One of Portland's most architecturally celebrated parks needs $790,000 in "emergency structural repairs" less than six years after its ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Director Park, the bustling downtown urban plaza that cost $9.45 million to build, was among five finalists in 2011 for a prestigious Open Space Award bestowed by the Urban Land Institute.

Now part of that distinctive design is failing.

Parks officials say the wood beams that help support Director Park's overhead glass canopy have moisture damage and need to be replaced.

Mark Ross, a spokesman for Portland Parks & Recreation, emphasized in an email Tuesday that "there is no immediate concern for safety."

Parks leaders learned about the problem last fall, and two engineers recommended replacing the beams "as soon as possible," according to city documents. Officials crafted an "emergency plan" to close the area under the canopy if snow or ice was in the forecast.

Ross said the emergency plan was simply a precaution, but officials want to begin work before another winter passes.

"We took this extra safety measure since the park is heavily visited even during inclement weather; we were being highly conservative by doing so," Ross wrote.

Most of Director Park's canopy support is made from steel beams. Wood beams were also used in the original design for aesthetic reasons, Ross wrote.

ZGF Architects, which designed the park, will cover $602,000 for repairs. The Parks Bureau will pay $188,000 to "upgrade" to steel beams, Ross wrote.

"ZGF recognizes that Director Park is an important community asset and offered to take a leadership role in the repair," Ross wrote.

A ZGF spokeswoman on Tuesday didn't return a message seeking comment.

The Portland City Council will be asked to approve the funding plan on Wednesday.

Officials expect repair work will begin by late September and wrap up by December.

The city will close the canopy area - including the Elephants Delicatessen that rents space below the canopy - during repairs. Officials plan to reduce Elephants' $23,292 annual rental rate during the closure.

-- Brad Schmidt

503-294-7628

@cityhallwatch