Urban Achiever

This Rising Political Star Could Redefine the Portland Region

And you probably don’t even know her name. (It’s Lynn Peterson, and she’s taking over Metro.)

12/21/2018 By Randy Gragg Photography by Nicolle Clemetson

Real Estate 2018: Rockwood Arises

Can One of Portland’s Poorest Neighborhoods Build Its Way to Prosperity?

Rockwood has bold—but controversial—plans to try.

03/27/2018 By Randy Gragg

Urban Futures

Will Robot Cars Rule Portland's Streets?

National thinkers gathered here to ponder what autonomous vehicles will do to our cities. Who's driving this thing?

03/13/2018 By Randy Gragg

The Big One

The Big One Is Coming. What Will Happen to Portland?

The Northwest is long overdue for a devastating earthquake. Here’s what to know.

02/02/2018 By Randy Gragg With Sarah Hutchins

Development

Will These Massive Skyscrapers Actually Get Built in Portland?

A starchitect's proposal aims to raise rooflines on the waterfront.

12/28/2017 By Randy Gragg

Unnatural Treasure

The Columbia River Gorge Burned. We Could Make That a Good Thing.

A manifesto for our beloved national landmark, after the flames.

11/20/2017 By Randy Gragg Illustrations by Amy Martin

Essay

Massive Growth Is Transforming Portland. What Do We Need to Do Next?

We size up the blown chances and promising opportunities.

09/21/2017 By Randy Gragg Illustrations by Matteo Berton

BRIGHT LIGHTS

What Should Come Next for Portland's Downtown Parks?

Legendary landscape architect Douglas Macy will talk about a key thread of the city's urban DNA on Tuesday, Oct 11.

10/07/2016 By Randy Gragg

Home Design

Great New Portland Homes

Modern. Eco-ambitious. Rotating? Yes. Yes. Yes!

09/21/2016 By Zach Dundas and Randy Gragg

Essay

Portland Is Growing Like Never Before. What Should We Do Next?

Meet six imperatives of Portland’s urban future.

09/21/2016 By Randy Gragg

BRIGHT LIGHTS

The Creator of Earth Day Unveils a Radical Environmental Vision for Cascadia

Denis Hayes will speak Monday, arguing that Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver can unite to green the world.

05/20/2016 By Randy Gragg

URBAN FUTURES

Can Art Save a Neighborhood? The Creator of Houston's Project Row Houses Speaks

Rick Lowe, an artist/activist, transformed 22 shotgun shacks into a haven of community-minded creativity. Can Portland learn from his work?

04/29/2016 By Randy Gragg

THE FUTURE

In a New Era of High Prices and Soaring Popularity, What Will Portland Become?

As the cost of living skyrockets, new people pour in, and shiny new buildings rise, Portland must act fast to save its soul.

03/25/2016 Edited by Zach Dundas By Marty Patail, Brian Libby, Randy Gragg, and Ramona DeNies

WHAT'S NEXT

Portland Is Changing Faster Than You Can Believe

Here are five big game changers already in the works.

03/25/2016 By Zach Dundas, Randy Gragg, and Brian Libby

URBAN DESIGN

Can San Francisco's Planning Czar Tell Portland How to Grow?

The Bright Lights discussion series presents a conversation with Gil Kelley, San Francisco's director of long-range planning.

02/24/2016 By Randy Gragg

URBAN DESIGN

Bright Lights: Portland's Mayoral Candidates Talk About How Design Can Shape the City's Future

Ted Wheeler and Jules Bailey square off on the cityscape as Portland heads for its May primary election.

01/06/2016 By Randy Gragg

HISTORY

The Visionary Parks Designer Who Transformed Portland

The unlikely tale of the power brokers, rebellious hippies, and genius architect behind Portland’s first modern neighborhood

11/23/2015 By Randy Gragg

URBAN DESIGN

Climate Change and the Willamette Valley—What Should We Worry About? What Should We Do?

Leading thinkers expound on the region's climatic transformation.

10/07/2015 By Randy Gragg

CITY PLANNING

Reflecting on the Past, Present, and Future of Portland's Pearl District

Looking back on the neighborhood's Wild West days—and wondering what's in store for the area as new towers continue to rise.

10/05/2015 By Randy Gragg

INTERNATIONAL DESIGN

The International Designer Behind the James Beard Public Market Goes Chasing Waterfalls

Renowned international design firm Snohetta sets its sights on two ambitious Oregon projects, including a promenade to Oregon City's Willamette Falls.

10/05/2015 By Randy Gragg