Welcome our new neighbor to Old Town!

Hack Oregon - Read more in the Portland Business Journal

What you'll find in this issue:

PDX Pop-Up Shops

The PDX Pop-Up Shop program is looking for locations for this holiday season. PDX Pop-Up Shop is delivered each year by the PBA, Clean and Safe, the PDC, the Downtown Retail Advocate, and the City of Portland. The program had five successful seasons in downtown, and in 2014 was strategically moved to Old Town Chinatown and had equal success, which we are hoping to duplicate again this year. The program aims to expand on the positive lens currently focused on the neighborhood. This year we have lined up four amazing potential retail groups including OTCT’s own non-profit Blanchet House, who will be selling hand crafted Adirondack chairs and other amazing wood items.

Goals of the PDX Pop-Up Shop program

• help stimulate the retail environment 
• activate vacant store fronts  
• showcase local independent design talent and emerging retail entrepreneurs 
• encourage shoppers to seek out unique gift offerings 
• property owners can showcase their space for future tenants
• drive additional business to the neighborhood
• encourage Pop-Up Shop alumni to open permanent locations 

1 -3 locations in Old Town Chinatown are needed. Please contact Cori Jacobs, Downtown Retail Advocate, 503.860.7296, if you have any ideas or leads. Deadline: September 23rd
Read more about the PDX Pop-Up Shop

Soundscapes in Old Town

Innovative Housing Presents the Legendary Erickson Saloon: A Sound Art Installation

On Thursday, September 15th, Innovative Housing, Inc. unveiled the first in a groundbreaking series of sound art installations designed to help bring the history of Old Town to life. The first soundscape evokes August Erickson’s Workingman’s Saloon between 1890 and 1916. It is located on NW 2nd Avenue between Burnside and Couch, in front of the Erickson Fritz Apartments. For the first 15 minutes of each hour, those who pass by on the sidewalk will find themselves enveloped in the sound bubble of another era. Each soundscape will be installed on an historic building within a 3-block radius so that visitors can easily enjoy a self-guided tour through Old Town’s past.   

The Old Town Soundscape Project is generously funded by the Portland Development Commission and the Oregon Cultural Trust. To learn more about the project, read this Portland Tribune article. You can also follow us on Facebook to receive updates on the other sound art installation openings.

Erickson Fritz Apartments (formerly Erickson’s Workingman’s Saloon)
Location: 9 N.W. Second Ave.
Featuring: Finnish community, 1900-1930

Soon to come: 

The Estate Building (formerly Maletis Market)
Location: 225 N.W. Couch St.
Featuring: Greek community, 1925-1960

Modern Rich Apartments (formerly Workingman’s Shoe Repairing)
Location: 211 N.W. Couch St.
Featuring: Jewish community, 1925-1960 

Lyndon Musolf Manor (formerly Foster Hotel)
Location: 216 N.W. Third Ave.
Featuring: Japanese-American community, 1915-1941

Get to Know Your Neighbors!

Sophy Li at Golden Horse Restaurant

I am Sophy and have worked here for 17 years.  My husband and I just recently became the owners of Golden Horse.  Golden Horse has been in this location for 18 years and is very well known to both tourists and locals. We have had many tourists as return customers and have made friends with many local customers. In fact, some of  the local customers have become such good friends that they would even help out when we are too busy instead of being upset that we are unable to serve them in a timely manner. I am excited to continue to serve the Portland community and provide the delicious Chinese dishes for both the local customers and tourists alike.
Lunch specials are favorites for many. Seafood dishes are of course specialties enjoyed by all the customers. Then there are the traditional dishes that are only served distinctly at our restaurant that many Chinese/Chinese American families love.
Read more about Sophi and Golden Horse Restaurant

Chinatown Saturday Performances

Thank you to SOLVE for helping make Old Town shine!

We are very appreciative of the following businesses and institutions for opening up their doors and hearts for restroom and refreshment breaks for the volunteers.

• Floyds Coffee
• Red Robe Tea House and Cafe 
• Society Hotel
• Charlie's Deli
• Chen's Good Taste
• Golden Horse Seafood Restaurant 
• University of Oregon, Portland
• One Pacific Square

Get Involved

Old Town Chinatown Community Association

Making Old Town new again!  

Thanks to the funds from last year’s grant from the Portland Development Commission (PDC) and matching donations from Old Town neighbors and businesses, Old Town now has new branding including an amazing website: pdxoldtown.org

This new branding that represents Old Town and the distinct neighborhoods within it will be seen soon on Big Belly garbage cans and lampposts throughout the district.

A second round of PDC funding is available only IF we can match the $30,000! Will you help?

Your donation will help pay for a District Manager to work on the following:

1. Communications
2. Fundraising
3. Build relationships and garner support/resources
4. Activate and promote the neighborhood
5. Attract businesses and tourism

Your contribution is tax deductible and neighborhood supportable!
To learn more, please contact Old Town Board members
Dave Hooff or Karen Bowler

Send donations to:
Old Town Chinatown Community Association
221 NW 2nd Avenue, Box 15
Portland, OR 97209