This project re-imagines a series of 19th-century drinking water reservoirs as multi-dimensional, evolving civic spaces. The reservoirs and their surrounds are given new life by dramatically engaging latent site ecologies, and by activating and diversifying social dynamics. 

The upper reservoir is re-made as stormwater processing terraces and wetland habitat, surrounded by boardwalks, terraces, and the historic service buildings and parapet walls. The lower reservoir upgrades and filters water for human contact, allowing for a full range of pools and docks and interactive water elements to be retrofitted into the historic frame of the decommissioned public infrastructure. The backbone of the project is an innovative water system that collects and cleans stormwater from the site, creates new wildlife habitat, re-establishes reflecting pools, and generates energy for the project.

client

City of Portland

location

Portland, Oregon

TEAM

Stoss
Taylor & Burns Architects
Arup
Nevue Ngan Associates
Thomas/Wright Inc.