Field Report

Exploring Portland’s Central Eastside by Bike

Friday, August 2nd, 2024
Central Eastside, Portland OR

Portland’s Central Eastside is a testament to the city’s rich industrial history, where old warehouses have been transformed into vibrant spaces for craftspeople and artists. The CoDesign Collaborative community gathered for a unique meetup and bike ride through this dynamic district as part of the annual Pedalpalooza festival, a much-enjoyed annual event in metro Portland, Oregon. Over the summer, hundreds of volunteer-organized bike events celebrate the joy of cycling. Our group was a diverse mix of seasoned cyclists and newcomers, with an interest in design. One of the riders, Geoff Hiller, captured stunning professional photos throughout the ride (pictured above), which he generously offered to share with us!

Pedaling Through History and Innovation
Our ride began at the Burnside Trolley Building, an emblem of Portland’s early streetcar era. From here, we embarked on a journey through time. The first stop was the West Ankeny Car Barns Bay E / Burnside Trolley Building, once a vital hub for the city’s transit network. 

As we pedaled on, we passed the Coca Cola Bottling Headquarters—a reminder of the area’s commercial heritage, while the Pepsi arch from the former Pepsi Cola Bottling Plant added a nostalgic touch. The iconic Jantzen Buildings, established in 1916, highlighted the enduring spirit of innovation in Portland.

The Community Meetup and bike ride through Portland’s Central Eastside was a memorable event, blending history, culture, and community spirit. 

Stay tuned for more insights and updates from CoDesign Collaborative’s explorations in the world of emerging technologies! The Autodesk Technology Center Tour was organized as a Field Trip, CoDesign Collaborative’s intimate, design-curious explorations in Boston, MA, Portland, OR and the Bay Area.

If you have a recommendation for a Field Trip or are interested in hosting the CoDesign Collaborative community in your space, send us a note at info@codesigncollaborative.org. We look forward to collaborating with you!

—
Hilary Olson, Alan Scott, and Julie Taraska
Members of the Board of Directors and Advisory Council
CoDesign Collaborative