West End

Neighborhood Description: The West End district has flourished in recent years with the migrations of retail from the Brewery Blocks retail energy moving south across Burnside and the continuing extension of the independent and national retail moving west from the core. The neighborhood is bound by SW Park Avenue to the east and I-405 to the west, running from Burnside to SW Jefferson. The recent residential developments including Eliot Tower, Museum Place, and Benson Tower have been growing the area's residential density with high-end condos. Portland Art Museum and Oregon Historical Society are a large draw to the neighborhood attracting locals and visitors to the area. The Multnomah County Central Library can be found at SW 10th and Yamhill and encompasses a full city block in the District. The District cultural and community attractions bordering the neighborhood to the south include the newly remodeled Portland Art Museum and the state of the art YWCA facility both on SW 10th Avenue. Pioneering West End local merchants have decorated the streets-cape and transformed the pedestrian experience including Narcissus, Frances May, Covet, Canoe, Kenny & Zukes, Whiskey Lounge, East India Co., among others. Some of the districts best edible fare from Pita's to Paella can be found in the rapidly growing food cart frenzy found at SW 9th and Alder in the West End. As quoted by the New York Times, gourmet culinary treats abound in this one-block area and "[Food carts have permitted] aspiring chefs to make their names without major investments using high-quality ingredients in innovative ways". Investment in the area has continued with recent mixed-use commercial developments and redevelopments including 12th and Washington's office and retail project (12W), Madison Place Office and retail condominium project, McMenamin's purchase and redevelopment of the former bath house "Annex" property and major street front improvements along SW Ankeny.

For more information:
Tourists & Meeting Planners
Portland Art Museum
Oregon Historical Society
YWCA
Multnomah County Central Library

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