The Leftbank community is picking up speed! On a recent Friday night we shook off the week and basked in the glow of shared inspiration. People who’ve been in on the project since its inception, new tenants, hopeful tenants, long-time partners and friends of Leftbank gathered for drinks and a little respite between work and the weekend.
What began as a word-of-mouth, BYOB happy hour evolved in the week before it happened. At the 11th hour, we found ourselves expecting upwards of 100 people and wondering whether we’d have on hand the food and drink to keep everyone smiling. Fully manifesting the spirit of community that drives the place, new tenants and friends stepped up to make it work. Bon Appetit (who will operate Leftbank Café in a matter of weeks) brought in a feast and eased the pressure on the potluck offerings. Good friends at Tropical Salvage spent the afternoon ferrying gorgeous (and exceedingly heavy) tropical hardwood tables and benches up to the room where we met.
Besides food, drink and excited conversation all evening, everyone was dazzled by a slideshow that Andy put together. I was awed watching before and after images of the healing of the building, and I know we all shared that. Then, lucky me! I got to extend real welcomes to Upright Brewing Company, Upstream Public Health, and Portland Farmers Market. Our earliest tenants are shining examples of the work we’re making space for. And two groups in process to move into Leftbank also joined in the celebrating. One of them, The Greenville Project, delighted with us in the ceremony of the occasion by making a photo op of the signing of their LOI.
I left the party exhausted and giddy. Looking forward to lots more of that. Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen.
