Punch some Holes in the Wall! New Owners Should Open Mall to Sidewalks

In the news about the sale of the downtown mall to a consortium of Oregonians the main entries and skybridges were featured.

The dead blankness on Chemeketa Street

But as we've argued here several times over the years, a major problem with the mall is the way it moons the sidewalks, showing a blank backside only. Draining even more sidewalk activity, the skybridges only make that worse.

The corner is not characteristic

In Salem Reporter's story, one small bit is suggestive.

It’s early in the process, he said, but options for vacancies could include a grocery store, local food and beverage options with openings to the street, and entertainment.

“Our focus is going to be on determining what fits best with the needs of the community, and downtown specifically, as it goes through this incredible transformation,” he said.

Openings to the street! Yes, punch some holes in that facade and make it connect with sidewalk life and also give the building edge some visual interest for foot traffic. And demolish the rest of the skybridges!

The whole thing needs to be reoriented to downtown residents who will walk, and away from more distant visitors who will drive. Main street, not mall!

There's lots of promise here, and hopefully they can realize it.