Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
formerly Sandwichworks, where despite the name change you can still
get some of the deli's famous hero sandwiches and grinders.
Having stocked up on edibles, head up NW Thurman St. to NW 25th
Ave. and turn left. In two blocks you'll reach the corner of the Wallace
Dog Park, which you'll either love or hate depending on your canine-
friendliness. (It's not just for dogs, of course, but they are a noticeable
presence.) You can make your way diagonally across the park or walk
its perimeter, along 25th Ave., then turn right on NW Pettygrove St.
Chapman Elementary School and its surrounding lawn are a popular
destination in late summer and early fall, when a huge flock of Vaux's
swifts roosts here and preps for the long migratory trip to Central
America. Anywhere from 2,000 to 7,000 of the birds bed down for the
night in the school's chimney, and about an hour before sunset they
start swirling and swooping around the place in a massive, billowing
cloud. It's hard to imagine they can possibly all fit inside the chimney,
but they seem to have it figured out. The maneuvering flock is really im-
pressive to watch; grab a spot on the lawn and see for yourself. Local
Audubon Society volunteers are usually around to answer any questions
you might have about the birds.
Cross the schoolyard to the right (east) and turn left on NW 26th Ave.
At the corner of NW 26th and Thurman you'll see the Friendly House,
originally the Marshall Street Community Center, founded by the Pres-
byterian church in 1926. (It has been called the Friendly House since
1930.) It's a nonprofit social services organization whose role in the
community took shape early on, when volunteers here helped families
get through the economic struggles of the Great Depression. These days,
the Friendly House looks out in particular for underserved populations,
including LGBT senior citizens and the kids of homeless families.
There's also a wide range of workshops and classes for adults (for ex-
ample, art therapy for people recovering from domestic abuse, yoga for
senior citizens, and fitness for people with mobility issues), as well as
camps, field trips, and preschool and after-school programs for kids.
The mosaic-tile sculpture out front was designed by Lynn Takata and
put together by Friendly House volunteers and supporters in 2011.
Crossing NW Thurman St., notice the tall, skinny, metallic bungalow at
the corner. This is the home of
Tin House
magazine's Portland
headquarters. (There are also offices in Brooklyn.) Yep, it's an actual tin
