I noticed the phrase "nine figures" towards the end of the article--

I also noticed the suggestion to zig zag between stations to include more "destinations"-- a move that would change the project into another slow streetcar.

MAX will remain being a useless toy unless it is turned into a speedy, grade separated commuter system. "nine figures" would go a long way in removing redundant stations, grade separate sections that run on the street, and securing platforms with turnstiles.

I cringed at the phrase "iconic bridge." I'd guess that will add 40 percent to the cost of this thing.

"iconic bridge" is the new "linchpin" [rimshot]

If it will be as hih as predicted Sam, the scam, can build a new tram, oh Joy!

Gee - another boondogle from the TriMet/Streetcar people. And all the while, NOTHING OF CONSEQUENCE is being done about the failing Sellwood Bridge. Of course, that's mostly for autos and light trucks - so why would the streetcar people care about that?

So how is Portlandia "literal" and the Fremont Bridge "abstract"? What the hell does that mean? And if I don't know, does that mean I'm unqualified to pass judgement?

Nothing of substance is being done about the Sellwood Bridge? I thought they were in the process of replacing it.

Greg C

Cut to the gist, or purpose of this article: The only way property values in SOWA are going to appreciate, is if hundreds of millions more of public money is spent.

"NOTHING OF CONSEQUENCE is being done about the failing Sellwood Bridge"

Well sort of. This new bridge may accomodate buses. The consequence of that is there may not be too much effort to replace the Sellwood Bridge, which is now closed to buses and trucks.

Imagine the thinking and conversations that took place as they raised the ides of building the light rail bridge to serve buses but not trucks and cars.

Never mind freight, commerce, commuters and increasing traffic.
Somehow it's best to expand the transit, bike and pedestrian capacity while purposefully omitting vehicular use from new infrastructure.

I like the design, though - it looks like a giant pair of chopsticks poised to grab a noodle. Hopefully, the noodle is upstream from the sewer outfalls.

Why are you bashing on Randy Gragg? He's a journalist and columnist interested in historic preservation and architectural heritage. It's not his job to balance policy, cost/benefit, etc. It's been his job to pontificate and editorialize on architectural treasures that deserve to be recognized and debated on behalf of their legacy.

Gragg is somebody who has used a mainstream prominence in local journalism, and an apparently sincere dedication to research, to highlight a place in architectural history that is overlooked by most. The Northwest Vernacular originated here in Portland, and the work of Portland architects like Van Evra Bailey, John Yeon, Herman Brookman, and Pietro Belluschi is all rooted in the architecture the average citizens
experiences, but perhaps does not fully appreciate. Is it ultimately worth it for the city to invest to preserve such landmarks? Can the international tourism surrounding Portland's place in architectural history, if properly promoted, reap the kind of windfall that cities like Stockholm and Copenhagen experience? That's not for journalists and architecture buffs to decide. Let them express themselves.

It's not his job to balance policy, cost/benefit, etc.

What a load. Over the last two or three years of his reign, more than half of what Gragg wrote had nothing to do with art, architecture, or design. It was pure public policy, all spoon-fed by creeps like Homer Williams and the bright lights at Portland State.

Can the international tourism surrounding Portland's place in architectural history, if properly promoted, reap the kind of windfall that cities like Stockholm and Copenhagen experience?

What? No "Barcelona"? Please, have another Pimm's Cup and enjoy your Friday night at Clarklewis.

"And all the while, NOTHING OF CONSEQUENCE is being done about the failing Sellwood Bridge. "

Leave the Sellwood bridge alone and pretty soon the weight limits will be dropped so its only bicycle and pedestrians.

I think they are doing something, the only question is who pays? Mult County is responsible for bridges (unless it looks like something Sam wants as a legacy) and they are kinds hurting for money.