The idea of a “gateway” on the triangle parcel where Grand Ave connects with MLK appears in the 1993 “Adopted Eliot Neighborhood Plan”. In August of 2012 the site hosted a dedication ceremony for the park which commemorates the history of the region as well as the namesake for Martin Luther King Boulevard. Finally, a primary entrance to Eliot Neighborhood and all of Northeast Portland has become what was envisioned long ago.
If you’ve walked or driven down MLK towards Broadway at night you may have noticed the illuminating lights of the rehabbed green building known as the Boxlift Building. The olive green building recently was completely renovated through a financial and technical assistance from the Portland Development Commission. The Boxlift, located two blocks north of the future Streetcar and a block from Tiny’s at Tillamook, signals a key piece in the walkable, mainstreet feeling on this section of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The remaining 7000 (+/-) square feet of space to be leased in the building, offers a question for Eliot: does Martin Luther King start to act as meeting places that link Eliot residents to Irvington and Boise? Can residents finally enjoy destinations in Eliot by safely crossing through busy, car-dominated streets?
Continue reading Box Lift Building Opens with New and Old Businesses
Nothing tastes better than a fresh home-made traditional tortilla stuffed with shades of green avocado, ripe tomato, Tillamook Cheddar Cheese and scrambled eggs covered in a generous topping of green chile crema. I mean nothing. This is what I eat, not on Monday, because the Pepper Box, a food cart at Dreamer’s Marketplace, is closed on Monday but as soon as I can I walk down there every Tuesday around 10 am.
The other day while walking to work I passed by the triangle where MLK and Grand come together at Hancock. I noticed the sign announcing construction for the new gateway project to begin Spring 2011. Then I recalled all the hubabalu about the project last May. I was angry that our neighborhood lost out on a positive change due to the whining of a few.
On the weekends I like to walk over to one of our neighborhood coffee shops to indulge in a latte and bagel for breakfast. Over the past few years I’ve become a regular at Goldrush Coffee Bar. With its brick interior, old hardwood floors, and rotating art, the vibe inside Goldrush is very Portland. I tend to be a creature of habit and get the same breakfast almost every weekend so the baristas all know my order. Occasionally around the holidays I order the pumpkin spiced latte and a peppermint mocha for my husband instead of the usual vanilla latte and regular mocha. Also, during the hot summer days I’ll sometimes change my drink to iced for a real shake up.
In keeping with a current Portland trend, a couple of underutilized lots have been transformed into great little food cart pods in Eliot. The first few carts to call Eliot home are located in a lot named Jimmy’s Corner at the corner of Vancouver and Fremont Street. I discovered them several months ago while out canvassing the area to notify residents about upcoming neighborhood events. The owner of Mum’s Kitchen offered samples of her African fare and I was hooked. Soon after, a Mexican cart arrived and their homemade fresh tamales made my mouth water. The pod also has a pita cart and a drive thru coffee cart.
Back in 2003 when we moved into the neighborhood there weren’t nearly as many places to eat. Sure, Popeye’s has been on MLK for a while now. Billy Reed’s was also serving up good food, but was just about ready to start the dreadful transition that had it change styles, ownership and names over and over again. Then in 2004 the level of cuisine in Eliot changed…starting with Echo.
A few weeks ago The Leotard made the move from the Lloyd Center Mall to Eliot Neighborhood. They opened their doors earlier this month in the Black and White building on the corner of MLK and Brazee.
Eliot Neighborhood has a new wine bar and lounge to add to it’s growing list of places of to hang out. The wine bar quietly opened their doors about 6 weeks ago.
According to the menu Alu refers to the aluminum finish on the side of the building. Inside, Alu has a good variety of wine, beer and a German inspired menu created by chef Sandro di Giovanni.
Eliot has a new pizza restaurant that opened last week along MLK.
Sparky’s pizza is the latest business to open up in the former Chicago Pneumatics building at MLK and Brazee. They feature “New York” style pizza that can be purchased by the slice or as an entire pizza. In addition, Sparky’s offers some favorite pizza-house extras like bread sticks and buffalo wings.
Sparky’s is located at 2434 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd in the newly renovated Black and White building. They are open Monday – Thursday 11 am – 9 pm, Friday and Saturday until 10pm and Sunday from noon – 8:30 pm.
Egyptian Theater 1933
This 1933 picture shows the entrance to the Egyptian Theater located on Union (MLK) near Brazee. The neighborhood theater was built in 1924 and owned and operated by the Graeper family. Originally it was home to live vaudeville style shows and later in the 30’s was showing motion pictures. The building operated as a theater until 1962 then as a warehouse until 1989.
Union (MLK) and Russell 1930’s
As Albina grew Union Avenue became a prominent business district. Notice the Egyptian Theatre to the left in this 1930’s picture.
Martin Mayo Building 1930’s
The Martin Mayo Building, 2401 NE Union, is on the corner of Union (MLK) and Sacramento. It was built in 1912.
Eliot Neighborhood 