October 2023 - Mayer Reed

TriMet Breaks Ground in Hollywood

Construction has begun on the transformative Hollywood Transit Center and hollywoodHUB in Northeast Portland. Government officials and design team members marked the occasion with speeches and a groundbreaking ceremony on October 26th.

The two projects will redevelop the existing transit center into a public paseo and affordable housing. As a collaborator on both teams, Mayer/Reed provided the urban design, landscape architecture and experiential graphic design that will unify the site as a cohesive, active and safe community space.

Mayer/Reed designed a colorful paseo and stair/ramp structure – or “stramp” – as part of the transit center project led by David Evans & Associates. The paseo’s vibrant design draws inspiration from the site’s temporary mural created by Sarah Farahat and includes a tribute space for reflection on the tragic events that occurred on a MAX train in May 2017. More than a pedestrian and bicycle pathway, the paseo will also offer inviting spaces to hang out or hold small events.

An adjacent transit-oriented housing development designed simultaneously, will knit in with the transit center and paseo. Led by Holst Architects and developer BRIDGE Housing, it will provide over 200 affordable housing units, retail space and a courtyard on the TriMet-owned property.

Construction contractors are Raimore Construction (transit center) and O’Neill-Walsh Community Builders (housing). Completion of both projects is slated for 2026.

ASLA Oregon Names Laura Hartzell President-Elect

Congratulations to Mayer/Reed landscape architect, Laura Hartzell, the newly named President-Elect of ASLA Oregon, the local branch of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Laura will work alongside the current president and executive committee throughout the year, increasing member engagement and implementing ASLA’s Climate Action Plan. She’ll further these ASLA initiatives in the role of president the following year.

Also serving ASLA Oregon, Mayer/Reed landscape designer Taylor Bowden maintains her term on the executive committee as VP of Chapter Services, and principal Jeramie Shane continues to represent ASLA as the landscape architect on the multi-disciplinary AIA/ASLA/APA Portland Urban Design Panel.

We appreciate the time and effort it takes to stay active in the professional community. Thank you to our staff for their dedication to ASLA!

Committed to the Future of Design

In continuation of our commitment to the future of the landscape architecture and experiential graphic design professions, Mayer/Reed has pledged multi-year support for two new programs. We have joined fellow design firms as founding donors of the Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) Ignite program and the Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD) 50^th Foundation. These foundations address the imperative for a richer diversity of future designers who are well-prepared for the growing challenges of designing for the built environment.

LAF Ignite supports BIPOC landscape architecture students from acceptance into the program to completion of their landscape architecture degrees. Participants receive annual $10,000 scholarships and paid summer internships as well as mentorship throughout their academic experience.

The SEGD 50^th Foundation marks the 50^th anniversary of the organization with a recommitment to the future of experience design. It provides resources to educational institutions and emerging professionals and reduces barriers to and within the field through mentorship programs.

As the professions of landscape architecture and experiential graphic design confront increasingly complex social and environmental responsibilities, we are inspired by the undaunted ambition we’ve seen in the upcoming generation of designers. Please join us in contributing to their success.

Celebrating AFO’s 2023 Honored Citizen

On October 10^th, the Architecture Foundation of Oregon (AFO) hosted its 30^th annual Honored Citizen event in recognition of 2023 honoree, Hermann Colas Jr. Mr. Colas established Colas Construction in 1997 and the family-run business has gone on to record-breaking achievements such as leading the $39 million Oregon Convention Center renovation, the largest contract of any BIPOC contracting firm in the state.

The spectacular and heartfelt evening at the Oregon Convention Center featured stage and tablescape design contributed by Mayer/Reed. Inspired by Colas’ Haitian heritage, we crafted lush foliage accents, branded table graphics and a dramatic stage design lit with the changing colors of a sunset. The installation offered a perfect backdrop for an outpouring of enthusiastic storytelling in praise of Hermann Colas’ contributions to the region’s built environment.

The warmth and respect for Mr. Colas was palpable at the event. It was a joy and privilege to participate in celebrating Hermann Colas, Jr. and the 30th anniversary of AFO’s Honored Citizen Award.

_{Photos by Mayer/Reed and Andrea Lonas}