The transit mall is still new and clean, construction on the first MAX light rail line is a couple years off. Pioneer Courthouse Square, though having just been declared dead by the city council, would soon be resurrected by proceeds from commemorative bricks. Nordstrom opened a large new store four years ago. A few blocks south, the internationally famous Portland Building was nearing completion. The New Theatre Building (PCPA) is planned. The Galleria has opened to rave reviews. The early 80s was an exceptionally exciting and dynamic time for downtown Portland as hundreds of millions of dollars in public and private investment poured in to build the regional amenities and destinations which we now take for granted.

Interesting fact: the US Department of Interior granted $1.2 million ($3.5M 2016 USD) towards the $7.8M ($17M 2016) Pioneer Courthouse Square project.