Demolition, Construction and the UAN Street Gallery
UAN artists will experience changes in Portland’s ever dynamic skyline up close this summer. Since the Pacific Northwest College of Art vacated its old building for new digs on the North Park Blocks, their former home is set for demolition. So artists setting up on the block between Johnson and Kearney will notice a lot of activity.
Starting in April, demolition crews will begin tearing down the old building. Depending on permits and other matters beyond the control of mere mortals, this phase could go on all summer. Because of this upheaval, advance UAN registration is only available for the west side of the Johnson-to-Kearney block. Depending on the state of construction, the east side may be available to walk-in artists on the day of the Street Gallery.
“Andersen Construction is working with us,” said Jennifer Kapnek, UAN president. “They will try to keep the street as open as possible for us.” The construction area will be fenced off, keeping artists and other citizens safe from falling debris.
Two buildings are slated for PNCA’s old site, now owned by Security Properties: a five-story brick office building adjacent to the street gallery, and a 15-story glass apartment building behind it. Both will have storefronts at street level. These buildings won’t go up overnight. Expect construction to continue at least through the summer of 2017.
Meanwhile, PNCA is thrilled with its new home in the old post office building at 511 NW Broadway. A $34 million makeover has stripped shag carpet from marble floors and revealed skylights and intricately ornamented windows hidden behind drop ceilings, restoring the building to its 1919 glory.