Neighborhood Highlights
Powell’s Books
Book aficionados will undoubtedly want to visit Powell’s Books, which is believed to be the world’s largest independent bookstore. Founded in 1971, Powell’s Books is a beloved Portland landmark. The massive three-story store is an entire city block encompassing almost 70,000 square feet. You’ll find more than one million titles in 3,500 sections. Fortunately, Powell’s offers a detailed color-coded map to find your way around all the rooms, so you don’t get lost!
Tanner Springs Park
Tanner Springs Park is a stunning urban park located in the heart of the Pearl District. Its sustainable, wetland-inspired design incorporates stormwater in innovative ways, creating a sort of refuge for people and wildlife in Portland. The plants you see are native to the Willamette Valley. Part of what makes Tanner Springs Park so unique is the design process. Residents were invited to public workshops to weigh in and share their thoughts on the park’s design.
Portland Center Stage
If you’re looking for performing arts, look no further than Portland Center Stage. It’s the largest theater company in Portland and in the top 25 of the largest theater companies in the country. Portland Center Stage performs at two theaters, both of which are located inside the historic 1891 Armory Building. Productions include a mix of classical, contemporary, and world-premiere productions.
Art Galleries in the Pearl
The Pearl District is renowned for its many art galleries. Each gallery offers a glimpse into the creative soul of the district. Late-night openings and new show receptions welcome art lovers and enthusiasts. Join in the tradition of First Thursday, a seasonal monthly celebration of art, wine, and community that transforms the streets into a festive gallery under the open sky.
A History of the Pearl District
Railroad activity once dominated the Pearl District, especially after the Lewis and Clark Expedition. At one time, the area was primarily filled with train tracks, industrial sites, and gritty warehouses. During the 1970s and 1980s, artists noticed the area’s potential. They snatched up affordable studio spaces, encouraging other businesses to set up shop and revitalize the area.
Legend has it that the Pearl was named after Pearl Marie Amhara. Ms. Amhara was an Ethiopian missionary actively involved in the art scene at the time. Government interest in the Pearl District followed, leading to the River District Urban Renewal Plan and the exciting neighborhood you can call home today.
