Central City Design Charrette Public Input and Reception

CENTRAL CITY 2050 DESIGN CHARRETTE

Collaborating To Revitalize Our Central City + Energize Portland’s Economic Recovery

The Architectural Heritage Center (AHC), in collaboration with the City Club of Portland’s Committee on the Built Environment (CoBE), will be hosting a dynamic Central City Visioning Charrette on Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28. This two-day workshop will convene planners and design professionals, with input from key stakeholders, to generate and illustrate creative design and planning concepts to revitalize and inspire bold solutions for the Central City. City leaders, key stakeholders, and the public are invited to attend end-of-day reviews and a final reception where the work is presented and discussed.

CHARRETTE PROCESS A core working group, composed of leading design professionals, will create design concepts and proposals that are reviewed and commented on by stakeholders and the public. Professionals will work in groups assigned to targeted geographic areas, guided by a design leader. Key stakeholders, such as key district leaders and groups active in the study areas, will be invited to work with the core designers at specific times. The Charrette will build upon identified the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT Analysis), current plans, and new ideas for a full cultural, economic, and ecological revitalization of Portland’s Central City.  Outcomes will generate inspirational design solutions and advisory recommendations including a proposed framework for a new 2050 Plan.

KEY QUESTIONS We understand the new normal for post-pandemic Central City will be different from the past and there will be fewer office workers to contribute to a vibrant welcoming urban environment. With this in mind:

How can our existing buildings and historic fabric be leveraged to support our housing goals, help revitalize our central city, and energize our economic recovery downtown?  How do we preserve our cultural and civic assets, enliven our unique districts, and support a growing economy and city in a sustainable way? What are shared visions for the future that build upon our legacy of innovative planning?

SCOPE & TIMELINE  The Charrette will focus on three key areas: downtown core (S. of Burnside), the riverfront, and Central Eastside.  Short-term actions include “urban acupuncture” activations and interventions, with medium-term opportunities (5-10 years) and long-term plans (2050). The goal is to activate the Central City by connecting communities on both sides of the river with a vision greater than the sum of its parts. 

             FREE PUBLIC EVENTS (RSVP Required)

Webinar: Resilient City Making With PSU Prof. Vivek Shandas | Thursday, June 12, 12:00-1:00 PM

Charrette Public Review Sessions | Friday-Saturday, June 27 & 28, 4:00-5:00 PM 

Public Reception “Dots & Drinks” | Saturday, June 28th, 5:30-7:00 PM