I heard someone comment they wouldnt be surprised if the city was to put the new "Day Laboror Center" in there.

Across from Brooks Brothers? I doubt it.

They could rename it Hermanos Brooks...

I also note the inflammatory headline on today's O story that I linked to. It's obvious that the O wants them out, too, and I wouldn't be surprised if it is bullying Saltzman, who is usually the O's patsy. Remember the "profile in courage" bit on the aerial tram [rim shot]? Hard not to use the word "twits."

Hermanos Brooks

A whole "dress for success" thing could happen. Day laborers in suspenders! It's got potential.

If Doc Brown got in the DeLorean and fired up the flux capacitor and we sail ahead 50 years, it will be Hermanos Brooks.

Now I'm just sayin'....if I were BB, I wouldn't want that vermin magnet across the tracks from me either....nor did Sho want it on his portion of the block. Truth of the matter is, it is a vermin magnet. They have their free pass on MAX and the fresh air urinals provided by the ugly structure's nooks and crannies.

The neighborhood is changing for the better, and a redeveloped structure is the answer, to be worked out by COP/PDC and developers.

Fact is there are other MAX stops in the downtown core that do not attract the lowlifes who hang out in front of Petersons.

The process may not be pretty, but for the good of downtown, west end retail development, the cleanup is just beginning.

Full disclosure: I have no dog in the fight, but do want to see west end evolve successfully. BB, Nordstrom, Moyer, Mercantile, and whoever else, it's gonna happen.

Maybe. Peterson's willing to leave when they finally get around to sprucing up the garage block.

If you think that block is going to get better with Peterson's boarded up and nothing going on to improve it, you're nuts.

Driving out any business downtown right now is not real smart since the current retail climate downtown with the construction really sucks.

I don't think turning downtown into a lightrail/streetcar switchyard is gonna help either. I don't remember any transit center having grade-A business close-by ever.

Sorry about your dreams Mayor Adams, I guess it doesn't matter since its not your money to play SIM city with.

Seems like a pretty terrible precedent for the Council to set that they'll take out individual businesses whenever the PBA leans on them enough.

Planner types never really ask if a business is successful or not (Peterson's is). They're more interested in whether Portland businesses are shiny and "up scale".

We'll see if Brooks Bros is even there in two years. In the meantime, they'll oust a business that's actually making money.

Umm, Veiledorchid ~

Your comment....."Fact is there are other MAX stops in the downtown core that do not attract the lowlifes who hang out in front of Petersons."

Have you ever been to Pioneer Square?? The Stop in front of where the Saturday Market is????

Maybe you need to get a coffee and WAKE UP!!!!!???

Does anyone shop at Brooks Brothers anymore anyway? I think Peterson's should stay. It's not the store's fault that certain people shop there. This seems to border on discrimination. I spend a lot of time in Old Town, where I am certain things are much worse. But because there are no high-end retail stores going in there, no one cares. Should they close down Helen's Market or any of the other little convenience stores in town because homeless or poor or down-on-their-luck people shop there??? Peterson's only real problem is that they are right on the MAX line, which is why I've stopped in there in the past. It's convenient, and I've seen much, much worse in other stores.

GP....try 3rd & Morrison....Regal Cinema/Macaroni Grill/Borders. I'd allow my kids to get off MAX and go to the movie in that block.

A little amplification: it's public record that the COP is talking with a developer to redev the garage....new retail at street level, office and residences above the garage. A rework of the urinal caves at street level. You can look it up. The proposed project has been in the works for over a year....Petersons was never in the long term plan.

I had my coffee....much EARLIER TODAY!!!???

One other thing to think about is public loitering laws. Maybe Portland has them and they aren't enforced or maybe they don't exist. It's controversial, but other cities use them for the same reasons(like Santa Cruz).

As for refurbishing that garage.... What a nightmare that would be!!! That garage would have to be closed and that is one of the most used parking garages downtown (I know because I park there all the time). That would be crazy. Plus, Portland doesn't need more condos or office space. More businesses are moving out of downtown and did ya notice the current condo glut???

Am I the only Portland native who thinks this town is trying to slick itself up to attract newcomers, while losing the things that used to make this town a special place (stairwell urination aside).

Hey GP....make that 3rd & Yamhill...got off at the wrong stop.

Veiledorchid,

I am surprised that you – if you are so worried about your kids being around the “seedy” elements of this city – would let your kids get off the MAX next to the Yamhill Pub (between 2nd and 3rd on Yamhill)! That has to be one of the most “interesting” bars in town. Then again, you probably want that place closed down too.

Veledorchid~

There is not a MAX stop on 3rd & Yamhill....!?!? I don't think you know what City your in......There is not one MAX stop through out the Fare-Less Square area that does not have some sort of "riff-raff" getting on and off of the MAX.....Stay in the sububs where you belong.