Side Quest: Hit the Bricks

It can be mind-boggling to witness how much Portland has changed in just a few years — over decades, that transformation is even more dramatic. While it can be hard to visualize what the city’s streets once looked like, one organization is doing its part to paint that picture through archival images of buildings and walking tours.

Volunteers with the Architectural Heritage Center take groups to every corner of Portland, from Beaumont to the South Park Blocks, touching on topics like urban renewal and “starchitects” like Pietro Belluschi and Lawrence Halprin who left their mark on the urban landscape. The trips are offered March to November, rain or shine, so remember to dress accordingly.

In addition to its guided experiences, the AHC also curated a self-guided tour of the Central Eastside with 50 sites along historic Grand Avenue and beyond. Stop by the nonprofit’s headquarters to pick up a map and enjoy the rotating displays.