One company told KGW the cost to replace three windows was $15,000. So they chose to prepare for the worst.
PORTLAND, Ore. — Dozens of businesses in downtown Portland have decided to board up their windows in the face of possible disruption following the election results.
“It’s sad. It’s really sad that people are having to board up their properties again because you never know what’s going to explode,” said Betty Gonzalez, who has lived in downtown Portland for nearly 20 years. That’s true.” “There’s no need to go through this again.”
Several businesses along Salmon Street, including Bee Taylors and Cleaners, chose to close their doors last week.
“I think the board went up last Thursday,” said Jay Breech, owner of Bee Taylors and Cleaners. “The landlord called us on Tuesday and asked if we were going to board up the rest of the building, so we agreed to that.”
Bleich says he’s glad the committee is meeting to prepare for unexpected violent demonstrations, but he’s conflicted about why the committee is even meeting in the first place.
“The only thing that bothers me a little bit is the message,” he says. “I like being downtown, where I don’t have to worry about putting up boards.”
He knows a thing or two about how expensive it can be to replace a window of this size. His store has gone bankrupt four or five times since the pandemic began.
“So this is a huge cost and one that we really can’t afford going forward. So it’s perfectly fine to work proactively with the board,” Bleich said.
KGW also spoke with another construction worker who was helping board up the former Trek Bicycles store off Salmon Street. One of the employees said he lives in and grew up in Portland. KGW asked one employee, Dimas True, if he was surprised that businesses were boarding up their windows again.
“No, not now,” Tru said. “Not after some presidents. This happens often. I expected it. I live in the Southeast and it’s not that bad. I don’t want to be here. I’m going to leave as soon as this place is boarded up.”
Large companies such as Wells Fargo also made preparations by installing fencing around their tower locations on Southwest Fifth Avenue.
Some companies are giving employees the option to work from home for the next week. But some people, like Tammy Johnson, who works in downtown Portland, said this is not something she would do.
“I’m not scared. I’m not paranoid,” Johnson said. “I was here every day while the protests were going on and it didn’t bother me because it was all elsewhere. It’s not here, but I understand that. People need to feel safe. No need.”
Many, if not all, businesses KGW spoke to said they would continue with normal business hours. You can check the social platforms of downtown businesses or call them directly if you have questions about business hours.
