| Pearl District |
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| CATEGORIES ABOUT PEARL DISTRICT, PORTLAND, OREGON | |
| neighborhoods in portland, oregon | |
| pacific northwest art | |
| warehouse districts | |
| transit-oriented developments | |
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According to the Pearl District Business Association , Thomas Augustine, a local gallery owner, coined the phrase more than 10 years ago to suggest that the buildings in the warehouse district were like crusty oysters, and that the galleries and artists' lofts within were like pearls. "There were very few visible changes in the area," says Al Solhiem, a developer who has been involved in many projects in the district. "People would drive by and not have a clue as to what was inside." As local business people were looking to label the growing area—the "warehouse district" or the "brewery district" were two suggestions—an Alaska Airlines writer borrowed Augustine's phrase, according to Solheim. The name stuck. The area is home to several Portland icons, including Powell's City Of Books . The former Weinhard Brewery, which operated continuously from 1864 to September 1999 , was shut down by Stroh's upon the purchase of the Weinhard's brand by Miller Brewing and sold for redevelopment as the Brewery Blocks . Art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants abound, and there are also a number of small clubs and bars. The United States Post Office has its main post office for all of Oregon and SW Washington located in the Pearl -- next to Union Station. New buildings include the Elizabeth Lofts at 9th and Everett. Two of the rescued Lovejoy Columns , which were painted by Tom Stefopoulos, were recently installed in the plaza adjoining Elizabeth Lofts. The Pearl District played an important part in the Portland Millennial Art Renaissance . The Portland Streetcar , which opened in 2001, runs through the district. Free wireless internet (provided by Personal Telco ) is available throughout the Pearl District. The movie "Drugstore Cowboy" (1989), by Gus Van Sant, has several scenes shot in the old industrial neighborhood, which was then known as the 'Northwest Industrial Triangle.' EXTERNAL LINKS
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