In the 1970s the “Northwest Triangle” was in decline. This inner city industrial area, on the doorstep of downtown, was ripe for redevelopment. The area had a special character; it had grit, and there were acres of idle railroad tracks. Photo by Bruce Forster©
By the 1980s, the developers had discovered its potential. An existing collection of empty or underutilized warehouses was turned into commercial and residential loft spaces. An existing viaduct—the Lovejoy Ramp—was a physical barrier to efficient redevelopment. Its days were numbered.
An existing viaduct—the Lovejoy Ramp—was a physical barrier to efficient redevelopment. Its days were numbered. Photo by Bruce Forster©
Northwest 13th Avenue and Hoyt Street became ground zero for area redevelopment. A number of building owners along NW 13th applied for historical district designation. Once approved the city initiated urban design studies for the area.
