Dedicated in 1984, this open, brick-paved public piazza in the heart of downtown sits on land formerly occupied by Portland's first public schoolhouse (1858) and the Portland Hotel (1890), demolished for a parking lot in 1952. It's a favorite lunchtime gathering spot for office workers and the scene of city-wide political rallies and special events. Lined with 12 monumental terra-cotta-faced columns with rose capitals, the plaza has a limestone-faced fountain projecting from its west end and a curving amphitheater on its south side.