Portland’s Ladd’s Addition neighborhood was named one of the 2009 Great Places in America by the American Planning Association (APA).

According to the APA, the Great Places program celebrates places of exemplary character, quality, and planning. Places are selected annually and represent the gold standard in terms of having a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement, and a vision for tomorrow.

One of ten 2009 Great Neighborhoods designees (the other categories are Great Streets, and Great Public Spaces), the APA notes that Ladd’s Addition is Oregon’s oldest planned community, the housing stock includes stunning examples of Old Portland architecture, such as Craftsman, Mission, Tudor, and bungalows, and is noteworthy for innovative street design, walkability, and environmental stewardship.

Past Oregon winners of the Great Places designation include Pioneer Courthouse Square (2008), and Lake Oswego’s First Addition neighborhood (2007).