By Britt Appleton
Meet Union Way. This local-vendor centric pedestrian alley is built with design flair out of Oregon poplar and glass. The vast, industrial space was formerly occupied by two abandoned nightclubs. Now it very cleverly connects two of Portland's most popular commercial districts—SW Portland and The Pearl - and spans two blocks.
On one end, Ace Hotel, and on the other end, Powell's Books, and in between—a rarefied shopping experience. There's an apothecary (Spruce Apothecary), odd candy (Quin), nice leather (Danner Boots, Will Leather Goods), clothing (Steven Alan, Self Edge denim, Marine Layer), a bakery (Little T Baker), and some of the best ramen you'll ever have (Boxer Ramen).
Photos by Jedidiah Fugle