Alberta street in the Northeast end of Portland seems to provide a real sense of community. Within four blocks from my sister's house, I have the choices of coffeeshops, the grocery store, a bike shop, art supply store, friendly walking paths, and an assortment of restaurants that finally make my mouth salivate. In addition to the variety of shops, as I look down the street to get to the hopping intersection, colorful flowers and herbs jut out from the easements and the old buildings are blanketed with colorful murals, such as one to the left to amuse my curious eyes.


Not only is the hodgepodge and randomness of how the area has been designed, or organically morphed inviting to the visitor, it's also a welcome surprise to see bikers pass every couple of minutes, and families out an about, as just within 10 minutes of staring out the open cafe window I've seen 8 children pass in burley trailers, on the back of bicycles, and in ladies arms. In fact we even got a visit from my adorable relatively new nephew, Zayden, and my sister, Annah, as she just got done with her jog. They are indeed cute!

The other prominent feature to this area is the art. They promote art through the couple of art stores and shops that provide classes for children and adults, such as the ceramic store next door, but they also display it everywhere on this street. For example, as I look out the cafe window there is a strange art sculputre 15feet high with some sort of vine like covering draped over it. It's unmistakable, and though odd looking, is refreshing to see. Also, if I were just to walk down the crowded streets, i'd see over 6 murals within a small radius. If I don't see the color and intricate design on the walls, I pleasantly see it on the skin of the many tattooed citizens. Indeed, it's a fun and vibrant place, filled with diversity and lots of color!

Though we've been here for a couple days in Portland, this neighborhood exemplifies what a thriving neighborhood community could be like in other areas.

I'll be researching more on community space, and hopefully getting an interview or two with building a sense of community, as it's something all towns need to continually work on.