This year’s special CUI Brownie has been awarded to the City of Portland, Oregon, in recognition of the comprehensive revitalization of the Pearl District through the systematic redevelopment and realignment of brownfield sites to create a walkable, attractive downtown neighbourhood.  Mr Lew Bowers will accept the award on behalf of Mayor Sam Adams. 

 What was once a decaying industrial warehouse area in downtown Portland, the Pearl District has undergone significant renovation and is now Portland's premier urban-chic neighborhood. Today the Pearl District is an award-winning, internationally recognized leader in urban renewal.  Often considered the “gold standard” of live, work and play mixed-use space, the Pearl District affirms that new life can rise from the ashes of urban decay. 

Many of the aging warehouses have been turned into luxurious lofts, townhouses, and condos. Examples are the old Meier and Frank warehouse conversion into The Avenue Lofts and the Irving Street Lofts which once housed the Blumauer-Frank Drug Company. Recently erected buildings that have sprouted throughout the district are sold-out before construction even begins.

This now prime destination neighborhood features stylish boutiques, specialty retailers, grocery and book stores, up-and-coming art galleries, and trendy restaurants.   World-class artists are also emerging from Pearl District art galleries.