One of Portland’s most famous landmarks is slated to soon be destroyed. Ok, not exactly destroyed, but rather defaced in such a way that Civic pride in it will decrease significantly.
It says:
Case File: LU 08-191800 HDZ (White Stag Sign)
Review By: Landmarks Commission
When: Monday Marth 9th, 2009 @ 1:30pm
Where: 1900 SW Fourth Ave, Room 2500A, Portland, OR 97201
It is important to submit all evidence to the Landmarks Commission. City Council will not accept additional evidence if there is an appeal of this proposal.
Land-Use Review: Historic Design Review (HDZ)
Proposal: The application has proposed alterations to the Landmark White Stag (Made in Oregon) Sign atop a building at the west of the Burnside Bridge. Teh sign was designated as a Portland Historic Landmark in 1978, when the sign advertised White Stag Sportswear. The primary message of the sign last changed in 1997, when a Type III Historic Design Review approved the change from “White Stage/Sportswear” to “Made in Oregon/Old Town.”
Ramsay Signs, who owns and maintains the sign, has proposed alterations to the sign, including removing the existing (Made in Oregon) letters, and manufacturing and installing new (University of Oregon) letters. THe proposed letters would be in a similar cursive font to those being removed. The construction and illumination of the letters would be similar, with 4-inch-deep aluminum pan channel letters, double-tube neon, and chasing incadescent bulbs.
Light sequencing would retain the current configuration: each individual word is sequentially outlined in green neon, followed by all three words illuminating at once with both neon and chasing/flashing incadescent bulbs. No change is proposed to the holiday season “Rudolph” feature (seasonal illumination of a red nose for the stag.)
Location: 5 NW Front Ave (Naito Parkway)
Legal Description: Lot 1&2 EXC Pt in St Lot2 EXEC Pt in STS Lot 4, 5&8; Block 9; Historic Property 15 yr 1998: Potential Additional Tax, Couchs Add
Zoning/Description: CXd, Central City Plan District, Skidmore/Old Town Historic District, Historic Landmark.
So essentially the sign changes from “Made in Oregon” to “University of Oregon.” I have a huge problem with this as “Made in Oregon” is more generic and uplifting then “University of Oregon.” Yes the “Made in Oregon” store is gone from that building, but I think it’s current wording makes a much better sign for Portland to be proud of. I apologize to University of Oregon alumni who might disagree, but this sign will significantly change the character of Old Town.
We still have several months more to enjoy the sign, but here it is before it’s gone.
Taking the first left the first animal we get to see is the American Bald Eagle. While making a huge come back in the wild, the Eagles in the Zoo’s exhibit were injured in the wild and rescued. Most are released back into the wild once they’re better. 
In the old Alaska exhibit is the new “Predators of the Serengeti“. This reintroduces Cheetahs and Lions back to the Zoo and brings African wild dogs in too. 
Then we go to see the Black Rhinoceros who always seems to be in this same spot. 
