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An Update On Plans for the Portland Public Market

December 22, 2008

Dear Public Market friends, old and new --

Some of you have been supporters for years, others are just now getting interested in our work to establish a year-round indoor Public Market in Portland. For all of you, we have news and a request for your help.

We have acquired the right, in perpetuity, to the name "The James Beard Public Market." With the enthusiastic support of the James Beard Foundation in New York, we can now create a lasting commemoration of Beard that he would have loved, where shoppers and chefs from throughout the metropolitan area will expand their contact with local growers and producers and experience the incredible bounty of this region. This will be a fitting tribute to one of Portland's most influential native sons.

And after years of searching for a site, we are now pursuing one that offers an incomparable opportunity: the west end of the Morrison Bridge. This County-owned property sits along the waterfront, central to downtown workers and shoppers, with abundant nearby parking and easy access by MAX from all parts of the region.

Picture two graceful pavilions nestled into the arcs of the cloverleaf ramps, connected by a market hall under the bridge; the design will allow for a large number of permanent vendor stalls as well as seasonal day tables. Our private development partner, Melvin Mark Development Company, proposes constructing an iconic high rise that will create the Market's front door on SW Second Avenue. The ground floor arcade, filled with fresh food and flowers, will beckon guests toward a covered pedestrian bridge crossing the MAX tracks and leading to a grand entrance between the two pavilions. We'll even have a place for Portlandia where she'll be visible from all sides, reaching toward the river. The following architectural drawing will give you an idea of what the pavilions and high rise might look like, though this is just one of many possible designs:

Multnomah County is offering the property for sale in a competitive process in early 2009. They have made no commitments to our proposal but are clearly intrigued by this creative use of a difficult to develop parcel.

In this time of economic turmoil and political change, the Market is emerging as one of the most promising projects able to accomplish many simultaneous goals: stimulating the local food economy, building wealth for local companies, bridging and strengthening rural and urban communities, and creating an iconic riverfront landmark.

At this crucial moment for the James Beard Public Market, we ask you to make a year-end contribution to the Market's non-profit entity, The Historic Portland Public Market Foundation, helping us to broaden our base of support as we begin seeking capital funds from corporate and charitable foundation sources. Such funders want to see a history of sustained support from the community, so your contribution before the end of this year will have particular impact.

It's easy to contribute: either on line at www.portlandpublicmarket.com or by check to:

The Historic Portland Public Market Foundation
P.O. Box 511
Portland, Oregon 97207

And don't forget that your contribution qualifies as a match for the Oregon Cultural Trust. (See www.culturaltrust.org for details.)

With heartfelt appreciation for your support and warmest wishes for the holidays,

Amelia Hard, President
Ron Paul, Consulting Director

Click here to learn more about Boyd's special James Beard coffee.

 

 

Click here to donate by credit card.

Portland Tribune:
January, 2009
Market Hungry for Bridge Site

Click for details

Daily Journal of Commerce:
January, 2009
Market Targets Multnomah County Property

Click for details

Portland Business Journal:
December, 2008
Public Market Explores West End of Morrison Bridge
Click for details

Portland Tribune:
April, 2008
Public Market Secures James Beard Naming Rights
Click for details

Portland Business Journal:
March, 2008
Public Market Must Continue Search for Home
Click for details



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