“Revolve or Evolve- Where to Now?” Tours

These tours are on-the-ground working and learning sessions during which attendees will have the opportunity to converse with the designers and other key players in the development of the projects visited.  There will be a presenter at each site that will discuss the process of the project, including its obstacles and successes.  Among the topics that may be touched on are political undertones, ecology and natural processes, human influence on the site, design influences and deliberations, plant materials, construction details, art, economic benefits, environmental benefits and cultural benefits.

Saturday, April 8, 2006
8:30am – 4:30pm
All tours depart and return to World Trade Center 2, 121 SW Salmon Street, Portland, Oregon

$45 ASLA members, $55 non members
Please visit our Symposium Registration page to register.
Registration Deadline Extended until Friday, March 31, 2006!

For more information, please contact Beth Flanagan at (503) 228-3122 or bflanagan@walkermacy.com

The Columbia River Gorge Tour will focus on access to public recreation sites throughout the Gorge. The tour will explore the environmental concerns of preserving the scenic landscape while providing public access within the parameters of the Columbia River Gorge Management Plan. We will look at historical efforts to provide public access to the Gorge through various transportation means and how individual scenic locations have been tailored to allow visitors access to the sites. We will look at recent efforts to provide ADA access to historic sites. We will also look at new recreational developments that provide visitor access and environmental healing through the site design. All of the sites we will visit are linked by the power of Columbia River Gorge landscape and how the unique geology of the Gorge has created both opportunities and constraints for outdoor recreation.  

Tour Coordinator: Brian Bainnson

[as of 3/22/06 – final schedule TBD]

8:30-9:00am – travel time
 
9:00-9:20am – Crown Point
Overlook and Visitor’s Center at the west end of the Columbia River Gorge, the facility is currently undergoing a complete historic restoration. We will look at issues of historic preservation, ADA access to historic structures, the need of balancing visitor access and historic preservation. Guests, Kevin Price, OPRD
 
9:20-9:30am – travel time
 
9:30-10:15am – Multnomah Falls
Oregon’s most popular (non-gaming) attraction. This has been a public destination for most of Oregon’s modern history. The site was one of the primer destinations for the Columbia River Highway. We will look at how a site primarily developed at the turn of the 19th century has adapted to meet today’s visitors needs. We will look at recent ADA improvements, landslide mitigation improvement, new sewage treatment facilities, and historic preservation.
 
10:15-11:00am – travel time
 
11:00-11:30am – Mark Hatfield Trail Head, Historic Columbia River Highway
This site recently developed by Oregon Parks and Recreation, is located just east of Hood River along the Historic Columbia River Highway. This section of highway was recently reopened to bicycles and pedestrians after the Twin Tunnels between Hood River and Mosier were reopened after years of being blocked. The trailhead site is located in an old quarry adjacent to the historic highway. The site provides access to a five mile section of the Historic Highway between Hood River and Mosier, a small interpretive building provides history on the construction of the historic highway and provides some visitor services. We will look at issues of native plant restoration, quarry reclamation, historic preservation and conformance with the Columbia River Gorge Management Plan. Guest, Kevin Price OPRD
 
11:30am-12:15pm – travel time
 
12:15-12:30pm – Rowena Crest and McCall Point Nature Preserve
This site provides some of the best vantage points in the eastern gorge. The overlook was constructed as part of the original Historic Columbia River Highway. The five miles of switchbacks that take highway travelers west of this site is an incredible engineering feat, the grade does not exceed five percent as the road winds it way down the hill. From the overlook we will be able to look at a current quarry reclamation project underway by the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Parks and Recreation. We will talk about Columbia Gorge management plan issues, visual sub-ordinance, key viewing areas and how new development must be designed within this context.
 
12:30-12:45pm – travel time
 
12:45-1:10pm – Lunch at Columbia Gorge Discover Center, The Dalles, Oregon

1:15-2:00pm – The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center
This site is the official interpretive center for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. This 26,100 square foot exhibit wing holds interactive displays which bring to life the tremendous volcanic upheavals and raging floods that created the Gorge, describe the mighty River which sculpted patterns for a unique and spectacular diversity of vegetation, wildlife, and ancient life ways, and follow the currents that shape our futures in the Gorge.
 
The 50 acres surrounding the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and the banks of the Columbia are habitat supportive of many life forms. An interpretive trail winds through this setting of cottonwoods, willows, cattails and sedges which give shelter and food to turtles, ducks, geese, eagles, raccoon, and songbirds. The trail also cuts through restored eastern Gorge vegetation featuring abundant wildflowers April through June, and golden hills and grasses in late summer. At any time of the year, visitors will be treated to our seasonal display of wildlife, signs interpreting flowers in bloom, and stunning vistas of the Columbia River Gorge and Klickitat hills.

The Discovery Center Site was an old industrial site and gravel quarry, we will discuss issues of what visual sub-ordnance means as it relates to the Columbia River Gorge Management Plan, quarry reclamation, and native plant restoration,  Guest, Native Plant Restoration Staff Gardener.
 
2:00-2:45pm – travel time
 
2:45-3:45pm – The Shire
In October 1995 the University of Oregon announced the establishment of two nationally significant centers – The Shire: The John Yeon Preserve for Landscape Studies and the John Yeon Center for Architectural Studies. As UO President John Frohnmayer said at the October public announcement, ''I am proud to be announcing these gifts to the University of Oregon, not only for the far-reaching impact they will have on our educational mission, but also for the profound place they hold as treasures in our cultural heritage.''
 
The Shire occupies a 75-acre waterfront site in Skamania County, Washington, in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. It is directly across from Multnomah Falls. The Shire is a carefully designed landscape with a sculpted lawn, a series of meadows, wetlands, vista points, river bays, and walking paths which John Yeon created over the past 30 years. He purchased the property in 1965 to protect it from possible industrial development.
 
The Shire is a center for Pacific Northwest landscape studies while being preserved as an example of landscape design. It provides an educational site for the study of landscape preservation, design, ecology, and management creating opportunities for individuals and study groups to engage in research and discussion of landscape architecture, planning, conservation and preservation issues associated with the Columbia River Gorge, the Pacific Northwest region, and the nation. Guests; Michael Smith, University of Oregon
 
3:45-4:30pm – travel time, return to World Trade Center

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Portland’s Legacy and Urban Evolution Tour
Waterfront Park • Pioneer Courthouse Square • EcoTrust • Tanner Springs • NW 10th & Hoyt • Brewery Blocks

This tour will focus on the thoughtful decisions and community involvement that has have created Portland, a city that is herald as one of the most livable cities in the nation.  What were the actions that evoked Portland’s growth? What is being done today to continue creating a progressive, sustainable, comfortable and viable urban center?

[as of 3/13/06 – final schedule TBD]

9:00-10:30am – Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Hosted by David Yamashita, Portland Parks and Recreation
Portland’s waterfront park marks the beginning of significant change in the City’s push towards a pedestrian friendly place.  Learn how the industrial highway was redeveloped to provide one of the most well used open spaces in the City.

10:30-10:45am – travel time

10:45-11:30am – Pioneer Courthouse Square
Hosted by J. Douglas Macy, Designer, Walker Macy
Pioneer Courthouse Square, aka “Portland’s Living Room,” was transformed from parking structure to iconic open space through the force of a significant grass roots movement.  Learn about the history of how pubic involvement ensures the construction of this space and how the integrated design and programming methods have made this space a case study for other public open spaces.

11:30am-12:00pm – travel time

12:00-12:30pm – Eco-Trust
Hosted by Jeff Stuhr, Holst Architects

12:30–1:15pm – Lunch at Eco-Trust

1:15-2:00pm – travel time

2:00-2:45pm – Tanner Springs
Hosted by Jim Figurski, Greenworks, Project Landscape Architects
The new garden of Tanner Springs is the most recent addition to Portland North Park Blocks.  Atelier Dreiseitl in partnership with Greenworks created this park to reveal Portland’s natural history.  The water features through the park reflect the historic Tanner Creek and Couch Lake that used to be located in this now urbanized setting.  Constructed wetlands and urban aesthetics mingle in this new addition to Portland’s heritage of urban open space

2:45-3:00pm – travel time

3:00-3:30pm – Stormwater Garden at NW 10th and Hoyt
Hosted by Steve Koch, Designer, Koch Landscape Architecture
The stormwater garden at NW10th and Hoyt is part of the new trend towards environmentally sustainable design in urban landscapes.  Tour the gardens as a significant example of Portland’s trend towards sustainability and beautiful design.

3:30-3:45pm – travel time

3:45-4:30pm – Brewery Blocks
Hosted by Renee Worme,  Gerding Edlen, Developers
The Brewery Blocks are part of Portland trend of historic redevelopment with an environmentally sustainable twist.  Featuring innovative architecture, greenroofs design, and sustainable re-development, the old Henry Weinhard brewery now boasts the potential for being one of Portland’s “greenest” projects.

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The Residential Garden Tour will present both historic and modern gardens throughout the Portland, Oregon / Vancouver, Washington area.  It will focus on what influences – cultural and environmental – make them unique to this region.

[as of 3/28/06 – final schedule TBD]

9:00-9:40am – travel time

9:40-10:25am – Rivershore Garden, 14411 SE Rivershore Drive, Vancouver
Designed and Hosted by Michael Schultz
Located on the shores of the Columbia River, this garden features a pool area with views to the river beyond.  The entry drive takes visitors over a small stream where a new stone bridge was constructed.  A rich palette of stone and wood elements in the landscape complements this residence.

10:25-10:40am – travel time

10:40-11:25am – Buena Vista Garden, 6117 Buena Vista Drive, Vancouver
Design and Hosted by Michael Schultz
Situated high above the Columbia River on a bluff, the Buena Vista Garden provides terraces for visitors to overlook the river.  A pool and outdoor fireplace create a room for entertainment.  A lush border of plants frames the space.

11:25-11:40am – travel time

11:40am-12:30pm – Lunch, Esther Short Park, Vancouver
Hosted by Murase Associates

12:30-1:10am – travel time

1:10-1:55pm – Coit Garden, 410 SW Edgecliff Avenue, Portland
Designed by Huntington Kiest / Hosted by Craig Kiest

1:55-2:30pm – travel time

2:30-2:50pm – Wessinger Garden, 321 NW Hilltop Drive, Portland
Designed by Barbara Fealy / Hosted by Marlene Salon
According to Classic Houses of Portland, Oregon 1850-1950 by Hawkins and Willingham, the Wessinger house, designed by Walter Gordon in 1948, is an excellent example of mid-century Pacific Northwest Style, "displaying elegant restraint and careful detailing." On the same note this lovely garden, designed by Barbara Fealy and still cared for by the original owners, is an elegant  example of Barbara Fealy's  contribution to Pacific Northwest Style. The relationship of house and garden and the relationship between garden and natural landscape creates a unifying design. The restrained plant palette relies heavily on native plants and gracefully transitions into the surrounding native woodland.  Architecture: Walter Gordon

2:50-3:05pm – travel time

3:05-4:15pm – Johnson Garden, 11175 NW Saltzman Road, Portland and Slide Show of works by Barbara Fealy
Designed and Hosted by Marlene Salon
Note: This segment of NW Saltzman is a spur off of NW Skyline Blvd., west of the intersection of NW Thompson and NW Skyline, it is not part of the longer stretch of Saltzman that most people are familiar with.
This largely forested 40-acre property has a large south facing meadow with a view of the Tualatin Valley. The entry drive is a sequence of gently curving stone walls with informal landscaping leading to an arrival court with several sculptural pieces of Alaskan Travertine. The gardens were intentionally planned with a progressive informality. The architectural lines of the house are echoed in the outdoor terraces and swimming pool, but this geometry quickly melts into a natural meander as the garden invites exploration. Sandstone paving suggests flowing rivers and granite boulders are placed as gemstones in the paving around the pool. A pond large enough to attract migratory birds was sited below the house with the horse barn in the background. Collections of magnolias, Japanese maples and conifers are prominently interwoven into the garden, and perennial borders that blend into a woodland backdrop are intermixed with shrubs and dwarf conifers for year round interest.  Pond Consultant: John Lee, Landscape Architect; Architecture: Roderick Graham and Christian Eberle Architects; Equestrian Facilities: Linda Royer Architect and Landscape Architect

4:15-4:30pm – travel time, return to World Trade Center

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This tour will focus on the nuts and bolts that make sustainable design work.  We will look at Portland’s various sustainable undertakings to explore both successful and experimental projects.  We will also look at past projects that have remained functional. This tour will be some what flexible and projects visited will be, in part, chosen by the group’s interests.

Hosted by Tom Liptan and Kevin Perry, Bureau of Environmental Services, City of Portland

[as of 3/21/06 – final schedule TBD]

Southeast Portland Neighborhood Sustainable Projects

• Green streets
• Integrated Storm Water Management Systems
• Eco-roofs

There are many exciting new projects being implemented daily throughout residential neighborhoods in Portland.  A little bit of wandering through SE Portland will lend a better understanding of all that is occurring here.

Buckman Neighborhood, SE Portland

• Green Streets
• Bio-swales

The Buckman neighborhood has gone through some major renovations in the last twenty years.  Much of its housing was built at the turn of the century and was in disrepair in the 1980’s; homes were being torn down and replaced by apartment buildings.  Things have improved dramatically for this area and it is now known for its wonderful restored Old Portland homes, liberal residents, and fun and funky feel.  Part of this renovation incorporated several sustainable design projects, including greenroofs on apartment buildings and integrated storm water management systems.

Projects:
 
Oregon Convention Center, Water Gardens - 700 NE MLK Boulevard, Portland
Spring 2003
-stormwater infiltration planters
-large-scale application of stormwater as a site amenity
 
Metro Building Ecoroof - 770 NE Grand Avenue, Portland
August 2005
-roof retrofit, four-story office building
-first ecoroof retrofit with drainage canals
 
Multnomah Co. Building Ecoroof - 501 SE Grand Avenue, Portland
July 2003
-roof retrofit, six-story office building
-first ecoroof retrofit
Completed in 2003, the greenroof at the Multnomah Building was designed as Portland's first public greenroof demonstration garden. The project converted an existing flat roof into a powerful example of sustainable design.  It takes up all of the fifth floor area of 15,420sf and has a planting area of 11, 893sf.  It overlooks the skyline creating a grand vista of the city through a filter of wildflowers, grasses and sedum.
 
Epler Hall, PSU housing and classrooms - SW 12th Avenue and SW Montgomery Street, Portland
Fall 2004
-new construction, nine-story building
-stormwater flow–through planters and rain harvesting systems
-Portland’s first rain harvesting project
 
SW 12th Avenue Green Street - SW Mill Street and SW 12th Avenue, Portland
July 2005
-street retrofit project
-stormwater planters between sidewalk and street
 
Liberty Center Parking Garage - NE Oregon and NE 6th, Portland
Summer 2002
-building retrofit with stormwater planters
 
Hamilton Apartments Ecoroof - 1212 SW Clay Street, Portland
September 1999
-new construction, ten-story building
-originally planted with 100 different species and varieties
-Portland’s first ecoroof test, stormwater monitoring since 2001
 
Buckman Heights Water Gardens - 645 NE 16th Avenue, Portland
August 1998
-new construction
-courtyard infiltration planters, parking lots
 
NE Siskiyou Street Green Street - NE 35th and NE Siskiyou Street, Portland
Fall 2003
-stormwater curb extension
-first Portland stormwater curb extension project
 
Glencoe School Rain Garden - SE Morrison and SE 51st Avenue, Portland
Fall 2003
-large-scale stormwater planter
-stormwater facility is integrated with environmental education
 
New Season’s Market - SE 20th and SE Division, Portland
Fall 2004
-stormwater planters, swales and green street
-redevelopment maximizing landscape for stormwater management
 
OMSI and PCC Parking Lots - SE Water Avenue, Portland
Fall 1992 and 1996 respectively
-stormwater swales used for conveyance and bio-filtration
-redesign from conventional raised planters, saved OMSI $78,000
Sustainable design measures were put into place at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) nearly ten years ago.  Viewing this site will provide insight on how well sustainable design stands the test of time.  It also gives us the opportunity to compare newer projects with established projects to get a better sense of how a project will mature.

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