The trendy Pearl District extends west from the North Park Blocks (N.W. 8th and Park Aves. between W. Burnside and N.W. Glisan Sts.) to I-405. Over the last decade, this former industrial area, with its renovated buildings and new housing developments, has been transformed into the art and design center of Portland. Warehouses, manufacturing plants and garages have been converted into upscale lofts, galleries, furniture showrooms, restaurants and small shops. Loading docks and cobbled streets with old train tracks running through them add to the character of the district, giving it a hip urban ambience found nowhere else in Portland. On First Thursday, a popular evening social event held on the first Thursday of every month, the art galleries here (and throughout the city) preview their new shows.