A Reimagined Errol Heights Park Opens

On December 23rd, Portland Parks & Recreation will reopen Errol Heights Park to the public following a major project designed by Mayer/Reed. Bundle up and explore the new amenities, which include a vibrant play area, an intriguing sculpture crafted by artists Terresa White and Mike Suri and an ADA-accessible elevated pathway connecting the upper park with trails in the lower restored natural area. Stay tuned for a formal grand opening celebration in the spring. 

Posted December 18, 2023
Written by: Mayer/Reed
Categories: IN THE STUDIO 

ASLA Oregon Names Taylor Bowden “Outstanding Emerging Professional”

Mayer/Reed landscape designer Taylor Bowden has been named 2023 Outstanding Emerging Professional by the Oregon Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). The award recognizes an individual early in their career who exceeds expectations and shows promise in making contributions to landscape architecture.

Taylor accepted the award during the annual ASLA Oregon Awards Soiree, stating, “I’ve been blessed with so many encouraging peers and mentors who have supported me thus far.” In her acceptance speech, Taylor acknowledged the challenge of believing in oneself – an obstacle that many people, especially women, face when embarking on their careers. She concluded with advice to “advocate for yourself so you can advocate for those after you.”

Taylor’s current projects include Cleveland High School Modernization, the Portland Street Plaza Program and inclusive and accessible viewpoints in the Columbia River Gorge. She serves on the ASLA Oregon Executive Committee as Vice President of Chapter Services.

Posted: Dec 04, 2023
Written by: Mayer/Reed
Posted December 04, 2023
Written by: Mayer/Reed
Categories: AWARDS  EVENTS 

Celebrating Mayer/Reed Founders Month

During November we celebrated the legacy of our firm by revisiting pivotal projects through the eyes of founders Michael Reed, FSEGD and Carol Mayer-Reed, FASLA. Their passion for design and equitable public spaces has shaped communities and defined the design studio of Mayer/Reed.

Throughout the year leading up to our Founders Month, we unearthed archived drawings and sketches from significant projects of the last four decades. We marveled at the work, along with the reminder that although tools and technology have changed, the core of good design remains. Earlier this year, Carol and Michael shared reflections on how key projects and creative design staff influenced their careers and the firm over time.

Today, Owners/Principals Jeramie Shane, ASLA and Kathy Fry, SEGD lead the studio along with Associate Principal, Shannon Simms, ASLA. We are rooted in the values of environmental stewardship, collaboration and community upon which Michael and Carol established our practice. As we forge ahead, we celebrate the importance of passing down our rich firm history. We hope you’ve enjoyed this look back with us.

Posted December 01, 2023
Written by: Mayer/Reed
Categories: IN THE STUDIO 

TriMet Breaks Ground in Hollywood

Construction has begun on the transformative Hollywood Transit Center and hollywoodHUB in Northeast Portland. Government officials and design team members marked the occasion with speeches and a groundbreaking ceremony on October 26th.

The two projects will redevelop the existing transit center into a public paseo and affordable housing. As a collaborator on both teams, Mayer/Reed provided the urban design, landscape architecture and experiential graphic design that will unify the site as a cohesive, active and safe community space.

Mayer/Reed designed a colorful paseo and stair/ramp structure – or “stramp” – as part of the transit center project led by David Evans & Associates. The paseo’s vibrant design draws inspiration from the site’s temporary mural created by Sarah Farahat and includes a tribute space for reflection on the tragic events that occurred on a MAX train in May 2017. More than a pedestrian and bicycle pathway, the paseo will also offer inviting spaces to hang out or hold small events.

An adjacent transit-oriented housing development designed simultaneously, will knit in with the transit center and paseo. Led by Holst Architects and developer BRIDGE Housing, it will provide over 200 affordable housing units, retail space and a courtyard on the TriMet-owned property.

Construction contractors are Raimore Construction (transit center) and O’Neill-Walsh Community Builders (housing). Completion of both projects is slated for 2026.

Posted October 31, 2023
Written by: Mayer/Reed
Categories: EVENTS  PROJECTS