McCall’s Restaurant Make-over (air-conditioned option for after work today)

I love summer, and summer heat. Steve doesn’t. I’ve mentioned the Great Air-Conditioner Debate before, although of course in weather like this even I am grateful for being able to sleep in a cool room. The rest of our house isn’t air-conditioned. Our strategy for years has been that on evenings like this, we evacuate the house as soon as Steve returns home from work, hanging out at a place to eat or a mall until temperatures fall to tolerable levels.

Tonight, there’s another option, and one where the snacks are provided free. Portland Parks & Recreation (PPR) is seeking public input on future use of the former McCall’s Restaurant in Waterfront Park. The PPR Press Release says:

“Portland Parks & Recreation is currently investigating viable uses for the former Portland Visitors Information Center, most recently the site of the former McCall’s Restaurant. A public open house about the project will be held at the facility from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11.”

“This open house is the first of two public presentations associated with a University of Oregon (UofO) design studio project in conjunction with the site. The goal of this presentation is to allow the public to experience the building and to learn of its history, its importance and context. The second public presentation will be on Wednesday, August 15, during which the UofO students will present uses and designs for the building.”

“PP&R will then use the findings of the public meetings and input and the UofO studio to craft a solicitation for proposals for the future optimal use of the site. The anticipated date for the release of that solicitation is October 2007.”

“Date: Wednesday, July 11th
Time: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Agenda: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.: Open house
6 p.m.: Presentation on the history of the Visitor’s Information Center; the nature of the University of Oregon studio; upcoming activities and Portland Parks and Recreation plans. The presentation will be followed by questions.”

Background information about the building and process after the break. I apologize for the late notice about this event – I’m still plodding through the 82 e-mails with important information left over from our trip. While Steve and I already made other plans for tonight, I thought you, like me, would be interested to know this process is under way, even if you can’t make the meeting. Although in re-reading the notice, it doesn’t say there will be snacks. I bet there are, though. People are often less cranky when comfortable and eating chocolate chip cookies.

“Studio Background”, copied verbatim from the PPR Press Release:

“This 1949 building was designed by John Yeon, a well-recognized Northwest Modernist architect, and is considered a good example of his inventiveness in both design and construction. The building has been empty for years now, and PP&R would like to have the building occupied with a viable use. The preservation community would like to see the building rehabilitated in a manner respectful of its historic status and integrity. Also under consideration is that the building’s immediate context has changed over the years, and any proposed use will have to be mindful of goals set forth in the Waterfront Park Master Plan.”

“Studio Methodology”

“The University of Oregon design studio is intended to be a ‘full-bodied’ investigation into the retention of a historic structure within one of Portland’s most popular parks. Students will research the building’s history, context (physical and political) and all relevant issues regarding its current state. Building programs will be developed with an eye towards the feasible, and innovative design solutions generated that address a wide range of considerations. For instance, landscape design will be an important component of this studio, both to show respect for Waterfront Park and acknowledge Yeon’s interest in relating architecture to the landscape. All design work should demonstrate a high level of responsibility to the natural environment, paralleling Portland’s efforts in that regard. Finally, this building will need to be treated as a National Register-eligible property, and address directives set forth by the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.”

Amanda here again. I like the idea of allowing students to take a meaningful role in this process. Not so keen on the use of the term “studio”, which sounds unecessarily artsy, and a bit confusing to those of us who relate the term to a no-bedroom apartment. I could live without seeing the word “innovative” in press releases, too. Too often, it seems to mean “doesn’t fit in the context/environment of the subject being considered”. I know, picky-picky. Overall, it sounds like an interesting project.