Park the Carts – Food Cart Pod

This project for NJP Property, funded in part by Prosper Portland, the City of Portland’s community development corporation, involved development of schematic and final designs for an approximately half-acre food cart pod in Northeast Portland, with space for up to 15 food carts, outdoor seating, and on-site parking. The site had previously served as a parking lot for an adjacent restaurant, and DOWL development of layout and circulation plans, as well as wet and dry utilities. The team also provided land use planning support and coordination with City agencies.

As part of that coordination, DOWL’s team worked with NJP Property and Prosper Portland to navigate the development of their first food cart project under a tight budget, partnering with a minority-owned property owner and a Minority Business Enterprise contractor. Because of the tight budget, DOWL proposed avoiding changes to the site’s asphalt, which would trigger stormwater improvements. The City accepted DOWL’s suggestion.