KLA used their experience designing new landscapes on structure to evaluate the needs of the 35-year-old design and the accompanying maturing landscape planting, lighting, irrigation and other site features and issues.

 

The three towers that surround the American Plaza were designed by Travers/Johnson Architects and built over a 15 year period beginning in 1970. The plaza itself is a public open space which revolves around a large scale corten sculpture by the noted local sculptors Lee Kelly and Bonnie Bronson. This space is the terminus of the pedestrian promenade that links the development with the landmark work of landscape legend Lawrence Halprin to the north.

 

The Home Owner’s Association’s Design and Landscape Committee desired to respect the sensibilities and style of the architecture and the original landscape plan. Using their goals as guiding criteria, KLA completed a comprehensive planning guide that not only assesses the current conditions of the landscape but also defines potential issues and costs to renovate this hallmark landscape. Research and personal interviews with the original landscape designers were conducted to assure the retention of the original design intent and aesthetic value. The final document outlines a budget for improvements and maintenance as the first step in a 15-20 year multi-phase renovation project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMERICAN PLAZA TOWERS

Landscape Assessment

Portland, Oregon