Fifth & Elm is the spark to a growing Portland, Texas. Nearly a decade ago, the City of Portland looked at Old Town, a historic and charming, but underused portion of town, and imagined a future for the area. The vision was to transform this part of town into the Leisure and Entertainment District, and the city committed to creating a walkable destination where families, locals and visitors could gather.
At 175,000 square feet, the complex is precisely that. The outdoor lawn and amphitheater stage anchor the block, built for concerts, watch parties, events and whatever Portland can dream up.
“The city wanted a catalyst,” said Mark Schaberg, the operating partner from CC Turnkey Events, who is managing Fifth & Elm. “[We wanted to] make this place as flexible as we possibly could to be able to do lots of different events.”
Anchoring the ground level is The Grove, a counter-service restaurant that blends Americana comfort food with coastal staples. Designed for families, big groups and locals looking for an easy night out, The Grove is energetic without feeling chaotic. The space is a blend of leisure and excitement.
Upstairs, The Birdie offers a contrasting energy: a covered, open-air terrace bar with couches and lounge seating, overlooking the lawn like a quiet second-story hideaway. The cocktails lean elevated, the atmosphere relaxed. It’s not off-limits to families, but it caters to adults looking for a slight step away from the family-friendly portion of Fifth & Elm. If The Grove is the energy, The Birdie is the exhale.
Beyond food and drink, Fifth & Elm is a platform for the city. There is a stage with a 20-foot video wall ideal for holiday movie nights, summer screenings and the kind of watch parties that pull the whole Coastal Bend together. Last November’s Texas vs. Texas A&M matchup drew more than a thousand people. The place works because it bends toward its guests: Families spread out on the lawn. Teens drift between games. Adults climb to the terrace. Everyone is welcome at Fifth & Elm.
Furthermore, Portland is known for its family-friendly, quiet neighborhoods and great schools. Fifth & Elm complements the town and aligns with Portland’s identity. The development is an extension of the city by offering culture, music, food, events and moments worth sharing with family and friends. And maybe that’s why the early reaction feels electric. People walk in and say they feel like they’re in San Antonio or the Hill Country. Because Fifth & Elm shows what the Coastal Bend can be when a city builds not just for utility, but for joy.
Contact: 201 5th St., Portland | fifthandelm.com | @fifthandelmtx
