 W toward US-26 W/City Center/Beaverton
2. Merge onto I-405 N
3. Take exit 2B for Everett St toward I-405 N/Seattle
4. Merge onto NW 14th Ave
5. Turn right at NW Everett St
From I-5 South:
1. Take exit 302A toward Rose Quarter/City Center
2. Turn right at N Broadway
3. Turn right at NW Lovejoy St
Parking:Street and lot parking are available
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Pearl District: The Renewed Jewel of Portland
Apr 16, 2010
Portland’s Pearl District symbolizes the revitalization from a sleepy Pacific Northwest city to an international center for shopping, art, and culture. The neighborhood was once known as a hub for warehouses, industry, and shipping. Many of the original train tracks still run through the area. However, in the past 15 years, the Pearl District has been transformed with upscale eateries, modern condos, and contemporary art galleries.
Located just north of downtown, it makes a perfect destination if this is your first visit to Portland. It is within walking distance of both downtown and the Portland’s Union Station. Whether you are looking for food, culture, or shopping, the Pearl District has a bit of everything.
A must-stop for any Portlander or visitor is Powell’s Books. The enormous building serves a welcome mat for the Pearl District. Located on the southern fringe of the neighborhood, Powell’s is the destination for almost any reader. Whether you love romantic novels, Kurt Vonnegut, or just need an in-depth how-to guide, Powell’s is unparalleled in selection. Everything from rare books to the latest best seller lives on their shelves. On top of that, it is a Portland landmark. However, it is always good to come with a plan, since you can quickly get lost in the mammoth building.
Another Pearl District sight is the EcoTrust building. Portland has a long history of incorporating the past into modern architecture both through retro-fitting and renovation. The EcoTrust is a perfect example of how to incorporate old Portland into its shiny new self. The few restaurants housed on the ground level can also make a quick lunch stop.
One of the best features of this neighborhood is its balance between urban density and open green space. Most cities have trouble finding space for parks in between all of the apartments and businesses. The Pearl District has quite a number of small parks, which almost make you forget your surroundings. They can also double as a quaint setting for sipping a coffee or talking a cozy walk on a sunny day.
HelloPortland Tip: The First Thursday of each month is the monthly art walk. Come and see the innovative art the Pearl District has to offer.
- by William Crane, Portland Reporter for HelloMetro
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William CraneWilliam Crane is an accomplished print and online journalist (http://www.william-crane.com) His work covers a variety of topics including features, local community news, sports, music, and political/social issues.
Graduating from Seattle University with a B.A. in Journalism, William's writing has appeared in a variety of different publications including the Stranger, Capitol Hill Times, the Skanner, Backfire Magazine, and the Internationalist.
