This park was not originally part of the Sequence, but due to the popularity of Lovejoy and Pettygrove, Halprin was invited to design the landscape. The challenge lay in the steeply sloped topography of the site; working with Danadjieva, Halprin inserted a deep and powerful urban waterfall. He envisioned the fountain as a theater set or an event space, rather than a fountain solely for viewing. The movement of water and people is carefully choreographed. Visitors are invited to interact with the water by wading into the pool, splashing under the falling water, or even dancing atop the geometric concrete forms.
Ira Keller Forecourt Fountain is included in the National Register of Historic Places nomination for the Portland Open Space Sequence, and is stewarded by the Halprin Landscape Conservancy (2001). It will be included in a large scale proposed rehabilitation, scheduled to begin in 2017.
If you wish to make a donation in support of the rehabilitation project, tax-deductible contributions can be made here, or by writing to the Halprin Landscape Conservancy, c/o Naito Development, 210 SW Morrison Street, Suite 600, Portland, OR, 97204.
Portland Open Space Sequence Sites
Condition: B
Good, needs some work
Visibility: A
Halprin is highly regarded
National Register of Historic Places
Jeremy Bittermann
Bittermann has a degree in Fine Art Photography from the Pacific Northwest College of Art. After graduating, he worked in marketing and strategic planning in the architecture industry for more than a decade. Bittermann’s experience in the design industry led him to produce and assist on numerous photo shoots for acclaimed architectural photographers. He established his own architectural photography practice in 2010 and has since had his work featured in numerous notable publications.
