SERA Helps Public See Possibilities for Jantzen Beach Carousel
On Monday, SERA joined Restore Oregon for the public unveiling of a new urban concept for the historic Jantzen Beach Carousel. A series of renderings created by SERA staffers Sean Bolden, Brian Stevens and Steven Ehlbeck show how the carousel — one of the largest surviving examples from the golden age of carousels — can be integrated into a public plaza setting. Restore Oregon hopes the depiction will encourage developers to incorporate the beloved Portland relic into their next project.
The team’s design concept features a large timber-framed pavilion with a curtain wall exterior to showcase the carousel and house additional programming to help the attraction be financially-sustainable. The pavilion’s ‘floating’ diagrid roof domes, supported by tree-shaped columns, mimics the undulating movement of the horses. A surrounding plaza, with tiered programmable spaces, integrated seating and a reflective water feature, serves as both an event space and second living room for the city.
View the concept renderings:
Bolden first learned about the beloved amusement as a board member of Restore Oregon, the nonprofit who now owns the dismantled carousel.
A centerpiece of Portland’s Jantzen Beach Amusement Park, the 98-year-old carousel is estimated to have been enjoyed by more than 30 million riders. When the park closed in 1970, the carousel was placed in a shopping center built over the site. After another round of development in 2012, the 20-ton wooden attraction — consisting of 72 horses and 2 intricately-carved chariots — was placed in storage.
“Creating a new home for the carousel is an exciting development opportunity that will connect generations by sharing a unique part of our region’s history and creating treasured memories,” said Ehlbeck.
At the press event: Steven Ehlbeck, Sean Bolden and Restore Oregon’s Peggy Moretti
Restore Oregon presented SERA’s concepts, along with waterfront and park concepts designed by PLACE, to local reporters, developers and the public. Its message: honor our region’s history, preserve a cultural artifact, and “re-turn” the carousel to the public.
With SERA’s help, that vision is now a lot clearer.
Read the coverage:
The Oregonian: Restore Oregon is trying to bring the Jantzen Beach carousel back to Portland
Portland Business Journal: Got a spot for a classic carousel in Portland? Jantzen Beach ride fans troll for a home (Renderings)
KOIN 6: Designs of new Jantzen Beach Carousel unveiled
FOX 12: Local nonprofit hoping to restore Jantzen Beach Carousel, new design concepts released