New pedestrian plaza opening on Portland's Hawthorne Boulevard

A new pedestrian plaza is coming to Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard in Portland this summer. The plaza will occupy an intersection near popular spots like the Bagdad Theater and Powell's Books. It will feature picnic tables, street art, and a solar-powered information kiosk. This plaza is a part of a six-month pilot program aimed at encouraging people to visit the area on foot. The Portland Bureau of Transportation, along with local business and neighborhood associations, will evaluate its success. However, future funding may be uncertain due to a $150 million budget shortfall facing the city. The project is being funded by a $46,000 grant from Prosper Portland. Half of this money will be used for planters and benches, while the other half will pay for the construction of the kiosk. Pam Coven, president of the Hawthorne Boulevard Business Association, believes this plaza can positively impact the street and hopes it will become a permanent fixture. The exact opening date is not yet set, but it is hoped to be ready by May. Community participation is encouraged, with contests planned to help design and name the plaza. Despite challenges, local businesses are eager for improvements, especially after a tough period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Urban designer Heather Flint Chatto shared that the kiosk will provide phone charging stations and maps. It represents a rich history, as Hawthorne has been an important commercial street for decades. Geoffrey Hamlyn from the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association expressed optimism about the plaza's potential impact on the area.