William Sumio Naito was an American businessman, civic leader and philanthropist in Portland, Oregon, U.S. He was an enthusiastic advocate for investment in downtown Portland, both private and public, and is widely credited for helping to reverse a decline in the area in the 1970s through acquiring and renovating derelict or aging buildings and encouraging others to invest in downtown and the central city.
Naito in 1991
Montgomery Park in 2011
A Vintage Trolley passing Powell's Books, on the Portland Streetcar line, in 2001
The White Stag sign in 1984
Naito Parkway is a major thoroughfare of Portland in the U.S. state of Oregon. It was formerly known as Front Avenue and Front Street and was renamed in 1996 to honor Bill Naito. It runs between SW Barbur Boulevard and NW Front Avenue, and adjacent to Tom McCall Waterfront Park through Downtown Portland.
Facing northwest on the Steel Bridge
Sign at Naito & Market
Front Street, 1852
Front Street, 1876