I’ve been struggling with a way to tie the North River area with Harrison Square. I believe the Headwaters Park Skyride offers one solution.
From the the Wells Street Triangle, the Skyride can continue across the St. Mary’s above Ewing Street to Harrison Square. Gondola riders would be treated to a bird’s eye view of the new Wizards stadium from above the outfield bleachers. Given the height of the proposed parking garage, a section of the top floor might be modified to serve as the Harrison Square Terminal.
The gondolas should feature enclosed cabins, be ADA compliant, and have seating accommodations for 4 to 10 passengers. To facilitate year-round use, we should also explore aerial tramways which are wind tolerant, similar to those used in high altitude climates (ski resorts, mountains, etc.)
Advantages:
- Harrison Square, Wells Street, Headwaters Park, and the Shopping & Nightlife Boardwalks become interconnected for pedestrian traffic.
- Courtyard by Marriott hotel guests would enjoy year-round access to Wells Street and the Shopping and Nightlife Boardwalks .
- Three Rivers Apartment residents can “walk” to a Wizards game by catching the sky ride near the Historic Old Fort.
- During the off-season, residents and tourists may park in the Harrison Square garage and travel to the North River area for shopping and recreation.
- Convention attendees may travel for lunch and dinner to the North River area.
- Residents may enjoy a fine meal on the Nightlife Boardwalk then travel to the Embassy for a Philharmonic concert.
Ultimately, a tramway could be extended to Glenbrook, Southtown, & Jefferson Point, futher connecting the city.
Here’s an example of an aerial tramway used in Portland:
Some of the more interesting FAQ’s about Portland’s Aerial Tramway include:
- “The Portland City Council adopted the Marquam Hill Plan that included the Tram as the superior system over shuttles and other alternatives to link the two areas.“
- The project cost $57 million, and yet the City of Portland only contributed $8.5 million (about 15%). The city’s 15 percent share – $8.5 million – came from bonds to be repaid from taxes on the rise in South Waterfront property values as that district grows and prospers. The majority of the costs were paid by OHSU (research facility) and developers. It appears that Public funds were a last resort, used to supplement project expenses, the majority of which came from business interests.
- The ride was designed by a Swiss firm and is available year round. It is similar to another ride designed by the same firm for Switzerland which has proven“very capable and trustworthy in the extreme winter conditions of the Swiss Alps.”
- “Before the Tram was even running, it became a catalyst for investment dollars in South Waterfront, with even greater investment expected in the future. This area has proved to be a significant and vital addition to the development and growth of Portland’s future.
Another option to connect Harrison Square with the North River Development would be a trolley running down Harrison Street. The trolley would give the downtown some charm and be a unique feature. It would also be nice to have the trolley on tracks and rely on electricity for movement. It could even dock inside of the Grand Wayne Center to load and unload passengers.
Nice idea Andy. I appreciate the integration of the old with the new.
A few others have expressed an interest in utilizing the rail right-of-way on the OmniSource property for commuter service.
Your idea has potential.
[…] North River near the Old Fort and Headwaters Park to the Harrison Square project (see Bringing It All Together). Three Rivers Apartment residents would be able to travel to a ball game via the skyride (great […]
[…] Gazette (02/18/08): Add Aerial Tram to Park Project Pyramids for Headwaters Park Bringing it all together Headwaters Park Sky Ride Harrison Square Terminal […]