HowardR

Based on what we'd be told and had read, we expected the Pearl District to be similar to Soho in New York....and it wasn't. However, we did love the 23rd Avenue NW area.

Fodorite018

Jim--That structure is part of the old New Market Theatre. There was a theater above, and at street level were produce stalls. The arches are leftover from when the north wing was demolished. I did not know any of this until reading about it in the "Portland Then & Now" book.

Patrick

Howard, it's funny you say that. I knew nothing about The Pearl, but we were there two weeks ago, and both my friends (former New Yorkers) and I immediately all said it was sort of like a "mini Soho". There were similar galleries, chic home goods shops, small but good eateries (a Vietnamese place was our favorite) as well as larger trendy restaurants, and a mix of loft conversion apartments and many new apartment buildings built to look like loft conversions. Let's face it, nothing in Oregon is going to be like anything in New York City, but I thought our instant comparison of The Pearl to Soho was a pretty good one.

Patrick

Also, I think what impressed me most about The Pearl was that it seemed it would be a great place to live, more than a tourist destination. In fact, I'd have to agree that it is too scattered and too much residential to be a great little "must see" tourist spot. I think the only reason it would be a "must see" is if you are into seeing what a really successful and effective urban development is like.

beachbum

I agree Patrick. The Pearl is a great model for urban living, but except for restaurants and shopping, doesn't have much draw for the tourist. Wasn't that your point, Andrew?

How was your trip, Patrick? Did you happen to see Richard III or Loves Labors Lost?

Andrew

Actually, I'm not crazy about the Pearl, either. I almost never go there (Powell's is technically in the Pearl, if that counts). I much prefer NW Portland myself. But, for someone considering moving to Portland, as this woman said she was, she ought to have been checking out the Pearl. Instead, she didn't seem to have any interest in checking out. No interest in NW 23rd either.

Don't get me wrong - the city isn't for everyone. I guess I was confused. She was asking me a lot of questions about Portland and said she was interested in moving here. If someone told you the part of the city you were now riding through was considered one of the trendiest in the city, wouldn't you at least be curious about it? She wasn't. That's all I'm saying.

Andrew