Seen from above, Leftbank, Greenroom, and the triangle lot in front of them form a wedge-shaped island that splits traffic into 2 directions just east of the Broadway Bridge. The plans to bring the Portland Streetcar across the river have marked the tip of that triangle as the first stop on the east side. It’s true now that a walk from Leftbank to the Pearl District or Old Town takes just minutes, but the easy connection that the streetcar makes is bound to affect how people think about that distance.
In the early 20th century, Portland’s Streetcar was vitally important. Far beyond helping people get around, it played a role in defining development. There were more than 100 miles of streetcar line, and where the streetcar ran, neighborhoods grew. A century later, it’s absolutely a boon to Leftbank for the streetcar to stop on our front steps, but we’re betting that our presence at the stop is good for the streetcar, too. Leftbank offers an eastside destination in an easy 5-minute ride. We’re eager to get more people riding and expand perceptions about how accessible Portland is without ever getting in your car
