A design for the new transit, pedestrian and cycling bridge, a first in the US

For those who are transit and design oriented the latest public feedback meeting for the exciting new Willamette River Transit and Pedestrian Bridge with the architect Donald MacDonald will be on Tuesday November 10th at 3:00 PM.


I like these latest design images, though the gray shaded divider seen here has not been approved yet. I like the tower designs and triangular belvederes, they have an updated yet timeless Frank Lloyd Wright feel. Also, I believe the first major transit and pedestrian only bridge in the USA would be a fitting tribute to Mark Rothko (Portland's most famous son who frequently painted the area the bridge soon will occupy).





WRBAC Meeting Tuesday, November 10
3–5 p.m.David Evans and Associates
2100 SW River Parkway, Portland

I'm actually enjoying the look of the bridge. Looking quite sleek, and the viewing decks around the towers and in the center look excellent!

At first I thought naming the bridge after Rothko seemed crazy, but I think I am buying into it now Jeff. Something about saying, "lets go for a walk over the Rothko" has a great sound to it.

Well I think anything with the Rothko name that isnt a painting seems strange at first... he was a major iconoclast after all and an iconic structure with his name is tricky. That said Rothko sold papers under the burnside bridge as a kid, and would have used this new bridge if it had existed.

In fact Rothko painted Portland's bridges even and his subway series shows his interest in mass transit. Overall we need to acknowledge him, and though always somewhat difficult... even in death, his legacy demands attention like this. Once the design is more complete a coalition of portland's artistic and Jewish community should be formed to explore this idea.