A couple of years ago, new signage began appearing throughout downtown and inner SE with maps of the area and information for tourists or someone trying to get their bearings. I’m a big fan of them because even though I’m downtown every day, I still can’t remember which street is Salmon and where Oak is. When people ask for directions, I can quickly point them to these maps for guidance.
Recently though, I noticed they are not weathering well. It seems the paint used for the primary print is fading and running down the sign. Honestly, this makes them look 20yrs old even though they have a new look and style. Two years. And they don’t look like the type of signage one can repaint. These will need to be replaced.
I’m usually proud of how the city keeps things clean and bright and shiny throughout the city. Granted, we still don’t have sidewalks in some places, but if you’re in the heavily traveled parts of town, one doesn’t see much decay. Yet, if these signs are what we’re presenting to tourists, I wonder about what other city projects will only last a couple of years.
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Hey, D!
The signs are part of PDOT’s sign system inventory. PDOT also maintains the signs. The maintenance costs are funded through a dedicated sponsorship program (also managed by PDOT). The design, fabrication and installation of the signs was funded through PDC River District, Downtown Waterfront, South Park Blocks and Oregon Convention Center Urban Renewal Area funds. More about the sign’s origins here.
When I first got to Portland and worked downtown, a friend explained that to keep the downtown streets in order, “just remember SWAMY” — Stark, Washington, Alder, Morrison, Yamhill. I expanded this to “SWAMYTS” to pick up Taylor and Salmon, but SWAMY was a good mnemonic for starters.
Now, Oak and Pine — I’ll never get those two straight without a map.
Jack,
That is a great idea. I’m surprised I haven’t heard it.
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