It’s fun living in the Pearl and watching new buildings and stores pop up like flowers in the spring. Since I moved here there have been several new additions to the hood. A convenience store on 9th and Broadway, a high-end paper shop, a knitting place, a Gyrotrinics studio, several condominium projects, a few galleries, and soon a new supermarket! If I had my druthers, here’s what I’d add to the Pearl District:
A Musical Instrument Store
Yeah there’s that violin place at 9th & Overton, but they don’t carry basses. I really don’t mind walking over to Old Town music since they’re my favorite music shop in PDX. Still, maybe Guitar Center would do well here.
the gap
I got hooked on the gap back in 1990 in Philly when paychecks were low and so were the prices at the gap outlet store. I suppose the NW 23rd store is too close.
More Banks
We definitely need more banks in the Pearl District. How can we project a sense of security and well being if we don’t have lots of banks around. Besides, the banks we have certainly won’t be able to hold everyone’s money once the new luxery high rise opens over Safeway.
More Florists
There’s gonna be a lot of dinner parties next winter. We need a florist on every corner like they have in New York City so we never arrive empty handed.
More Wine Shops
In less well-to-do hoods people hang out at neighborhood bars. Here in the Pearl people should hang out and sip $8 dollar glasses of rare stuff from local vineyards while talking about how the market did that day.
More Specialty Toy Stores
Pearl District kids aren’t like other kids and they need unique toys to differentiate themselves from the rest. We need more specialty toy stores that carry things like radio controlled cars, model airplanes, remote control boats, and interactive and expensive hand-made toys from Sweden. A little girl’s dress up boutique would be nice as well.
A High-end Version of Chuck E. Cheese
Jamison Square is cool for kids on summer days, but where’s a kid supposed to go at night? Olive or Twist?
An Apple Store
What are they doing in Pioneer Square Mall? Apple really screwed up there!
A Car Dealership
There’s plenty of space left over by the bridge in the north side of the Pearl. BMW, Lexus, Mercedes Benz, or Lamborghini might want to open shop there. However, since most Pearlies will be walking to work, maybe we just need what’s next on my list.
A High-End Rain Gear Store
Designer rain coats, water-proof business apparel, cellphone enabled umbrellas, and heated rubbers (for your feet).
More Individualized Mini-Gyms
I don’t know about you but I like to workout one-on-one with a personal trainer. Nothing gets me feeling better than paying $80-$120 an hour to sweat in the privacy of a secret gym that has a unique philosophy about physical fitness.
A High-end Camera Store
We can’t really claim Pro Photo as Pearl District. Maybe they could move a few blocks closer.
More Pet Pampering
Nothing is more fun than giving your dog a new satin pillow to sleep on or getting their teeth, hair, and nails polished. Maybe a pet food delivery service would go over well here. Damn, I’m gonna start that business myself.
A High-end McDonalds
Stick a Monsieur D’s on the corner across from OfficeMax where the Wyatt real estate offices used to be, jack up the prices and have some high-definition TVs showing art movies and stock updates.
A High-end Luxery Hotel
So the rich Japanese and German tourists can come shopping for the weekend and wish they lived here.
A High-end Hair Salon
I don’t think there will ever be enough here.