Author: King, Sara

Publication Year:

Media Type: Sample document

Summary:

In 2001, Portland Development Commission (PDC) issued the Lloyd District Development Strategy, a vision and guide for new development in the District for the next 10 to 20 years. This strategy envisions a Lloyd District that has new urban mixed use development with thriving specialty spots, diverse dining and entertainment options and a robust tourist economy, all linked by pedestrian friendly walkways and a vibrant public realm.

Abstract:

In 2001, Portland Development Commission (PDC) issued the Lloyd District Development Strategy, a vision and guide for new development in the District for the next 10 to 20 years. This strategy envisions a Lloyd District that has new urban mixed use development with thriving specialty spots, diverse dining and entertainment options and a robust tourist economy, all linked by pedestrian friendly walkways and a vibrant public realm. However, many challenges to this vision were identified: attractions are isolated from one another, large surface parking lots inhibit pedestrian movement between them and lack of a “sense of place.” To help overcome these challenges, the Lloyd District community identified public art and wayfinding as high priorities in the Development Strategy for enhancing the District’s identity and fostering pedestrian activity.

In response, PDC initiated a Public Art and Wayfinding planning project in early 2002. An arts consultant, Rebecca Banyas, was hired, and as a first step, she and PDC staff conducted numerous one-on-one interviews to gather input about community priorities for public art and wayfinding.

They talked with residents, business and property owners, arts advocates, transportation planners and employees about the distinguishing physical and social characteristics, existing landmarks, assets and problems of the District. A list of interviewees and a summary of their input is found in the Appendix.

Following the interviews, a group of stakeholders – The Lloyd District Wayfinding and Public Art Working Group (Working Group) was convened to focus on the goals of enhancing the District’s identity and fostering pedestrian activity, with these tasks:

• Foster and increase public art in the District
• Recommend an implementation plan for public art
• Determine the scope, phasing and funding for a wayfinding project

This handbook contains their recommendations. Endorsement and support for these recommendations have been sought from public agencies, and neighborhood and business associations in the Lloyd District and is meant to inform private developers, artists, schools, and other civic or community groups about Lloyd District’s efforts to foster good design, art, signage and pedestrian activity.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Public Art