EVENTS Archives - Page 2 of 18

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.

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.

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.