How the James Beard Public Market will set the stage for Portland's comeback
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- There's a lot of anticipation for what the new James Beard Public Market will mean for downtown Portland's recovery.
Slated to open in 2026, the market will be a hub for local food, culture and community in the heart of downtown Portland.
Think of it as our version of Seattle's Pike Place Market, a year-round attraction that draws 20 million visitors a year and generates $200 million in economic impact for Seattle.
The location at SW 6th and Alder is already secured. Plus, the project is now more than halfway to its $25 million construction cost and it continues to get much financial and political support.
Jessica Elkan is the James Beard Public Market Executive Director. As the former director of development for New Avenues for Youth and Raphael House, she has decades of experience in development and public affairs.
Elkan joined Eye on Northwest Politics to talk about downtown Portland's struggles and how the public market can help in the city's comeback.
Watch the full interview in the video above.