Summer Sustainability...

GreenWorks is excited to be involved again in 2009 with the 2nd iteration of the Summer Sustainability Series program on 'Sustainability in the Built Environment.

From the Website:

"The Summer Sustainability Series offers unique professional programs based on the ground-breaking work of Oregon’s businesses, universities, not-for-profit organizations, and policy makers. We visit experts and practitioners in the field as they bring their experiences to life. Participants will join other thought leaders from a range of professions, pushing beyond the current thinking to find better solutions."

Again this year, GreenWorks Principal Jim Figurski gave an overview of the process of creating Tanner Springs Park (a collaboration between GreenWorks and Atelier Dreisietl, seen above). And Doug Shapiro of Hoyt Street Properties gave everyone the opportunity to get a birds eye view of the park atop the penthouse of the Metropolitan Condominiums. Not a bad perspective.

Day 2 Featured a presentation by Jason King, Senior Associate, giving a tour of the Multnomah County Building Green Roof (in full bloom below) and the newly planted rooftop urban agriculture demonstration, the Hope Garden.

Meet Columbia EcoVillage

This past Saturday, June 20th, the residents of the Columbia Ecovillage celebrated the grand opening of their sustainable community in Northeast Portland. The event featured "...brief presentations from the development team, architecture and contracting firms involved in the green renovation, as well as a community celebration and tours of the property and the two remaining homes."

GreenWorks provided permitting, site planning, and landscape architecture services, working with the great community members, to provide landscaping based on sustainable permaculture principles, as well as stormwater management for new buildings.

All images copyright 2009 - GreenWorks

Gardening for Hope

GreenWorks has been honored to help orchestrate the transformation of the rooftop planters on the Multnomah County Green Roof into a 'Hope Garden' ... From Multnomah County website:

"Multnomah County and the City of Portland are partnering to plant organic vegetable gardens at their respective headquarters to recognize the growing community interest in local food systems and to inspire residents to plant their own edible gardens.  “Growing food is a great way for a family to reduce food costs, spend time together, and to assist hungry families,” said Multnomah County Commissioner Judy Shiprack.   “Multnomah County recognizes that our local food system has a significant impact on the economy, health, and environment of our community,” said Multnomah County Commissioner Jeff Cogen. “And this demonstration project fits one of the county’s core missions to promote healthy people and healthy communities.”

 

Volunteers from a number of organizations and firms contributed their time and effort into making the garden a reality.  A list of donations includes:

:: GreenWorks Landscape Architects www.greenworkspc.com :: Teufel Landscape www.teufel.com :: Tremco Roofing www.tremcoroofing.com :: Anderson Roofing www.andersonroofing.net :: Phillips Soil Products www.phillipssoil.com :: HD Fowler www.hdfowler.com :: Oregon Wire www.oregonwireproducts.com :: Territorial Seeds www.territorialseed.com :: Plant Health www.planthealthllc.com :: Portland Nursery www.portlandnursery.com :: Parr Lumber www.parr.com  

Food will be cared for by the Multnomah County Green Team, and donated to local food banks via the Share your Harvest program.  The roof is publically accessible at 501 SE Hawthorne, and open during regular business hours.  Plus the view of downtown is stunning.

Presenting Green Streets

 GreenWorks has been running around the state presenting on innovative green street projects, including City of Eugene, Lane County, the Oregon APWA, and Willamette Valley Chapter of the Oregon APWA, amongst others.  Stay tuned for more educational opportunities around this green infrastructure solution throughout the region.

Mike Faha is a landscape architect and Principal of GreenWorks in Portland, Oregon. Over his career, Mike has been instrumental in developing and integrating innovative stormwater management strategies throughout Oregon and Washington for many public agencies and private developers. Jason King is a Senior Associate at GreenWorks, focusing on public and private landscape architecture projects that integrate sustainable stormwater seamlessly into the urban fabric.

The presentation will consist of a short introduction of green streets for stormwater management, including a number of lessons learned from around the Pacific Northwest. Using case studies ranging from a variety of street projects, Mike and Jason will show the regulatory drivers behind green streets, and the widespread applicability throughout communities. The presentation will include technical and design details, stormwater function, optimal configuration, maintenance, and potential regional funding opportunities.

Gresham CFTA Plaza Opens Tomorrow

Updated pics of the GCFTA Plaza with plantings... as the grand opening gets near.

Just a reminder about the Grand-opening festivities for the Gresham Center for the Arts Plaza, to be held tomorrow on Saturday at 12:30 p.m., followed by musical performances and family-fun activities from 1 to 8:30 p.m.

For more information on the project, visit http://www.gcfta.org/.

Plaza Celebration - Gresham Outlook

Arts enthusiasts ready for plaza celebration

By Mara Stine

The Gresham Outlook, Jun 3, 2009

"Local patrons of the arts will be kicking up their heels this weekend in celebration of the city’s new Center for the Arts Plaza.

A grand opening for the plaza, located between Northeast Second and Third streets and Hood and Kelly avenues, starts at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 6. Free musical performances and family activities are scheduled throughout the day and into the evening.

For a complete line up and history of the plaza, see the special section dedicated to the project inserted in this issue of The Outlook.

Funded through a partnership between the Center for the Arts Foundation and Gresham, the $2.3 million plaza is designed to showcase local performers and provide East County residents a central gathering space.

“The plaza is a unique opportunity for our citizens and visitors to not only enjoy art and cultural events, but also have community gatherings and picnics while enjoying this beautiful outdoor ‘living room’ in the heart of Gresham,” said Gresham City Councilor Carol Nielsen-Hood.

The Center for the Arts Plaza is on a 2-acre parcel donated to the city by the Fourier-Larson family. It’s centrally located in historic downtown Gresham, just a few blocks east of Main Avenue.

A privately funded Center for the Arts also is planned for the site. The Center for the Arts Foundation is still raising money for the project.

Plaza events will be scheduled year round, and the space is available for private event rental such as weddings."

Gresham Center for the Arts Plaza

Construction is finishing up on the Gresham Center for the Arts Plaza, and the dedication ceremony has been scheduled for Saturday, June 6th... Here's the text from a recent DJC article, as well as some recent construction pics. Hope to see you there.

:: images copyright GreenWorks PC

Grand Opening Planned for Gresham's Living Room

From the DJC - June 2, 2009

Gresham’s “living room” is one step closer to completion: Konell Construction has completed work on the first phase of the city’s new Center for the Arts Plaza.

The plaza, built on a two-acre parcel of land at Second and Third streets between Northeast Hood and Kelly avenues, is intended to accommodate local performers and also serve as an ‘outdoor living room’ similar to Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square. Designed by GreenWorks PC, the plaza features four art pillars that symbolize fine arts, literature, performing arts and music.

Construction of the $2.3 million plaza began in August 2008. Future phases of the project will include construction of a two-story, 37,400-square-foot performance and events facility and a three-balcony proscenium theater, which will be built bordering the plaza.

Grand-opening festivities for the plaza will be held on Saturday at 12:30 p.m., followed by musical performances and family-fun activities from 1 to 8:30 p.m. For more information on the project, visit http://www.gcfta.org/.