Locals and visitors to Portland have likely seen the new transit mall on 5th and 6th avenues downtown, complete with modern glass and metal bus stops lit with LED lights, but a new cafe is highlighting the older incarnations of TriMet bus shelters. Taking the space of a 1970′s bus shelter, Caffe Viale opens its new location on Southwest Fifth Avenue between Salmon and Main streets. The small space is less than 100 square feet, and will offer walk-up service only.
TriMet tore down 42 old bus shelters along Southwest Fifth and Sixth avenues to complete the MAX Green Line light-rail project, but the city decided to preserve one and donated it to Viale owner Nicole McClelland. Mary Fetsch, spokeswoman for TriMet said:
“We thought it was a great way to remember the history of the original transit mall. We like the added activity on the sidewalk; it makes the area more vibrant and adds more security to the area with more eyes and ears.”
The cafe will be serving up coffee and pastries, savory pies and ice cream, all geared towards portability and ease of eating on the run for the downtown business crowd.
Check out the opening celebration today, Tuesday the 17th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with free coffee and treats. Normal business hours will start on Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
