The dormant plan for a public market in Portland, reminiscent of Seattle's renowned Pike Place, has received a significant boost. The James Beard Public Market Foundation unveiled its secured location in downtown Portland, marking a milestone for the proposed year-round destination. According to KGW, the nonprofit has earmarked 38,000 square feet across two buildings situated on Southwest 6th Avenue near Southwest Alder Street which, will encompass a third of a city block.
"We are a culinary capital of the world," Jessica Elkan, executive director of the James Beard Public Market, proclaimed in a statement obtained by KGW. She emphasized the region's diverse offerings, "We grow, produce, make, fish and do so many things across this state and it's time to highlight that and bring it all under one roof under the James Beard Public Market."
The project has navigated through a series of challenges since its initial concept was abandoned in 2016 near the Morrison Bridge. Attempts to relocate to sites like the southwest waterfront near Zidell Yards and the southeast waterfront near OMSI failed to materialize, as KOIN reported.
Backing the market's revival, economic and tourism agencies as well as the Office of Mayor Ted Wheeler have thrown in their support and financial resources. As Elkan told KPTV, "We hope this becomes a place that people gather and a community space that really brings Portlanders together and an iconic destination in the heart of our city." The ground-breaking is slated for January, with a phased opening starting in Fall 2025 and final completion anticipated in 2026.
