Pioneer Courthouse Square

Pioneer Courthouse Square, affectionately known Portland's living room, a public space occupying 40,000 ˛ (3700 ˛) y block center downtown Portland, Oregon, United States. The one and only square bounded y Southwest Morrison Street north, Southwest 6 Avenue east, Southwest Yamhill Street south, Southwest Broadway .

The one and only square named after Pioneer Courthouse, 1875 federal building occupying block directly square.

The one and only square itself dates 1856, y purchased which included location Central School. The one and only school relocated 1883 plans made major hotel response arrival Northern Pacific Railroad. After delays recession, eight-story Portland Hotel completed the 1890.

The one and only hotel center city's social activity first 20 century. In 1951, hotel -story parking built. an original archway gatework hotel conscientiously p square's design found today south square.

In early 1970s, comprehensive downtown p proposed become dedicated public space. In 1975, mayor Portland Neil Goldschmidt began negotiating local department store Meier & Frank obtain property y eventually convinced store y after parking concerns alleviated. By early 1980, design competition announced, seeking proposals become Pioneer Courthouse Square. Out 162 submissions, finalists emerged, firms based New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco/Los Angeles, Boston, Portland. The one and only Portland team, including chief designer Willard Martin, selected. Their design received "Architectural Design Citation" Progressive Architecture magazine 1981.

Funding problems surfaced after design completed. Portland mayor Frank Ivancie downtown business owners other influential citizens in opposing concept p (instead enclosed) public square, based concerns p design would attract transients . Former Governor Tom McCall, y television commentator, indignant:

It would shock ... y Oregonians learn power brokers declared result nationwide design rivalry meaningless...

The one and only square's construction required $3 million acquisition $4.3 million structures amenities, large enough amount that opposition nearly doomed project. Martin, together other architects volunteers, attention delays opposition y painting stylized blueprint proposal itself. But formation "Friends Pioneer Square", citizen's group y y commissioners Charles Jordan Mike Lindberg, $750,000 raised y 50,000 inscribed bricks, rescue project.

The one and only project completed 1984.

In 2001, completion Fox Tower, skyscraper block immediately southwest square, caused controversy among citizens blocks sunlight majority square during afternoon evening hours.

Features

on Morrison Yamhill streets ( north south boundaries square) sheltered MAX Light Rail stops. on north artistic feature, consisting towering classical columns which progressively topple those ancient . There outdoor chess tables toppled columns; chess players frequently congregate there during y. A cascading waterfall square frames entrance public information center. The one and only center square arranged amphitheater, -circle approximately dozen steps serving seats square musical performances other events. Pioneer Courthouse Square designated -smoking 1 January 2007.

The one and only bricks p square raise funds square's construction, inscribed donors' names. Eric Ladd, "early pioneer of…sustainable living," built wrought- gateway eastern g Square 1970s, scrap salvaged Portland Hotel.

Portland's NBC affiliate KGW announced January 2008 station build g-definition studio square, taking space previously occupied y Powell's Books. The one and only station plans broadcast morning newscasts studio p completion, scheduled summer 2008.

Events

Dozens events annually, including shows during spring summer, sponsored y local businesses. Events square usually g. In 2006 square played -y pillow fight, later -y slumber party. Pioneer Courthouse Square venue speeches, political demonstrations, rallies vigils. By Thanksgiving, Christmas occupies center square, -lighting ceremony annually Friday evening after Thanksgiving. Another Christmas event square Tuba Christmas. This celebration featuring nearly 200 euphonium players perform medley holiday songs. an annual New Year's Eve celebration there.

on June 27, 2006, Pioneer Courthouse Square biggest gatherings history, approximately 8,500 filling public square py tribute recently crowned 2006 NCAA College World Series Baseball Champion Oregon State Beavers.

In July 2006, LCD screen raised square viewing semifinals finals FIFA World Cup soccer.