The Oregon Health and Sciences University has a multi-story building on the Willamette River, and no, it’s not in the Lloyd District.  It’s across the Marquam Bridge on the I5, the first exit, and a u-shaped route that goes under the freeway.  The reason I thought it was important is because that location has access to almost every type of transportation available in Portland.

For example, although there are probably places with more bicycle commuters, I haven’t seen them.  There are bicycle racks all along the side near the river.  Close to the tram, the bike racks get even bigger.

The bottom tram station is just outside the building, the top at OHSU Hospital on the hill.  If you wanted to take the Skybridge and visit the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, that would be easy.  At the bottom of the hill from the upper floors of the OHSU waterfront building, the tram looks like a one-legged silver spider, moving along a strand of web in the sky.

I have been on similar trams, just not that one.

The trolley stop is right next to the OHSU building, too.  For now, the trolley stays on the west side of the Willamette River, but city employees are laying track on the east side for its expansion.  When that is finished, the trolley will cross at the Broadway Bridge.  Then the trolley will travel in a giant U, south on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and north on Grand Avenue (from what I can see).

Eventually, the plan is to build another bridge across the Willamette River for light rail (Max), pedestrians, and bicyclists.  Then the trolley will travel in a loop.  Since the bridge does not allow cars, I don’t know how realistic or unrealistic that plan might be.  Tax dollars pay for it and for now, cars rule.

Have I seen buses at OHSU on the Waterfront?  I don’t remember, but probably.  If not, the trolley connects to them and light rail.  For cars, there is a three-level underground parking garage and all the clinics inside are great about validating parking.  Just next door, they build ships.  How cool is that?

And you can always walk.