Placed in the center of downtown Portland, Oregon, United States, Pioneer Courthouse Square is a public space that occupies an entire 40,000 square foot (3700 square meters) city block.
Southwest Morrison Square was built in 1984 and is bordered on the north, east, south, and west by Southwest Yamhill Street, Southwest 6th Avenue, and Southwest Broadway.
It is located at Pioneer Courthouse Square, the urban park in the center of downtown Portland which works as a venue for city events/activities and events that relate to Portland.
Over 300 events occur every year in Pioneer Courthouse Square, connecting the City and its inhabitants while simultaneously serving as the informal gathering place for residents and visitors alike.
At Pioneer Courthouse Square, you’ll find your bearings, no matter what brought you or keeps you in Portland.
One of the most attended public places in Oregon, Pioneer Courthouse Square receives over ten million visitors each year.
The Square had endured thirty years of community use, and it now needed significant repair and renovation to address the failing waterproof membrane, deteriorated brick plaza, structural failures, and stoa column repairs, in addition to restroom upgrades for safety and accessibility.
This membrane was originally rated only to last twenty years, and by thirty years, it had reached a critical state, resulting in water intrusion and increased leakage.
In 2014, the Portland community overwhelmingly supported the Parks Replacement Bond, leading to approximately $68 million in general obligation bonds.
Bonds issued by bondholders are covering the cost of repairs and improvements to existing park facilities.
Pioneer Courthouse Square, the “living room” of the City, was such a vital community asset that the Parks Department gave it a top priority.
This project (the expansion of the restrooms) is eligible for System Development Charge funding, so the Parks SDC fund contributed $150,000 to the project.
All conditions and charges associated with the restoration project at the Square are included in the 2014 Parks Replacement Bond with a not to exceed allocation of $10 million, including:
- Providing surveying and other studies in advance of construction
- Design and construction costs
- Management and staffing costs
- Pioneer Courthouse Square, Inc., and Portland Parks & Recreation have worked together to ensure the project:
- To further address the needs of Portland citizens and guests, the Square has been enhanced and maintained.
- Installed necessary infrastructure and facilities in the Square for repairs and renovations.