COMMUNITY Archives - Page 2 of 20

Celebrating AFO’s 2023 Honored Citizen

On October 10^th, the Architecture Foundation of Oregon (AFO) hosted its 30^th annual Honored Citizen event in recognition of 2023 honoree, Hermann Colas Jr. Mr. Colas established Colas Construction in 1997 and the family-run business has gone on to record-breaking achievements such as leading the $39 million Oregon Convention Center renovation, the largest contract of any BIPOC contracting firm in the state.

The spectacular and heartfelt evening at the Oregon Convention Center featured stage and tablescape design contributed by Mayer/Reed. Inspired by Colas’ Haitian heritage, we crafted lush foliage accents, branded table graphics and a dramatic stage design lit with the changing colors of a sunset. The installation offered a perfect backdrop for an outpouring of enthusiastic storytelling in praise of Hermann Colas’ contributions to the region’s built environment.

The warmth and respect for Mr. Colas was palpable at the event. It was a joy and privilege to participate in celebrating Hermann Colas, Jr. and the 30th anniversary of AFO’s Honored Citizen Award.

_{Photos by Mayer/Reed and Andrea Lonas}

Construction Kicks Off at Mill Park

Residents, school children and City of Portland representatives gathered for the Mill Park development construction kick-off party. The new 6.2-acre park, designed by Mayer/Reed, is being built in Southeast Portland’s Mill Park neighborhood, adjacent to an elementary school of the same name.

The September 28^th family-friendly event brought out an enthusiastic crowd of young and old who helped dig groundbreaking shovelfuls alongside Parks Director Adena Long, Commissioner Dan Ryan and representatives from the Division Midway Alliance, Mill Park Elementary School and Mill Park Neighborhood Association.

Through community engagement and collaboration with PP&R and artist Alex Chiu, we designed the park to emphasize active community space with a central promenade that connects with the school. A playground, splash pad, public art, community garden and chinlone/volleyball court will transform this former open space into a lively neighborhood destination.

Raimore Construction is leading the park construction, with completion expected in the fall of 2024.

A Season of Groundbreakings

Around the Pacific Northwest and around the world, it’s been a busy season for groundbreakings as our projects move into the construction stage. This milestone, often marked with golden shovel ceremonies, marks a particularly satisfying moment for project teams – the work is getting built.

In June our landscape architects joined a groundbreaking ceremony for a new primary school soon to take shape in the Wilsonville neighborhood of Frog Pond.

In addition, we celebrated groundbreakings for several of our signage and wayfinding projects, including: a new academic building at Vancouver’s Washington School for the Deaf, a replacement Newhouse Building on the Capitol campus in Olympia, Washington and US Embassies in Lilongwe, Malawi and Port Louis, Mauritius. Lastly, the US Department of State dedicated a new U.S. Consulate General with a ribbon cutting in Hyderabad, India, wrapping up the years long project.

Frog Pond Primary School Groundbreaking Ceremony, Wilsonville, OR

Paseo Returns for 3 Days of Celebration

Mayer/Reed is a proud sponsor of Paseo, a free, family-friendly festival in the South Park Blocks that amplifies and celebrates Portland’s diverse artists, community advocates and mutual aid groups. Presented by Portland Parks Foundation, Paseo will fill Shemanski Park with music, art, food and activities for three Sundays this July. Come take a walk with us July 16, 23 and 30.