The speculative development boom has strapped our community to unauthentic vistas of crappy choices being sold as vibrant original eco-options. A skyscraper void of grass and vegetation ironically called “Yard” is riverfront property with small windows in the shape of a Borg Cube. This soulless square is buddied up with a chaotically colorful blob called “DumbBell”.

The structure’s name is a new descriptor of the city planners who are ignorant and tone deaf to artists in Portland facing rapid eviction and displacement. No amount of saturation in this this LA-centric design can bring the much needed perspective of local color, a spectrum that only a black muralist can bring to the white washed noise hammering our city. This building is just another burn mark that will fade into an ugly scar.

When the much anticipated Carbon 12, 8 story timber building went up I was hopeful for a new take on an old medium. How can we cheer for a design that broadcasts using wood when the building doesn’t show any love for trees in the landscaping nor does it showcase glulam beams viewable from the sidewalk. Next time you better call Saul, one of Portland’s working architectural legends with the necessary expansive design knowledge on living environments as lasting pieces of art made of timber that happen to be very comfortable gorgeous structures.

Down Williams Street a little further you’ll see the newest batch of clean “artsy” rentals stained with tears of rust from flashing failures. Please consider the “Allegory of the Cave” playing out in the Portland housing scene and how we are capable of breaking free of these chains. Awareness is a good first step and conversation needs from all walks of life is the follow-up no matter how difficult it may be to listen.