Interstate Corridor:
Dawson Park Gazebo Renovation Project

Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at 6 p.m.

Dawson Park Gazebo Renovation Celebration
Celebrate the renovation of the historic gazebo located in Dawson Park.  The gazebo dedication ceremony will kick off the summer in the park concert and include free ice cream and childrens' activities.  The gazebo was added to the park in 1978 to showcase the architectural landmark cupola (dome) salvaged from the Hill Block Building before it was torn down in the early 1970s.

The Dawson Park Gazebo was built in 1978 to showcase the 120 year-old cupola salvaged from the Hill Block Building, once located on the northwest corner of the intersection of N. Russell Street and N. Williams Avenue. The bricks in the flooring of the Gazebo were also salvaged from the Hill Block Building.  The onion-like dome, styled after the Taj Mahal, was landmark architecture. Built in 1890 by Charles H. Hill, Albina’s first mayor, the Hill Block building was a cornerstone of the old Albina commercial district and an informal gathering place for the African-American community.  The building and many others were torn down in the early 1970s to make room for an expansion of the Emanuel Hospital campus. The expansion did not take place due to a cut in federal funds that were to fund the project.

Planning and design for the renovation of the gazebo began in early 2006. The gazebo was in need of structural repairs and modifications to continue to support the historic dome.

Work consisted of:

• temporary removal and storage of the dome
• replacement of the old wood columns with steel columns and other seismic/structural work
• dome repairs
• new lighting
• repainting and weatherizing.
• A re- designed steel support structure

The renovation extended the roof line for better protection from the weather, slightly raised the dome to improve visibility and add natural light, and added electrical outlets. All work was complete by June 2008.
The renovation project is a partnership of Portland Development Commission and Portland Parks and Recreation. PDC is funding the project using Interstate Corridor Urban Renewal Area funds. The project was initiated, encouraged and supported by: Eliot Neighborhood Association, Albina Rotary, Interstate Corridor Urban Renewal Advisory Committee.  General contractor is InLine Construction and the architect is Robertson, Merryman, Barnes.

Additional project information:

• Project design
• 2004 assessment