Past Lives Construction Brings the “Jazz” to Analog PDX

Installations Evoke and Honor North Portland’s Past

Past Lives Construction recently completed a large-scale artwork fabrication and installation project for the new apartment building Analog PDX in North Portland’s Jazz District (near the Moda Center).

Building developer Ethos came to us to conceptualize, design, and fabricate custom artwork for 10 different locations inside the building — from the front lobby to the elevators to the top-floor common area, and even a large exterior window vitrine on the building’s north side. 

We took our inspiration from the neighborhood’s musical past as a hotbed for jazz music. In the entry lobby, we fashioned a huge textile collage of large, upholstered panels in varied magenta hues, with fabrics reminiscent of what you might find in old cafes and diner booths. For another large wall art installation, we rendered an abstract Portland skyline from vinyl records. 

Hand-painted murals on six of the building’s elevator walls riff on architectural details from the district’s past.  And a large window collage is made of old vinyl record covers, news articles, photos, and other cultural details from the jazz era. It’s like an improvisation of music in color.

Each artwork stands alone and also fits the architecture of the building. We like to think we brought the vibe. A BIG shoutout to all the Past Lives artists who gave their time and talents!

Get Involved:

Reach out for a free consultation on your next commercial or residential project.