Portland, Oregon, renowned for its exceptional food culture and host of local farms, breweries, and restaurants, has been missing one key element for decades – a flagship public market to showcase the best of Oregon. The city’s historic Portland Public Market closed its doors 1942. To fill this void, community members formed the non-profit James Beard Public Market to restore a daily, year-round, indoor-outdoor marketplace in the heart of the city.
James Beard, known as the “dean of American cookery” was a famous chef, writer and Portland native who helped start the movement for fresh local food in the United States. Shopping with his mother at Portland’s public markets gave him an early appreciation for Oregon’s culinary riches.
The James Beard Public Market commissioned Snøhetta for this ambitious civic hub, transforming a neglected and underutilized site in Downtown Portland into a center of community, commerce, and activity. Linking the city to the river, the market will be an asset for residents and visitors alike. The new James Beard Public Market will feature more than 60 permanent vendors, 30 day tables, full-service restaurants, a teaching kitchen and event space. Source by Snøhetta.
Location: Portland, Oregon, USA
Architects: Snøhetta
Local Collaborators: Mayer/Reed, SERA Architects, Studio Jeffreys and Interface Engineering
Year: 2015
Images: Courtesy of Snøhetta