Downtown Portland is a wonderfully complex place shaped by many contrasting narratives and reputations. Some argue the downtown is dying, as many downtowns have struggled especially since the pandemic, while others see its new businesses and art scene and proclaim it is flourishing!
This walk is a challenge to see our surroundings without these biases, to meander mindfully along Congress Street in order to fully see the downtown as it is today. Through a walking conversation, we will reflect about what we notice and challenge ourselves to see the downtown through another’s perspective. We will stroll from Monument Square to Longfellow Square, taking about 45 minutes.
This walk is inspired by Jane Jacobs’ ideas of the city as organized complexity and her belief that residents are the people best equipped to explore and understand this complexity.
Accessibility:
Monument Square is about two blocks from the Elm Street Pulse bus metro hub. Longfellow Square is close to the 1, 7, 8, and 9a/b bus stop. There is paid parking close to Monument Square at the One City Center Garage, Elm St. Garage, or four blocks away in the Arts District Garage. The route is a slightly uphill walk on city brick sidewalks.
Starting Location:
Meet next to the base of the Our Lady of Victory monument in the middle of the square, at the top of Preble Street, and on the corner of Congress st and Monument Square.
Ending Location:
End in front of the Longfellow Statue at Longfellow Square on the corner of State and Congress Street.
Portland, Maine 04103
