Portland is Ready to Transform its Relationship to the Willamette River

Momentum is building to transform downtown Portland’s relationship with the Willamette River. At the center of the conversation is the Central City Waterfront Urban Design Study, created by Mayer/Reed for the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. The study identifies opportunities for urban design interventions and redevelopment in the downtown core, presenting a vision for the waterfront and a menu of strategies—from tactical improvements to long-term projects—to guide public investment, encourage private development, support community initiatives and spark future collaboration.

A rendering of Naito Parkway with a west side promenade that supports pedestrian traffic and street seating. — Naito Parkway reimagined with a west side pedestrian promenade that supports adjacent businesses and residences.

A rendering of Salmon Street at night at the World Trade Center with artistic lighting in the skyway and colorful ground-plane graphics in the crosswalk — Artistic lighting under the skywalks of the World Trade Center on Salmon Street, making every night feel like the Portland Winter Light Festival.

A rendering of SW Morrison Street closed to vehicular traffic for a farmers market — Historic streetscapes on SW Yamhill and Morrison that extend to the waterfront, strengthening the identity of the Yamhill Historic District and creating space for events.

The study is gaining attention across the city—it was recently featured in Portland Monthly and presented to the AIA Oregon Urban Design Panel in March. In addition, Mayer/Reed Principal Shannon Simms is working closely with Design Portland to further the conversation with local leaders on reimagining downtown Portland. Stay tuned for future events and opportunities to get involved.