Undergraduate Thesis

A proposal for Portland’s future, where the desire for dense urban living has led to the search for
alternative sites, Bridgetown examines the potential for growth on the Willamette River. Historically
Portland has been a city defined by its bridges, Bridgetown looks to strengthen Portland’s identity
as a city of bridges while adding to the historical narrative through the erection of its first new bridge
since the completion of the Fremont Bridge in 1973. Unlike the existing bridges the new bridge
aims to bring people to the river rather than simply across it. Linking the Tom McCall Waterfront
Park and the East Bank Esplanade the bridge is seen as a public promenade activated by a series
of viewpoints and public programs. Four towers rise from the river to support the bridge containing
over half a million square feet of office and residential space that keep the bridge and the river
occupied and active at all times. Bridgetown seeks to reinforce Portland’s image as a river city by
bringing social and economic activity to the Willamette.