The Pearl District — urban living at its finest.
The Pearl District, a former warehouse and industrial area near downtown
Portland, Oregon; has transformed itself to be the arguably hottest
urban neighborhood in America right now. Old warehouses have been remodeled
to be luxurious loft buildings and the Pearl District neighborhood is
packed with art galleries, upscale business and world-class dining.
A local art gallery owner coined the name Pearl District more than
10 years ago to suggest that its industrial buildings were like crusty
oysters, and that the galleries and artists’ lofts within were like
pearls. As local business people were looking to label the growing area—the
“warehouse district” or the “brewery district” were two suggestions—a
writer for Alaska Airlines picked up the Pearl District name, and it
stuck. Since then the area has undergone significant development and
is now full of condos and lofts.
The Pearl District neighborhood is unmatched in the Northwest when
it comes to access to restaurants, parks, entertainment, theatre and
public transportation. Just recently the Gerding Theatre at the Portland
Armory Building opened its doors and is now serving Broadway theatre
to its Pearl District neighbors. The Portland Streetcar runs through
the Pearl District and transports passengers from the downtown Portland
to Northwest Portland. Art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants abound,
and there are also a number of small clubs and bars. The Pearl District
is also home to a number of local artists and art institutions. Area
art galleries sponsor artists’ receptions on the first Thursday of every
month. The area is home to several Portland icons, including Powell’s
City of Books and the former Weinhard Brewery, which is now the foundation
of the re-developed Brewery Blocks. Free Wireless Internet is available
throughout the Pearl District, which is provided by Personal Telco.
The Pearl district is home of the historic North Park Blocks, as well
as two recently developed public plazas:
* Jamison Square is built around a fountain which simulates a tidal
pool that is periodically filled by artificial waterfalls * Tanner Springs
Park is a recreated natural area featuring wetlands, walking trail,
and creek
Condo and loft buildings in the Pearl District include:
The North Park Lofts, Elizabeth Lofts, etc…
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