South Waterfront news and updates...long overdue!

So much is changing around the neighborhood, it's hard to keep up. Here is a rundown of a few of the things that took place this past year:

• The Ella opened
• Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People, was born
• The Oregon Ballet arrived
• Muselet (lovely and delicious) opened and closed
• The Groaning Board eventually closed, and Al Hawr moved in
• The Osprey opened this fall offering "retreat-style living"
• The orange BikeTown bikes are in the wild, and you can't miss 'em
• A slew of new food carts, including Smaaken waffle sandwiches came... and then the Gantry closed
• Cavalia took over the Zidell lot for the summer
• Wesley Matthews moved away
• Robin Lopez moved away
• Countrywide insurance company moved in
• Orange Theory fitness opened
• StyleFront closed
• RidePDX is here
• Huge cranes rolled in and construction began on OHSU's next building
• What's the Scoop? New ice cream shop in the Riva
• Blue Star Donuts in the Riva
• Heart Pizza in the Riva
• A real estate frenzy

• And WHEN will someone, anyone, open a neighborhood pub? Menu: burgers, salads, flatbread pizzas and local brews and wine... Not looking for anything fancy, just a regular pub fare lunch and dinner, family-friendly, watch the game, stop by after work for happy hour kind of place. I've heard this from so many neighbors over the years, but especially now. 

New cart: Anton's Italian Kitchen opening today

Anton's Italian Kitchen is opening up today. Their shiny red cart is situated on the Moody Ave Food Dock between Rip City Grill and Taste of Mexico.

Newest food cart in the South Waterfront

Be sure to stop by this week to welcome them and try the newest cart to settle into our 'hood!  I look forward to hearing your reviews.

New dining at RiverPlace

It looks like RiverPlace will be getting another new casual dining option. In the former Stanford's location (1831 SW River Dr), there is new life. These liquor licenses were posted on the window; responses needed by: July 14, 2012.

Lil Cooperstown Bar & Grill

Lil Cooperstown currently has 4 other locations, sports pub-y bar and grill type joints with corresponding menus and lots of TV's. Looks like a little competition for McCormick & Schmicks... 

By the way, the Lucier property is still available. It has been a hotly speculated upon and rumor-milled spot but as of yet, too high-end for the current economy. Some folks have talked about putting in a more casual, family-oriented, brewery-type establishment...thoughts?

urbanworksrealestate.com

Bikers, take note of the new traffic pattern at RiverPlace. No more biking through the path between The Strand and the old Lucier. Walkers, you're OK. There's a gate.

Gated path at The Strand

FTA & Burgers in the South Waterfront

1. Mayor Sam visited the South Waterfront today along with Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff and cohorts, to check out the Streetcar and Moody Ave project.

Story from the BizJournal: 

FTA leader lauds South Waterfront development
"Rogoff said Obama officials believe Portland can set examples for other places that could add streetcars. Those cities include Atlanta, St. Louis and Washington, D.C.
“It’s not just jobs that we’re excited about, it’s the way you brought about this development,” he said, pointing to the new life sciences center site. “Oregon Health & Science University will add thousands of jobs to this space that, before, was abandoned.”"

AND...

2. We are getting a burger joint. Little Big Burger announced plans to open a store in the South Waterfront. Watch out Subway, you are in for some competition!

Urban Works Blog
OregonLive story

www.littlebigburger.com 

Added Feb. 9, 2012 

Added Feb. 9, 2012