Southwest Montgomery

Green Street
C o n n e c t i n g t h e W e s t H i l l s w i t h t h e W i l l a m e t t e R i v e r

October 2009

Prepared by: For:

 source: Nevue Ngan associates
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Project Introduction 4
Project Site Context 5
SW Montgomery Street Conceptual Site Plan 6
Project Committee Elements of the SW Montgomery Green Street
Water 8
Portland Development Commission Mobility 10
Lisa Abuaf Creating Spaces and Preserving Places 11
Portland Bureau of Environmental Services Balancing Parking 12
Emily Hauth Planting Options 14
Paving Options 15
Portland State University
Permanent Furnishings 16
Ernest Tiptonv
Flexible Furnishings 17
Gerding Edlen Development Green Infrastructure 18
Damin Tarlow Entry Features 19
SW Montgomery Street Illustrated Plans
Project Consultants SW 11th - SW 10th Avenue 20
SW 10th - SW 9th Avenue 22
Nevue Ngan Associates SW 9th - SW Park Avenue 24
Ben Ngan, urban design and landscape architecture SW Park - SW Broadway 26
Kevin Robert Perry, ASLA, urban design and landscape architecture SW Broadway - SW 6th Avenue 28
David Goodyke, urban design and landscape architecture Urban Center Plaza 30
Mark Sanborn, illustrator SW 5th - SW 4th Avenue 32
SW 4th - SW 3rd Avenue 34
Sisul Engineering Pettygrove Park 36
Doug Johnson, Civil Engineering Continued Stewardship 38
Adriana Kovacevic, Civil Engineering Next Steps 39
Appendices

Appendix A - Stormwater Allocation
40
Appendix B - Stormwater Performance Calculations 48
 PROJECT INTRODUCTION

PROJECT STATEMENT

Through a collaborative effort, the Portland Development Commission (PDC), Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) Portland
State University (PSU), and Gerding Edlen Development, Inc. are pursuing a multi-block plan that incorporates a variety of sustainable
stormwater management strategies throughout the emerging neighborhood at the south end of Portland’s downtown. This plan
effort is known as the Montgomery Green Street Blocks. The plan area incorporates the right-of-way from SW 11th Avenue east
to Pettygrove Park via SW Montgomery Street. The Central City University District Plan emphasizes the development of this
neighborhood south of SW Market Street and north of I-405 as an area where University uses mesh with City of Portland goals and
source: Nevue Ngan associates

designates SW Montgomery Street as a key pedestrian corridor. Simultaneous multi-block development along SW Montgomery
Street will dramatically build upon the long-term efforts advanced by the City, PSU, private developers, and businesses over the
past four decades. The strategic convergence of these elements will successfully activate the neighborhood, enhance the pedestrian
experience, foster sustainability, and continue to build a community culture. This concept design document provides only a
“vision” of what can occur along SW Montgomery Street. As the project continues to move forward towards implementation,
further study of the design elements will be needed including approval from the Design Commission and the City Engineer.

KEY PROJECT MILESTONES

1988 The Portland Central City Plan identified SW Montgomery Street as a pedestrian walkway, calling for
improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists, including improvements in paving, street trees, street
furniture, street crossing signalization, sidewalk widening, and street closure, where appropriate.

Jan 2006 PDC, City of Portland, PSU, and Gerding Edlen Development hold an initial design workshop that sets
source: Nevue Ngan associates

the project’s larger themes and identifies SW Montgomery Street as a significant downtown green
street project.

April 2007 City Council approved a resolution in April 2007 to promote and incorporate the use of green street
facilities in public and private development.

June 2008 The project selects Nevue Ngan Associates (NNA) design team to develop the SW Montgomery
Green Street Conceptual Design.

Nov 2008 PDC, City of Portland, PSU, and Gerding Edlen Development hold the second design workshop and
public open house. The NNA design team introduces the first corridor-wide design options.

April 2009 The Oregon Sustainability Center (OSC) begins an intensive design process including integration of the
SW Montgomery Green Street right-of-way improvements with the proposed OSC project site.
source: Nevue Ngan associates

August 2009 The SW Montgomery Green Street Conceptual Plan is completed including the Design
Development Drawings for the block between SW 4th and SW 5th Avenue (OSC site).

Sept 2009 The first of nine blocks of the SW Montgomery Green Street is built at the plaza space between Smith
Memorial Student Union and Cramer Hall on the Portland State University campus.

4 T h e So u th w e s t Mo n tgo m er y G r een S t r eet

 pROJECT SITE CONTEXT
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Ira Keller Fountain

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12th
Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Ave
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11th

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10th
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9th
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Pettygrove Park
UNIVERSITY
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Context Map The Source

SW Montgomery Street

source: google earth

SW Naito Parkway
Project Boundary

SW 1st Ave
PSU Boundary

Portland Oregon N
The Sout hwest M ont gome r y Gr een S tr eet 5
 cONCEPTUAL sITE pLAN

SW 11th to SW 10th Avenue SW 10th to SW 9th Avenue South Park Blocks SW 9th Avenue to SW Broadway SW Broadway to SW 6th Avenue
source: Nevue Ngan associates

SMALL STREET...BIG IDEAS

The Southwest Montgomery Green Street aims to be Portland’s boldest green street project to • Emphasizing SW Montgomery Street as a highly pedestrian-oriented and
date. The 9-block study area, located from SW 11th Avenue to SW 2nd Avenue, demonstrates continuous streetscape that responds to the unique conditions found at each
how in even the most urban conditions, downtown streets can be retrofitted not only to fully block throughout the corridor.
manage stormwater runoff but to create and integrate vibrant pedestrian spaces.
• Incorporating Lawrence Halprin’s Portland Open Space Sequence concept
The conceptual site plan reflects input gathered through multiple design workshops and open of connecting the urban fabric with strong themes using water, landscaping, art
houses. Most, if not all, of these initial ideas are integrated in the final concept plan, including: and movement.

• Incorporating the vision to connect the West Hills with the Willamette River along The following pages provide a detailed block-by-block conceptual design for the SW
SW Montgomery Street. Montgomery Green Street starting at SW 11th Avenue and ending at Pettygrove Park.
Within these design concepts are several new and innovative ideas for Portland streets.
• Emphasizing the concept of expansion/contraction through episodic spaces as one As one moves through the concept plan corridor block-by-block, take note of the general
moves through the corridor. project goals and specific green street design goals identified on the opposite page.

• Visual continuity, especially from the West Hills into the city center. In addition to the conceptual design, Appendix A illustrates, for each block, the overall
stormwater catchment areas, stormwater planter sizes, general sizing criteria, and
• Defining the Urban Center Plaza as a hub or bull’s eye of activity with other whether the green street elements have additional capacity to accept stormwater from
activities radiating from it. future redevelopment activity. Appendix B provides a more engineered analysis of the
stormwater performance along the corridor.
• Developing water as a theme or recurring physical element that is brought to the
surface.
6 T h e So u th w e s t Mo n tgo m er y G r een S t r eet
 CONCEPTUAL SITE PLAN

Urban Center Plaza SW 5th Avenue to SW 4th Avenue SW 4th Avenue to SW 3rd Avenue Pettygrove Park

source: Nevue Ngan associates

GENERAL PROJECT GOALS SPECIFIC GREEN STREET DESIGN GOALS
• Enhance Portland’s current reputation as an incubator for collaborative and innovative • Create wider sidewalks and “curbless” street conditions that allow for various site
sustainable design and development. furnishings adjacent to ground floor retail areas. Blocks that carry auto traffic should have
active retail with one lane of traffic and one lane of parking with the option to close for
• Develop a model for sustainable practices by incorporating sustainable stormwater management pedestrian-only special events.
approaches into the site design and celebrating all the elements of a vibrant urban environment.
• Introduce a visually continuous landscaped stormwater planter that acts as a “stormwater
• Create a primary means of connectivity among amenities such as the University, fountains, spine” or common thread through multiple blocks and creates a “green” east/west
connection through downtown and the PSU district.
parks, auditoriums, museums, theaters, and shopping; within walking distance of many central city
business district jobs, also connect to the greater metropolitan area via the streetcar, future light • Integrate right-of-way green street design with adjacent developments including the
rail, and numerous transit mall bus lines. planned Oregon Sustainability Center. Explore the potential of creating shared stormwater
planters to accept both street and building rooftop runoff.
• Serve as an environmental research stewardship opportunity for PSU students and the
surrounding community. Foster sustainability as a relationship between academic, residential, and • Introduce the use of green roof awnings and green walls throughout new building
business communities. development.

• Integrate green street elements, while honoring the character found particularly at the
• Expand the Urban Center Plaza’s success as an active city plaza and let that success extend South Park Blocks, Urban Center Plaza, and Pettygrove Park.
throughout the entire project corridor.

• Use the SW Montgomery Green Street to connect the overall area to an eco-district.

• Explore whether an eco-district designation affects circulation connections.

The Sout hwest M ont gome r y Gr een S tr eet 7
 E L E M E N T S : W at e r

Pettygrove
Urban Park
source: Nevue Ngan associates

Center
Plaza

Fountains

Water provides a unifying element along the SW Montgomery Green

Street corridor. A string of existing fountains along SW Montgomery
Street help create an identity for the entire district. These water features
provide active water nodes; intermittent and discrete, iconic and legible
elements to gather around and enjoy. This concept plan proposes a new
fountain at the intersection of SW 10th Street and SW Montgomery Avenue

source: nevue ngan associates

to introduce an active water node within this important transitional space.
Beyond this, a small contemplative sculpture and pool sits within the
rhythm of landscape features where the South Park Blocks intersect SW
Montgomery Street. Three blocks east in the bustling hardscape of the
Urban Center Plaza, three linear stone rills and pools activate extensive
stairs and ramps. The Dreamer reclines at the east end of the corridor;
a large bronze sculpture above a large pool of water within the serene Only two blocks away from the Urban Plaza, the reflecting pool at Pettygrove Park is a place of
quiet and tranquility.
Pettygrove Park. This node marks the intersection of the Halprin Open
Space Sequence of fountains and the SW Montgomery Green Street.
source: nevue ngan associates

source: nevue ngan associates

The stormwater spine conncets these nodes of water with passive water
channels to convey stormwater. These may occasionally be activated and

source: WHEREINPDX.COM
dramatic during intense rain events, but most of the time they provide an
implied water connection through their form, placement in the landscape
and planting. These long continuous channels will symbolically link the
nodes together and connect the West hills with the Willamette River.
The dynamic Ira Keller Fountain. Often unnoticed, the Source Fountain The “Farewell to Orpheus” fountain at the Park
marks the beginning of Halprin’s vision. Blocks is a popular seating refuge for PSU students.

8 T h e So u th w e s t Mo n tgo m er y G r een S t r eet

 E L E M E N T S : W ATER

Stormwater

The creation of a green street entails changing perspectives

of how streets will be used. A green street rexamines
the auto-dominated public realm. It assumes new roles
by providing spaces for gathering or resting, room for

source: NEVUE NGAN ASSOCIATES

outdoor business expansion, wildlife habitat, flexible space
for events, fostering of the urban forest and, of course,
capturing and treating stormwater. In our rainy climate, this
last role is particularly important and a significant amount

source: KEVIN ROBERT PERRY, CITY OF PORTLAND

of space is dedicated to stormwater treatment along the
SW Montgomery corridor. While still a fairly new practice, A water channel meanders through a downtown street in
the construction of functional urban rain gardens is fairly Aspen, Colorado.
well understood, yet a wide range of opportunities exist
to allow these planted areas to surpass their utilitarian

source: DENISE FONG

functions and serve the street as a placemaking amenity.
The SW Montgomery Green Street looks to a diverse
range of precedents and analogs for inspiration. Precedents
come from as far as Europe to examples from as close as The SW 12th Avenue Green Street (2005) uses a A bold example of a stormwater channel in
here in Portland where natural streams and rivers provide

source: NEVUE NGAN ASSOCIATES

series of stormwater planters and is located im- Europe.
the ultimate inspiration. The stormwater facilities will mediately adjacent to SW Montgomery Street.
incorporate seating and bridges for pedestrians and will
beautify the street with verdant planting, the revelation
and celebration of water, and the careful use of materials
for check dams, bridges and grating. These elements and
ideas will be synthesized and developed to match site
This is a conventional fountain, but it could just as easily be
opportunities along SW Montgomery. a stormwater conveyance detail for the SW Montgomery
Green Street.

source: KEVIN ROBERT PERRY, CITY OF PORTLAND

source: JOHNHARVEYPHOTO.COM
source: nevue ngan associates

source: JEFF BATES

The stormwater planters along SW Montgomery and Epler Hall Surface conveyance of stormwater is a primary A forest stream provides the design template Subtle design details highlight the beauty of stormwater
recycles rainwater back into the building for reuse. goal for the SW Montgomery Green Street. for the corridor. management.

The Sout hwest M ont gome r y Gr een S tr eet 9

 ELEMENTS: mobility

The SW Montgomery Green Street promotes the sharing of the corridor for
a wide and varied set of uses. This linear space will provide space to grow trees,
treat stormwater, and move through on foot, bike, street car and by vehicle.
Careful design choices enable the space to be shared comfortably and safely by this
diverse set of users. A “curbless” street profile and generous pedestrian spaces
allow walkers to move through café tables, benches and planters. Bollards limit
the driving and parking surface and allow pedestrians to cross mid-block or bikes
to pull off and park easily. This type of activity will require drivers to slow down

source: nevue ngan associates

and move cautiously along the block. The street car tracks are flush with the
street so other users can move across them easily. Even the stormwater planters
are frequently bridged to enable the filtering of people across the block. Green
street amenities include covered or clustered bike parking, and “Juice Points”
near parking spaces to enable the plug-in charging of electric cars.

source: nevue ngan associates

Wayfinding for pedestrians in downtown Philadelphia.

Separating bikes and pedestrians.

source: nevue ngan associates

Space shared by cars and pedestrians.

source: www.flickr.com/kgradinger
source: nevue ngan associates

source: nevue ngan associates

Pedestrians, habitat and water share a corridor. Separated bike travel. Planting and pedestrian-scaled lights along a multi-modal corridor.

10 T h e So u th w e s t Mo n tgo m er y G r een S t r eet

 E L E M E N T S : c r e at i n g s p ac e s a n d p r e s e rv i n g p l ac e s

The character of SW Montgomery Street is eclectic by nature.

The corridor links diverse spaces from the verdant, contemplative
Pettygrove Park or Park Blocks and cutting-edge sustainable design
surrounding the Oregon Sustainability Center, to large, paved urban
plazas and mixed-use city blocks with all forms of transportation.
The SW Montgomery Green Street seeks to preserve or embellish
the spaces along the corridor and provide a connection to all of
the amenities. Rather than prescribe one design solution for all the
blocks, the Green Street design responds to, accommodates and
enhances the places that already exist. Pedestrian spaces will be

source: www.flickr.com/humanedesign
enlarged and enhanced with permanent elements like the curbless
street profile and the continuous stormwater spine. Elements like
source: nevue ngan associates

planters, benches, tables and chairs will occupy parts of the parking
zone to encourage the development of eclectic spaces.

A “festival street” in Portland’s Chinatown allows the A wide pedestrian-only street allows for ample walking space, significant landscaping,
street to be closed off for special events. and the ability to support cafe seating adjacent to businesses.
source: www.flickr.com/nstovall8

source: www.urbanlogic.com
source: crandall arambula

The streetcar moves through the Urban Center Plaza. Pettygrove Park has a distinguished and quiet character. Planters create a subtle boundary between through space and seating.

The Sout hwest M ont gome r y Gr een S tr eet 11

 ELEMENTS: balancing parking

Parking along the Montgomery Green street will be fully integrated into the
streetscape. The use of a more holistic approach has led to a street design
where the right-of-way becomes a more flexible space responding to its users
and to special circumstances. By creating a driving and parking zone for cars at
the same grade as the sidewalk, an opportunity exists to occupy some or all of
that space for other uses. For instance, a street festival could close the street

source: nevue ngan associates

source: nevue ngan associates

to cars and the space between buildings would act as a large plaza for a day
or a week. Alternatively, moveable furnishings placed within the parking zone
can replace cars and create a new place for cafe seating. Another option might
replace a parking space with bike racks, enabling up to 12 bikes to use a space
otherwise occupied by a single car. Additionally, many new bike racks and bike
parking areas reinforce the pedestrian and bike use of the corridor and diminish
the dominant use of the spaces by vehicles. The businesses along the street Cafe seating within the parking zone defined with planters. Trees within the parking zone define parking spaces.
can participate in the street’s shape and function. Limited driving and parking
options for cars, new spaces for pedestrian-supported businesses, expanded
pedestrian areas and new planted areas with trees will all combine to develop
this street corridor into a welcoming environment for bikes and pedestrians.
The chart on the opposite page illustrates how bike and vehicular parking are
accommodated along the SW Montgomery Green Street.

source: www.hybridcars.com
source: www.flickr.com/jjoyful1 “Juice Point” or electric car charging station.

source: nevue ngan associates

source: www.fabb-bikes.org

Bike racks replace on-street car parking. Bike parking amenities include racks and covered spaces. Seating area within the parking zone defined with planters.

12 T h e So u th w e s t Mo n tgo m er y G r een S t r eet

 ELEMENTS: balancing parking

Block Bicycle Parking Vehicle Parking Existing Conditions and Signage

Montgomery Street at: Existing Proposed Change Existing Proposed Change
11th to 10th
North 0 0 0 0 street closed to car traffic
South 0 15 0 0 street closed to car traffic
Total block 0 15 +15 0 0 0

10th to 9th
North 1 11 5 0 90 minute parking, 1 loading space
South 13 16 7 4
Total block 14 27 +13 12 4 -8

9th to Park
North 0 0 0 0 street closed to car traffic
South 0 0 0 0 street closed to car traffic
Total block 0 0 0 0 0 0

Park to Broadway
North 5 15 0 0 street closed to car traffic
South 29 13 0 0 street closed to car traffic
Total block 34 28 -6 0 0 0

Broadway to 6th
North 2 6 8 0 3 hour parking
South 15 39 11 motorcycle 0 5 hour parking
Total block 17 45 +28 19 0 -19

6th to 5th
North 28 28 0 0 street closed to car traffic
South 0 0 0 0 street closed to car traffic
Total block 28 28 0 0 0 0

5th to 4th
North 0 12 6 0 1 hour carpool w/ permit 6 am-10 pm M-F, 1 parking 5 min. only
South 0 7 0 4
Total block 0 19 +19 6 4 -2

GRAND TOTAL +69 -18 Auto

-11 Motorcycle

The Sout hwest M ont gome r y Gr een S tr eet 13

 E L E M E N T S : p l a n t i n g OPTIONS
Cool Season Grasses: Deciduous Shrubs and Trees
Much of the planted area along the SW Montgomery Cool Season Grasses start their growth early in the spring and continue
growth until the rain and cool weather ends. They go dormant during hot,
Woody plants that lose their leaves each fall. These plants can
provide shade and screening in the summer and openness in the
Green Street occurs within stormwater planters or in tree dry months of summer, but resume growth in the fall when the rain returns. darker, winter months.
wells along the roadway. The planting palette is inspired Examples: Examples:
by the pre-settlement forest communities to reflect the Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted Hairgrass Cornus sericea Redtwig Dogwood
Festuca Idahoensis “Siskyou Blue” Fescue Populus tremuloides Quaking Aspen
connection between the hills and the river. Native trees can Juncus patens “Elk’s Blue” Rush Quercus garryana Oregon White Oak
shade the street and buildings. Native understory is often
well-adapted to bio-retention conditions. Reintroducing
native plant species will help attract native wildlife. Using
predominately native plants in the stormwater planters
provides a connection to larger native ecosystems,
however, some ornamental plant species can be used for
added visual interest, especially if they have been proven
to perform well within stormwater facilities. Warm Season Grasses Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs and Trees
Warm season grasses break dormancy in mid-spring and grow during the Woody plants that retain their leaves each fall. The plants provide a
The correct selection of plants is an important aspect hot summer months. Because of their extensive root system, these plants pleasant verdant aesthetic and may transpire stormwater longer than
of stormwater management. An important stormwater conserve water and nutrients. These grasses have a low water requirement their deciduous counterparts.
reduction strategy is “interception”: the ability of plants and remain green and growing during dry conditions. Examples:
to capture and hold rainfall before it hits the ground Examples:
surface. Native conifers, with their large size and fine
Schizachryrium scoparium Little Bluestem Arbutus menziesii Madrone
texture are highly effective in intercepting stormwater. Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ Heavy Metal Switchgrass Gaultheria Shallon Salal
Other plant groups provide different functions for Miscanthus sinensis “Gracillimus” Maiden Grass Vaccinium ovatum Evergreen Huckleberry
stormwater treatment such as the uptake of water from
the soil. Part of choosing a plant palette for a stormwater
facility involves finding plants that will perform well when
Portland is receiving its rain, largely in the cooler months
and when many plants go dormant. Equally important
is choosing plant species that are drought-tolerant and
require minimal maintenance. There is still a lot that can Herbs and Forbs Conifers
be learned in choosing plants for stormwater management. Herbs and Forbs may be annuals, biennials or perennials, but all are defined by The fine needles or scales of these evergreens can hold hundreds
The SW Montgomery Green Street could help in this the fact they do not form secondary woody growth. These plants all resprout, of gallons of rain, reducing stormwater runoff. These cool season
learning process by acting as a “living laboratory” for or regrow from their roots. growers are actively uptaking and transpiring water in the cool
plant study. The stormwater facilities along the corridor Examples: weather when our region receives the vast majority of its rain.
could be divided into distinct planting types that can be Iris douglassiana Douglas Iris Examples:
Chamecyparis nootkatensis Alaskan Yellow Cedar
measured and analyzed. To improve the performance Polystichum munitum Swordfern
Pinus ponderosa Ponderosa Pine
Liriope sp. Lilyturf
of the landscaped stormwater facilities, PSU potentially Thuja plicata Western Redcedar
could provide the monitoring and testing necessary to
determine the value of specific plant material for treating
stormwater. Some suggested planting types are as
follows:

14 T h e So u th w e s t Mo n tgo m er y G r een S t r eet

 ELEMENTS: paving options

Certain design elements will serve to unify the

blocks into a legible corridor. Primary among these
source: www.properscale.blogspot.com

source: nevue Ngan. associates

is the continuous stormwater planter as well as the
choice of paving material. Paving material offers a
wayfinding tool for pedestrians, autos, and bicyclists,
but they also demarcate space. Paving choices
contribute color, texture, sound, and can even help
tell a story. For the SW Montgomery Green Street,
Brick is often an attractive sidewalk material. a mixture of materials, styles, colors, and patterns
is envisioned. Paving styles may differ from block-
Boardwalk along Jamison Square in downtown to-block to help create the character of individual
Portland.

source: www.agrayson.typepad.com
blocks. Some paving elements should repeat along
the entire corridor to create the feel of an inter-
source: nevue Ngan. associates

connected pedestrian streetscape.

source: www.picassa.com/grandpa hoo

A rhythm of colored concrete interlaced with planting. Change in pavers conveys water and separates
parking and driving lanes.

Boardwalks can easily accomodate all users of the

street and can also support seating.

source: www.landscapeonline.com
source: nevue Ngan. associates
source: www.urban-logic.com

Varying paver colors can help define space. A curbless street with bollards and tactile strips separates sidewalk and parking. A highly decorative paving inscription tells the story of a watershed at the Baltimore Aquarium.

The Sout hwest M ont gome r y Gr een S tr eet 15

 ELEMENTS: permanent furnishings

bollards

The SW Montgomery Green Street will introduce stormwater bridge

new street furnishings, some permanently installed and
others, such as moveable planters, will help provide Porous paving
flexibility in smaller spaces. Among the installed “fixed” parking lane
furnishings, street lighting contributes significantly to
street ambience. The City of Portland offers attractive
single and twin ornamental pedestrian lights, but
additional lighting considerations include the energy-
efficient, low-maintenance LED lighting and lights that are

source: nevue ngan associates

source: nevue ngan associates

Dark Sky compliant. Lighting within the plant materials

source: nevue ngan associates

and trees would create a unique nighttime impression.
Since the street is curbless, bollards are used to guide
automobile traffic. Steel, stone or wood options should
be considered and reviewed to provide a functional,
unique element to the streetscape. Juice points installed
near parking spaces could enable electric vehicles to A typical crossing at the stormwater planter to provide maximum Bollards separate the sidewalk from the Low-railings can be designed to
recharge. space for water to flow. parking zone along this curbless street. meet any type of aesthetic.

source: www.beaconproducts.com

source: www.sunoviaenergy.com
LED Street light offer a low glare, high- LED lighting along a streetscape.
efficiency and low maintenance option.
source: www.flickr.com/tonyhall

source: nevue ngan associates

source: www.firststrike2.co.uk

“Juice Point” or electric car charging station. Low-railings around stormwater facilities can define spaces Bollards can be made from a variety of style, shapes, and materials. Lighted bollard options
but also alert pedestrians to a change in grade.

16 T h e So u th w e s t Mo n tgo m er y G r een S t r eet

 ELEMENTS: flexible furnishings

Complimenting the eclectic string of blocks along the SW Montgomery

Green Street, a family of materials and furnishings create the distinct
sense of place and lend legibility to the corridor. The flexible furnishings
encourage community members to help shape and participate in the
life on the street. Moveable planters and benches offer some options
to community members along the corridor: in areas with on-street
parking spaces, an adjacent owner could request planters and or
outdoor street furniture be used to create additional sidewalk space

source: nevue ngan associates

instead of a parking space(s). This individual would be responsible for
source: matthew blackett

planting and tending the containers but would in turn be allowed to

use the planters to create a semi-enclosed seating or gathering area
that could support the business or residence.

Moveable planters come in all shapes, styles, materials, and colors and can help Moveable planters are placed within the parking zone of this
define the character of the streetscape. downtown street to provide outdoor restaurant seating.

source: nevue ngan associates

Moveable planters define cafe seating within the parking zone.
source: www.brooksmeadow.com

source: www.exporechicago.org

source: nevue ngan associates

Creating flexible space with tables, umbrellas, and seating. Planters with lush landscaping can help “green” a street with minimal An example of creating space with flexible furnishings in Portland’s
infrastructure investment. South Auditorium district.

The Sout hwest M ont gome r y Gr een S tr eet 17

 ELEMENTS: green infrastructure

The SW Montgomery Green Street corridor

can be incrementally improved through the
addition of green infrastructure elements where
source: nevue ngan associates

source: nevue ngan associates

opportunities present themselves. Green roof
systems in the form of pre-grown mats of
sedums, mosses and small grasses potentially
can be installed on canopies or existing roofs
to provide an extremely lightweight system
that offers all the benefits of a green roof: slows
EXISTING: A typical building facade at SW Broadway and EXISTING: The skybridge crossing SW Broadway along stormwater, beautifies, transpires rain, absorbs
Montgomery Street. SW Montgomery Street.
carbon dioxide and provides habitat for birds,
insects, and butterflies. Structural soil cells
support driving and parking while also providing
a large volume of uncompacted soil for growing
trees and/or detaining stormwater. Soil cells
could be placed under sidewalks and parking
zones to treat large quantities of stormwater and
nurture a healthy urban forest. Self-supporting
green wall (aka “living wall”) systems that anchor
source: nevue ngan associates

source: nevue ngan associates

to existing buildings (or skybridges) allows for a

retrofit application that will not compromise an
existing building envelope.

OPPORTUNITY: This photo-simulation shows a planted awning OPPORTUNITY: This photo-simulation shows the
with skylights to provide covered bicycle parking and capture introduction of a green wall system added to the PSU
rainwater, plus a green wall system installed on the building to skybridges to evoke the forested condition of the West Hills.
soften the building facade.

source: www.bungalowbliss.wordpress.com
source: phillips farevaas smallenberg

source: graeme hopkins

Green roofs offer the opportunity to capture stormwater runoff and provide habitat for wildlife (and people too). A 50-foot high “living wall”. Multiple layers of vegetation in the Pacific Northwest
forest.
18 T h e So u th w e s t Mo n tgo m er y G r een S t r eet
 E L E M E N T S : e n t ry f e at u r e s

Every block along the SW Montgomery Green Street is unique from

each other. Because of this, an opportunity exists to incorporate public
art, interpretative signage, or entry features that highlight the corridor
or a particular block. The concept plan identifies a 4-foot square raised
concrete pad formed into the inside of each entry stormwater planter
as a space to announce each block. The concept is analogous to the

source: nevue ngan associates

subtle entry features that Halprin used at street intersections for the
Portland Open Space Sequence (see photo below).

The proposed entry features along the SW Montgomery Green Street

could be of a temporary or permanent nature. One idea for PSU student
involvement would be to provide an entry art feature that reflected a
source: nevue ngan associates

A low ornamental seatwall acts as an entry along a downtown different education department (e.g. Geology, Architecture, Sculpture,
street. etc.). Alternatively, more permanent public art could be commissioned.
Decorative planters, well-landscaped urns, simple depressions to catch
and hold rainwater, or basalt columns could easily be placed as entry
features. Whimsical art, interpretative signage, or intriguing lighting
displays could also serve as entry features. Whatever the solution
A low-stone wall, plinths, and planted urn acts as a distinctive
might be, these threshold pieces help signal the unique Green Street
entry feature along a downtown street.
corridor through this dynamic city district.
source: nevue ngan associates

source: nevue ngan associates

source: nevue ngan associates

A water-themed sculpture and entry feature in Washington D.C. A whimsical sculpture on a plinth along a Portland streetscape. A subtle Halprin-designed entry plinth near Pettygrove Park.

The Sout hwest M ont gome r y Gr een S tr eet 19

 S W 1 1 th A V E N U E to S W 1 0 th A venue

Decades ago, the SW Montgomery Street corridor was vacated on this block to construct the Science Building 2
improvements. A pedestrian walk bends around the south side of the building and a new building is planned on the vacant
lot to the south. This building could incorporate sustainable features such as vegetated green walls and roofs. This block of
green street retains the skinny, pedestrian-only nature of the corridor, and focuses energy at the intersection of SW 10th
Avenue and SW Montgomery Street. The intersection functions as a circulation “knuckle”: cars are forced to head north,
pedestrians and bikes moving west leave the line of the corridor and bend around Science Building 2. Stormwater gathered
from the remodelled Science Building 2 rooftop will trickle alongside a ramp westward before hitting the ground and returning
east toward the river. The foot of the West Hills lies a couple of blocks beyond, and the Walk of the Heroines is one block
to the south. SW Montgomery Street guides pedestrians east all the way to the Willamette River. A new fountain or public
art element is placed at the center of a curbless plaza to emphasize this circulation knuckle and allows various pedestrian
source: nevue ngan associates

crossing routes to blend across the space. Bollards guide car traffic and the rest of the users of the SW 10th Avenue/SW
Montgomery Street intersection are free to pass through or congregate within the plaza space.

An well-designed example of a stormwater planter within Portland’s

South Waterfront District (Designed by Walker Macy).
source: nevue ngan associates

20 T h e So u th w e s t Mo n tgo m er y G r een S t r eet

 N S W 1 1 th A V E N U E to S W 1 0 th A venue
0 5 10 20 40

10th Avenue
Science Building 2

SW
11 11 11 11
2 2
8 Student
Housing
1 3 1

6
7

9
(Future Building)
7
source: nevue ngan associates

10
11
11

1 SW Montgomery Street stormwater spine. This 5’ wide stormwater 4 Bike parking to service future building and Science Building 2. 8 Brick plaza space creates free pedestrian movement around a circular
planter, with significant landscaping and street trees, retains stormwater to art/fountain feature.
a design depth of 4” to 6”. New ADA accessible ramp to2Science Building 2 features a narrow
5 stormwater planter that captures roof runoff and allows it to run along 9 Circular stormwater facilities collect runoff from both SW 10th
2 Sidewalk zones are widened to allow for a generous pedestrian through the north side of SW Montgomery Street. Avenue and building rooftops.
zone, cafe and park seating, moveable planters, and street lighting,
6 Potential entrance to the future building with outdoor seating for a small 10 SW 10th Avenue is closed to vehicular traffic and converted into a
3 Stormwater bridges/boardwalks allow pedestrians to cross the cafe or coffee house. plaza space for food cart vendors and outdoor seating.
stormwater spine.
7 Existing trees to be preserved. 11 Pedestrian seating.

The Sout hwest M ont gome r y Gr een S tr eet 21

 S W 1 0 th A V E N U E to S W 9 th A venue

The green street between SW 10th and SW 9th Avenues responds to the primarily residential condition with
a woonerf-inspired form. This type of street, often referred to as a “Living Street”, prioritizes public space
for pedestrians and cyclists over the use of cars. The street level has been raised to curb height and the paving
extends right up to the apartment buildings, blurring the line between public and private, between street and
sidewalk. This creates a responsive space that can change through time to reflect the needs of the users. The
existing pull-through vehicular space is now shared with pedestrians to become a courtyard for the existing
housing and ground floor restaurants. Pedestrian uses can expand or contract, introducing furniture and plants
into this realm, asking cars to slow down and find their own way through the space. This block establishes the
line the stormwater will travel as it moves toward the river. The curbless street simply sheds water into the
slightly recessed stormwater spine and leaves a large, flexible ground plane. In addition to a lane of parallel
parking, cars are provided a single west-bound travel lane defined by bollards while allowing pedestrians and
bicyclists free to move across the entire space.
source: nevue ngan associates

Water moves through a pedestrian-only Main Street in Aspen, Colorado.

source: nevue ngan associates

22 T h e So u th w e s t Mo n tgo m er y G r een S t r eet

 N S W 1 0 th A V E N U E to S W 9 th A venue
0 5 10 20 40

Avenue
Ione Plaza
Avenue Apartments
14
10th

Ione Plaza

9th
SW

SW
3 3
13
5 17 8 8
8 5
7
10 1 15 4 15 1 10

12
2 2 16
12 17
10 9 9 10
6
11 7 9
8 5
5 8 13
3
3
source: nevue ngan associates

17
Simon
Student Housing Benson
House

1 SW Montgomery stormwater spine. This 5’ wide 4 Stormwater bridges/boardwalks allow pedestrians 9 Secondary stormwater planters accept stormwater 14 Ione Plaza can potentially be closed to vehicular
stormwater planter, with significant landscaping and street to cross the stormwater spine. from additional sidewalk space. traffic and opened up as a large pedestrian space for
trees, retains stormwater to a design depth of 4” to 6”. outdoor cafe seating
5 Ornamental street lighting
2 will be placed at the block’s 10 Ornamental art/landscape features at intersection
2 SW Montgomery allows for one-way eastbound vehicular street corners and at mid-block locations. demarcate the block’s entry points. 15 Larger pedestrian bridges for access into Ione Plaza,
traffic. The street is “curbless” to allow all modes of traffic or used for vehicular access.
to be integrated on one horizontal plane. 6 Flexible space parking zone. Cars can park in this space, 11 Brick plaza space allows free pedestrian movement
or it can be closed off for additional sidewalk activities. around a circular art/fountain feature. 16 Street intersection extends the sidewalk paving
3 Sidewalk zones are widened to allow for a generous treatment into the street reinforcing the strong
pedestrian through zone, cafe and park seating, moveable 7 Tactile warning strips alert pedestrians to oncoming 12 Bollards protect pedestrian zones and stormwater east-west pedestrian connectivity of SW
planters, street lighting, and bike parking. traffic from vehicles. landscape areas. Montgomery Street.

8 Existing trees to be preserved. 13 Pedestrian seating. 17 Bike racks.

The Sout hwest M ont gome r y Gr een S tr eet 23

 S W 9 th A V E N U E to S W P ark A venue

The South Park Blocks are a cherished green corridor in downtown Portland characterized by big trees,
ample walkways and plenty of seating. Although the SW Montgomery Green Street crosses this park space,
the intent is for the Park Blocks to maintain its existing character. The concrete paving is regraded to allow
stormwater to sheet flow into the SW Montgomery stormwater spine. New seating opportunities and new
landscaping are added to the park space. The continuum of the Park Blocks is only slightly interrupted to
allow this green street gesture to cross it. The pedestrian corridor is reinforced with additional trees and
benches that face the “Farewell to Orpheus” fountain.

source: nevue ngan associates

“Farewell to Orpheus” water fountain in the South Park Blocks on the Portland
State University campus.
source: nevue ngan associates

24 T h e So u th w e s t Mo n tgo m er y G r een S t r eet

 N S W 9 th A V E N U E to S W P ark A venue
0 5 10 20 40

Park Blocks

park Ave
Cramer Hall

9th Avenue
7
12
7

SW
6 4

SW
11 1 3

13
8 2 2

8 6 11 9 5
10
4

Simon Park Blocks

Benson Smith Memorial
House Student Union
source: nevue ngan associates

1 SW Montgomery stormwater spine. This 5’ wide stormwater 5 New seating within the plaza space. 10 Circular stormwater planter collects runoff from 13 Street intersection extends the sidewalk paving
planter, with significant landscaping and street trees, retains adjacent sidewalk areas and provides a strong focal treatment into the street reinforcing the strong
stormwater to a design depth of 4” to 6”. 6 Tactile warning strips alert pedestrians to oncoming entry from SW 9th Avenue leading into PSU. east-west pedestrian connectivity of SW
traffic from vehicles and mass transit Montgomery Street.
2 Pedestrian travel only except for University or emergency 11 Ornamental art/landscape features at intersection
vehicle access. 7 Existing trees and landscaping to be preserved. demarcate the block’s entry points.

3 Stormwater bridges/boardwalks allow pedestrians to cross the 8 Bollards restrict vehicles from entering Park Blocks. 12 Existing fountain “Farewell to Orpheus” and
stormwater spine. pedestrian seating.
9 Secondary 5’ wide stormwater planters accept
4 Ornamental street lighting will be placed at the block’s street stormwater from additional sidewalk space.
corners.

The Sout hwest M ont gome r y Gr een S tr eet 25

 S W park A venue to S W B roadwa y

The block between the South Park Blocks and SW Broadway is defined by a plaza space between Smith Memorial Student Union and Cramer
Hall. The curbless street profile and prominent stormwater spine continues across the block. Private vehicles are excluded from the space, and
the “Deliveries and Loading Zone” has been moved to SW Broadway Avenue. The new plaza moves seating from the center of the space to the
edges, adds additional bike parking and expands the existing planted areas. The new stormwater spine helps soften the northern half of the space.
source: nevue ngan associates

Already a huge pedestrian and student destination, this gateway between the Park Blocks and PSU’s campus will provide more flexible space to move
through or gather within. Green roofs and walls are also a future possibility for the buildings, and a small green roof could shelter new bike parking
zones along the façade of Cramer Hall. Green, vegetated walls could also soften the vertical and horizontal surfaces of the east-west skybridge,
emphasizing the forest in the city and creating a metaphorical nursery log and green gateway over the street.

A photo-simulation of a vegetated green wall and

roof awning on the Cramer Hall south facade.
source: greenroofs.com

A built green wall (“vertical garden”) in Paris,

France designed by Patrick Blanc.
source: nevue ngan associates

source: nevue ngan associates

The gateway skybridge on SW Broadway
with a vegetated facade could showcase PSU’s
commitment to sustainability.
26 T h e So u th w e s t Mo n tgo m er y G r een S t r eet
 N S W P ark A venue to S W B roadwa y
0 5 10 20 40

park avenue

Broadway
Cramer Hall
12 12

15 15
SW

SW
8
14
4
1 13 2 1
10 10
9 11
3 3
7 7
10 6 6
4
5 5
8
15

Smith Memorial Student Union 12 12

source: nevue ngan associates

1 SW Montgomery stormwater spine. This 5’ wide 4 Tactile warning strips alert pedestrians to 9 Bollards separate vehicular movement through SW 13 The entry into Cramer Hall and underground
stormwater planter, with significant landscaping and street oncoming traffic from vehicles. Montgomery except for University and emergency structures interrupt the stormwater spine but a
trees, retains stormwater to a design depth of 4” to 6”. response vehicles. trench drain allows runoff to be conveyed between
The stormwater planter is designed as a non-infiltrating, 5 Existing skybridge structural
2 columns. stormwater planters.
flow-through planter due to extensive underground 10 New seating within the plaza space.
structure. 6 Secondary shallow stormwater planters at the 14 Large capacity bike parking zones.
base of the columns accept stormwater from the 11 Street intersection extends the sidewalk paving
2 Stormwater bridges/boardwalks allow pedestrians to cross skybridge. treatment into the street reinforcing the strong east- 15 Potential location for vegetated green wall.
the stormwater spine. west pedestrian connectivity of SW Montgomery Street.
7 New landscape areas.
3 Specially colored concrete paving to be used at Smith 12 Stormwater curb extensions capture runoff from
Memorial Student Union and Cramer Hall. 8 Preserved trees and enhanced landscape. SW Broadway.

The Sout hwest M ont gome r y Gr een S tr eet 27

 S W B roadwa y to S W 6 th avenue

The block between SW Broadway and 6th is characterized by four physical attributes: A significant
drop in grade from west to east, a large setback of the campus building with a sloping lawn to the
south, the dominant presence of the skybridge, and existing large canopy street trees. The green street
takes advantage of this slope and the setback by constructing a small mid-block plaza adjacent with
stairs leading from the sidewalk. The center of the plaza has low planting that creates a more visible
location for the ‘Peace Poles’ art installation. The paved area between the plaza and SW Broadway
on the south side of the street also expands into the lawn to accommodate additional bike parking.
Four large street trees on the north side of the street are preserved. The resulting smaller walkway
between the tree trunks and the stormwater spine will have a few benches. This streetscape approach
enables the occasional or eventual closing of this street to cars for pedestrians and bicyclists. The
potential for new ground-floor retail will help activate the new, wider sidewalk zones. If redevelopment
occurs, a portion of the stormwater runoff from the buildings could also be introduced within the
stormwater spine. Vegetated green walls can be applied to the skybridge columns and buildings to
mimic the multiple layers of the natural forest.

source: mark sanborn

A concept rendering of the SW Montgomery Green Street between SW 6th and Broadway.

source: nevue ngan associates

28 T h e So u th w e s t Mo n tgo m er y G r een S t r eet
 N S W B roadwa y to S W 6 th A venue
0 5 10 20 40

Koinonia House University Services

Building
14

18
10
3 3
Broadway

Avenue
5 8 8 5
7 19 7
10 1 1 10
16 4

6th
13 2 2 13
12
SW

10 9 9 10

SW
6
7 19 7
5 17 17 17 5
3
8 10
19
3
14
6
17
11
source: nevue ngan associates

15
Peace Pole
Plaza
Lawn Area

1 SW Montgomery stormwater spine. This 5’ wide 5 Ornamental street lighting will be placed at the 10 Ornamental art/landscape features at intersection 14 Stormwater curb extensions capture runoff from
stormwater planter, with significant landscaping and street block’s street corners and at mid-block locations. demarcate the block’s entry points. SW Broadway.
trees, retains stormwater to a design depth of 4” to 6”.
6 Flexible space that can be used for large capacity bike 11 Elevated brick plaza space allows stormwater to flow 15 18” high retaining wall expands sidewalk space
2 SW Montgomery allows for one-way eastbound vehicular parking and/or food carts. into a circular stormwater planter. The existing Peace allowing for seating and bike parking.
traffic. The street is “curbless” to allow all modes of traffic Pole installation is relocated to this space to form the
to be integrated on one horizontal plane. 7 Tactile warning strips alert pedestrians to oncoming “Peace Pole Plaza.” 16 The stormwater spine is narrowed to 2.5’ wide to
traffic from vehicles and mass transit preserve existing large-canopy trees.
3 Sidewalk zones are widened to allow for a generous 12 Bollards protect landscape and bike parking areas.
pedestrian through zone, cafe and park seating, moveable 8 Existing trees to be preserved. 17 Existing skybridge structural columns.
planters, street lighting, and bike parking. 13 Street intersection extends the sidewalk paving
9 Secondary 5’ wide stormwater planters accept treatment into the street reinforcing the strong east- 18 Potential location for vegetated green wall.
4 Stormwater bridges/boardwalks allow pedestrians to cross stormwater from additional sidewalk space. west pedestrian connectivity of SW Montgomery Street.
the stormwater spine. 19 Pedestrian seating.

The Sout hwest M ont gome r y Gr een S tr eet 29

 urban center pla z a

This unique plaza shares urban and University characteristics; providing a large open gathering
space with ample space for chairs and tables and plenty of seating on low walls and steps. The
plaza is graced with three fountains and a streetcar line bisects it diagonally. This hub of activity
connects the Recreation Center and the School of Public and Urban Affairs in a busy transit hub
highly used by locals, students, and tourists. Small businesses located on the ground floor open on
to the plaza with classrooms and other University rooms on upper floors. Additionally, embedded
within the brick hardscape are several pieces of public art that enrich the plaza in the form of
a constellation of small granite stones and larger granite ovals. To reinforce the green street
component of the corridor, three stormwater planters are integrated into the existing form of
the Urban Center Plaza. These will provide a green oases within the plaza for shade-seekers and
help capture and treat stormwater from the surrounding hardscape. During intense storm events,
stormwater can cascade down a series of planted “steps” within the plaza’s new landscape features.
source: mark sanborn

A concept rendering of the Urban Center Plaza with the addition of new landscaping.
source: nevue ngan associates

30 T h e So u th w e s t Mo n tgo m er y G r een S t r eet

 N U rban center pla z a
0 5 10 20 40

PSU
Urban Studies Bookstore

Avenue
9
1
Avenue

5th
9
8 10

SW
7
6th

1
15
14 4 14
SW

3 5
2
1 11 10
13
5
source: nevue ngan associates

6
12

PSU Recreation Center

1 Existing plaza water fountains to remain. 6 Existing stairs to remain. 10 Existing circular seatwalls to be modified to 13 Plaza stairs extend into the stormwater planter
seamlessly blend the new stormwater planter into to allow runoff to cascade down the staircase
2 A trench drain collects stormwater runoff from adjacent 7 New stormwater planter matches the existing circular the plaza form. intense storm events.
sidewalk and plaza spaces and conveys it to the stormwater form of the Urban Plaza and accepts runoff from the
planter to the east. upper portion of the plaza space. Stormwater is also 11 10’ wide stormwater planter, with significant 14 Existing plaza brick work to remain. Moveable
allowed to cascade down a series of stormwater cells landscaping and street trees, retains stormwater to landscaped planters and seating could potentially
3 5’ wide stormwater planter, with significant landscaping and during intense storm events. a design depth of 4”-6” be placed within the plaza space.
street trees, retains stormwater to a design depth of 4” to 6”.
8 Existing granite ellipse art piece to remain. 12 A trench drain collects stormwater runoff from 15 Street intersection extends the sidewalk paving
4 Plaza stairs extend into the stormwater planter to allow runoff the Urban Plaza and conveys it to the stormwater treatment into the street reinforcing the strong
to cascade down the staircase intense storm events. 9 Potential location for vegetated green wall. planter to the north. east-west pedestrian connectivity of SW
Montgomery Street.
5 Existing ADA ramp to remain.

The Sout hwest M ont gome r y Gr een S tr eet 31

 S W 5 th avenue to S W 4 th avenue

This multi-modal block will be a good example of sustainability, while providing a verdant
counterpoint to the brick and stone Urban Studies Plaza to the west. The Oregon Sustainability
Center (OSC) aspires to create a net-zero building, and the landscape around it needs to reflect
this ambitious and green goal. The landscape and building will share space and systems, connecting
interiors and exteriors. Similar to other blocks, bollards rather that curbs guide the remaining one
lane of traffic and one lane of parallel parking. The parking space becomes programmable space that
can be shaped with moveable planters. The stormwater spine extends along the block with new
seating and planting. The OSC will be a striking presence on the south side of the street, its façade is
likely to be a mosaic of widows, green walls, solar panels awnings and habitat features. Additionally,
it steps back from the street on the west end of the block expanding the public right-of-way. The
streetcar cuts diagonally across this block, too, only here it passes over a sunken planting of small
trees and ferns crisscrossed with boardwalks that join a large common deck adjacent to the building.
Secondary stormwater planters are at the west and east ends of the south side of the street adding

source: mark sanborn

lushness and increasing the treatment capability.

A concept rendering of the SW Montgomery Green Street between SW 4th and 5th Avenue.
source: nevue ngan associates

32 T h e So u th w e s t Mo n tgo m er y G r een S t r eet

 N S W 5 th avenue to S W 4 th avenue
0 5 10 20 40
Avenue

Avenue
Motel/Retail

3 3
5th

4th
5 16 16 16 5
7 7
SW

SW
9 1 15 4 1 9

2 12
11
6 9
9 8 8 7
7
5 5
3 3
10

14 16
source: nevue ngan associates

13 13
Oregon Sustainability Center

1 SW Montgomery stormwater spine. This 5’ wide 4 Stormwater bridges/boardwalks allow 8 Secondary 5’ wide stormwater planters accept 12 Street intersection extends the sidewalk paving treatment
stormwater planter, with significant landscaping and street pedestrians to cross the stormwater spine. stormwater from additional sidewalk space and into the street reinforcing the strong east-west pedestrian
trees, retains stormwater to a design depth of 4”-6”. overflow from the Oregon Sustainability Center. connectivity of SW Montgomery Street.
5 Ornamental street lighting will be placed at
2 SW Montgomery allows for one-way eastbound vehicular the block’s street corners and at mid-block 9 Ornamental art/landscape features at intersection 13 Stormwater curb extensions capture runoff from
traffic. The street is “curbless” to allow all modes of traffic locations. demarcate the block’s entry points. SW 4th Avenue.
to be integrated on one horizontal plane.
6 Flexible space parking zone. Cars can park in 10 Boardwalk allows stormwater and graywater 14 The Portland Streetcar realignment allows two-way travel
3 Sidewalk zones are widened to allow for a generous this space or it can be closed off for additional overflow from the Oregon Sustainability Center through the Oregon Sustainability Center site.
pedestrian through zone, cafe and park seating, moveable sidewalk activities. to flow under the walkway and into the adjacent
planters, street lighting, and bike parking. stormwater planter for treatment. 15 Vehicle bridge for hotel parking.
7 Tactile warning strips alert pedestrians to
oncoming traffic from vehicles and mass transit 11 Bollards protect landscape areas. 16 Bike parking.

The Sout hwest M ont gome r y Gr een S tr eet 33

 S W 4 th to S W 3 rd avenue

This block’s scale shrinks down to a pedestrian-only walkway. The recent construction of the CYAN/pdx
building helps frame and provide a more dramatic entrance to Lawrence Halprin’s Pettygrove Park. The SW
Montgomery Green Street proposes the continued preservation this space’s concrete planters, sidewalk, stairs, and
light poles but also introduces the green street corridor’s stormwater spine along the south pathway edge. New,
low-growing, and predominantly native planting replaces the existing vegetation to create a more open, pedestrian-
friendly environment. The new improvements along the corridor intends to reinforce the historic significance of
Lawrence Halprin’s Portland Open Space Sequence and could perhaps contain interpretative signage. In addition,
future discussions should occur to determine the appropriateness of ADA and bicycle access through this block.
source: nevue ngan associates

SW Montgomery Street looking east with the new CYAN/PDX building to

the left. The new stormwater spine would be located just right of the existing
light poles.

source: nevue ngan associates

source: nevue ngan associates

SW Montgomery Street looking west. The new stormwater spine would

replace the overgrown landscaping located just left of the existing stairs.

34 T h e So u th w e s t Mo n tgo m er y G r een S t r eet

 N S W 4 th A venue to S W 3 rd avenue
0 5 10 20 40

CYAN/PDX

CYAN/PDX Roof Terrace

5
5 6

4 8 7 8 8
1 1
3
Avenue

10
9
9

Avenue
4th
SW

3rd
2 Existing Parking Lot

SW
source: nevue ngan associates

Existing Parking Lot

1 SW Montgomery stormwater spine. This 3-4’ wide 3 A trench drain conveys stormwater overflow from 6 Existing center planters to remain. Potentially replant 9 Renovate existing landscape areas from English Ivy to
stormwater planter, with significant landscaping and SW 4th Avenue into the stormwater spine. to enhance landscape aesthetics a low-growing mixture of Pacific Northwest native
street trees, retains stormwater to a design depth planting.
of 4”-6”. 4 Install an interpretative sign that announces the 7 Existing stairs to remain.
Lawrence Halprin Park Series.
2
10 Street intersection extends the sidewalk paving
2 Stormwater curb extensions capture runoff from 8 Renovate all existing light fixtures for aesthetics and treatment into the street reinforcing the strong east-
SW 4th Avenue. 5 Existing exposed aggregate paving to remain. functionality as well as energy efficiency in accordance west pedestrian connectivity of SW Montgomery Street.
with the Cultural Landscape Foundation guidelines

The Sout hwest M ont gome r y Gr een S tr eet 35

 pett y grove park

This Lawrence Halprin masterpiece marks the current eastern terminus of

the SW Montgomery Green Street corridor. This fitting ending provides a
brilliantly conceived and executed park, offering a surprising verdant landscape
hidden amongst the city. Eventually this destination will be joined to the river to
amplify the green and pedestrian networks conceptualized in this plan. Though
there are no planned strategies to manage stormwater from Pettygrove Park,
several environmental improvements can be made. For example, English Ivy,
a nuisance plant species especially for the forested areas in Portland could be
converted to a Pacific Northwest forest understory mix as a more sustainable
option. Another option might improve the substantial damage to landscape
source: nevue ngan associates

source: nevue ngan associates

areas caused by bicyclists. The existing lighting within Pettygrove park has been
vandalized and could be restored and enhanced with more energy-efficient
technologies. A plan to address these issues should be developed in accordance
with the Halprin Landscape Conservancy’s guidelines. These recommended
improvements in addition to the SW Montgomery Green Street design
concepts will help provide greater exposure to one of Portland’s important park
Bicyclists are degrading the existing landscaping in Many of the existing light poles are in need of treasures.
Pettygrove Park. restoration.
source: nevue ngan associates

Pettygrove Park looking east towards “The Dreamer” sculpture.

36 T h e So u th w e s t Mo n tgo m er y G r een S t r eet

 N pett y grove park
0 5 10 20 40

4
1

4
4

1
2 “The Dreamer”
Avenue

Sculpture
3

4 4 4

1 1
source: nevue ngan associates

3rd

1
SW

1 The portions of this landscape that are English Ivy have 2 Bicyclists often ride through the park’s landscape areas 3 Develop and install an interpretative sign in accordance 4 Renovate all existing light fixtures in accordance
been identified as unsustainable. Options to renovate and have greatly impacted the success of the landscape. with the Cultural Landscape Foundation guidelines with the Cultural Landscape Foundation
existing landscape areas to a low-growing mixture of Pacific Options to deter this behavior could be explored with that announces Pettygrove Park and its relationship to guidelines for aesthetics and functionality as well
Northwest native planting could be explored with the the Cultural Landscape Foundation. the Lawrence Halprin Park Series. as energy efficiency.
Cultural Landscape Foundation.

The Sout hwest M ont gome r y Gr een S tr eet 37

 Continued stewardship

The design team realizes that exemplary green street and sustainable
stormwater design cannot be achieved without considering the long-term
care and maintenance. Finding innovative design solutions and creative
maintenance programs should be considered during the initial phases of
design. Green street design is a relatively new concept and there is much
that we can still learn to help advance our understanding of long-term
maintenance success. Because the SW Montgomery Green Street is so
much a part of the Portland State University campus, a unique opportunity
exists for partnerships. Perhaps a hands-on internship or sustainability
education program could be created that allows students interested in
source: kevin robert perry, city of portland

green building to partner with the City of Portland to monitor and maintain
source: nevue ngan associates
the green street elements. Community members could take on the care

source: nevue ngan associates

and stewardship of the street, for its responsibility should not fall on only
one entity’s shoulders. To facilitate this role, public education about the
corridor will be incorporated into the design in the form of signage. The
communication will vary in scale and message depending on the context,
and the message may be written by a mix of City, PSU, businesses along
the corridor, and interested citizens and volunteers.
Informational signage along a the SW 12th Avenue Education and monitoring signage at a rain City and citizens join in landscape stewardship
Green Street at Portland State University. garden site in Fort Wright, Kentucky. efforts in St. Paul, Minnesota.
source: kevin robert perry, city of portland

source: nevue ngan associates

source: nevue ngan associates

Pedestrian-scale signage helps inform the public at the Lectures and Forums - Portland State Unviersity students involved with sustainability efforts. Volunteers making a difference at a rain garden in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
NE Siskiyou Green Street.

38 T h e So u th w e s t Mo n tgo m er y G r een S t r eet

 Next steps

This document provides an overall and detailed look at the conceptual design for the SW Montgomery
Green Street. Within these design concepts are many new and highly innovative ideas that have yet to
be designed or built. Significant study remains both at the policy as well as the design level to ensure
the success of this green street project. It is encouraging to note that several of the blocks along the
Southwest Montgomery Green Street are slated to be built in the near future. Other blocks may not be
built for some time. It is important to use this concept plan as a guide when developing more detailed
designs for future Green Street implementation. The following are key issues identified as needing
further study:

• Loss of on-street parking. The concept design includes removing on-street parking on all three
vehicular-travel blocks along the corridor. On-street parking serves an important role in the Central City,
supporting retail and other short term uses, including serving PSU’s students and staff. In addition, parking

source: nevue ngan associates

revenue is a key component of Portland Bureau of Transportation’s (PBOT) revenue sources, helping
fund key programs. This concept would result in some parking revenue loss for the City unless substitute
parking spaces or revenue are identified. The discussion of potentially reconfiguring or removing parking
and the fiscal impact to the City needs to be carefully analyzed. PBOT welcomes the addition of bicycle
parking. If Montgomery Street is eventually closed to vehicles, all parking spaces would be lost.

• Traffic circulation. The concept strives for a design that emphasizes pedestrian and bicycle travel over • Cross sections. The street cross section presented proposes significant changes to
vehicular access. To accommodate pedestrian and bicycle use, the area dedicated to vehicles is reduced, existing conditions. Stormwater features factor prominently in the cross sections. Also, the
allowing for one-way operations and emergency response vehicles. A traffic study is needed to determine proposed curbless street with wider pedestrian space may require the removal/relocation
the effects of potentially reducing vehicle capacity at SW Montgomery Street and/or determining how of trees, street lights, etc. More detailed design and engineering analysis is needed as
the street should operate. The study area should be sufficiently large to fully capture traffic impacts. In project design advances.
addition, coordination needs to occur with PBOT to determine that emergency vehicles can adequately
access SW Montgomery Street given the proposed design changes within the right-of-way. • Design. A curbless street that can act as a festival street is an innovative concept that
has been implemented in the city, most recently in Old Town and South Waterfront. The
• Streetcar tracks. Today the streetcar runs on a single track on SW Montgomery Street between ultimate widths of sidewalks, travel lanes, and parking zones have not yet been determined.
SW 4th and SW 5th Avenues. The concept for SW Montgomery Street does not work unless tracks The design of a curbless street must be carefully considered and reviewed by PBOT as
are relocated to the block where the OSC is planned. In addition, at the intersection of SW 5th Avenue there are ADA issues, among others, that need addressing.
and SW Montgomery Street streetcar tracks cross the bicycle lanes at an angle that creates a safety
hazard for bicyclists. The proposed concept shows a new configuration for the streetcar, also potentially • Right-of-Way/street vacation issues. A key question to resolve is whether there is
affecting bicyclists. This issue should be analyzed in more detail to improve bicycle safety. value in changing street ownership. PSU owns most of the property adjacent to the street
and some parts of SW Montgomery Street have already been vacated. The issue affects
• Access to land uses. Driveway access to existing motel and restaurant, as well as potentially to the the funding of improvements, the criteria for design and who maintains street elements.
proposed Oregon Sustainability Center, needs to be explored in more detail. To be consistent with this Revocable permits with adjacent property owners to own and maintain street elements
proposed concept, future development on adjacent lots should avoid locating driveway access on SW should be explored. In addition, since the project aims at creating spaces that can be used
Montgomery Street, if possible. for special events, a protocol for closing the street should be explored.

• Utility relocation issues and relocation of existing street elements need to be analyzed in more • Maintenance and funding. Who will maintain the street (and where funding comes
detail. from) is closely tied to who owns the right-of-way. Design elements such as movable
planters may require additional maintenance and equipment to operate.
The Sout hwest M ont gome r y Gr een S tr eet 39