After nearly 30 years of perseverance, Portland’s James Beard Public Market is finally getting set to open—thanks to a coalition of dedicated Portlanders, including Tonkon Torp, which has been part of the journey from day one.
The firm has supported the public market effort since Tonkon Torp attorney Jeff Cronn was asked to form the nonprofit in 1998. While Jeff is still involved, most recently, attorneys Claire Brown, Kimberlee Stafford, and Mick Harris have served key roles in helping the market achieve its latest milestone—the purchase of its new building at 622 SW Alder Street.
With that purchase, the Portland Public Market Foundation recently announced the Market’s initial opening in fall 2025, with full completion of the project slated for fall 2026. The revitalized space will feature a teaching kitchen, event areas, retail spaces, and various vendors, all focused on making fresh, locally sourced food accessible to the entire community.
“Open year-round, the venue will be occupied by locally owned vendors selling their locally grown produce and food products with the express objective of encouraging healthy eating for people of all cultural and economic backgrounds,” said the Portland Public Market Foundation. The group is focused on building a “market for all,” which includes ensuring equitable access for emerging small businesses, as well as access for all Oregon residents, including accepting food assistance dollars at the market.
A vision decades in the making
The original idea for the James Beard Public Market evolved out of a working group that included Charlie Hales, who was then a city commissioner, and his then chief of staff Ron Paul, who formerly owned Ron Paul Catering, a well-regarded local business. Paul, a passionate advocate for Oregon’s food scene, spearheaded the market effort until his death in 2015.
Over the years, the market faced numerous obstacles—from shifting political landscapes to financial hurdles—that repeatedly stalled progress. Yet, those behind the project remained committed.
“This project has been a no-brainer from the beginning. We’ve stuck with it for nearly 30 years because of Ron’s passion and because we believe the market will be a great asset to the city and the state. It’s all upside and no downside. It’s core to what this city and state want to be,” said Jeff Cronn.
Now, with broad public and private sector support, the market’s moment has arrived. Economic factors have also aligned favorably—the pandemic’s impact on commercial real estate created an opportunity, making previously cost-prohibitive downtown properties viable for a public market project.
“The upside of COVID, from a public market perspective, is that it helped the economics for the market in the central city,” Cronn noted.
A transformative project for Portland’s downtown
The James Beard Public Market is poised to bring renewed energy to downtown Portland. Jessica Elkan, Executive Director of the James Beard Public Market, underscored the potential impact, writing recently on LinkedIn: “One example of the power of public markets as a driver of economic development is Pike Place Market in Seattle—It is widely considered the single most successful economic development project in Seattle’s history. Pike Place Market draws nearly 10 million visitors a year, generating over $200 million in economic activity and supporting thousands of jobs in retail, hospitality, and agriculture. This market has helped revitalize their downtown waterfront area and played a key role in building the local economy.”
Portland’s version aims to have a similar economic ripple effect—drawing foot traffic from office workers, residents, and tourists while reinforcing the city’s reputation as a premier food destination.
Looking ahead
The market’s funding is ongoing. House Bill 3377 is currently before the state legislature. It would provide $10 million in Oregon State Lottery bond proceeds for the market. The foundation is also running a campaign to support the next phase of the project, which includes construction, renovation, and tenant improvements.
A legacy rooted in Portland
While James Beard is often associated with New York’s culinary scene, he was born and raised in Portland, where he developed his early culinary chops among the bounty and quality of Oregon’s diverse food culture. That connection makes the public market bearing his name especially meaningful to the city.
As Beard’s career grew, Morrie Galen, a Tonkon Torp founding partner, became his personal attorney, and the firm also served as legal counsel to the Beard estate. Galen, who died in December 2024, at the age of 97, worked on behalf of his famous culinary client until his retirement at age 90.
For Tonkon Torp, the James Beard Public Market represents more than just a legal project, it’s a way to give back to the community. For more than two decades, the firm has provided the Market with extensive counsel in corporate, nonprofit, and real estate matters, contributing hundreds of hours of pro bono services, all aimed at bringing the market to fruition. Going forward, Tonkon Torp plans to stay actively involved with the market’s evolution as it becomes a defining part of Portland’s future.
Filed under Community, Food & Beverage, Nonprofit Organizations, Portland, Pro Bono