Urban Renewal in the South Auditorium District

Success or Failure of this City Planning Initiative?

Urban Renewal in the US in the 1960s resulted in the destruction of many of the older “blighted” neighborhoods and commercial districts in cities from coast to coast. The commercial and residential center of the immigrant neighborhood in South Portland was one of those districts.

Over 40 years ago the South Auditorium District in SW Portland was re-built with high-rise buildings, parks, fountains, sculptures and pedestrian walkways. Nationally recognized landscape architect Lawrence Halprin designed many of the places and spaces that define the feel of this neighborhood.

We’ll explore this often overlooked district in downtown Portland and experience for ourselves the success or failure of this mid-20th century initiative in city planning.

Keller Fountain Park
SW 3rd Ave & Clay St
Portland, OR 97201

Approx. 2 1/2 hours

$15.  Cash or check accepted at the start of the tour, or you may pay online.

Easy – This is an easy, short walk with a gentle rise and descent on this 12 block stroll.

• Streetcar NS Line
• Streetcar B Loop
• Bus 1, 8, 9, 12, 17, 19, 35, 36, 38, 44, 45, 54, 56, 92, 94, 96, 99

Dress for the weather! If it is raining, we’ll meet under the portico of the Keller Auditorium (across the street from the park.)

Tour Location