Peninsula Park

The redesign of two brick stairways provided universal access for the first time in the history of Portland's first public rose garden. Today, the nearly 100-year old stone pillars, extensive brickwork and original fountain in the middle of Oregon’s only sunken rose garden remain a vibrant retreat for visitors in the city.

Converting two significant brick stairways into ramps at the north and south garden entries required careful study. Nevue Ngan Associates worked with the neighborhood association, a local architectural historian and artists, and the Parks Department Disabilities Advisory Committee. The final ramp design respects the historic integrity of the turn of the century brickwork and original design intent while balancing modern-day ADA requirements with aesthetic impacts to the celebrated garden.