A Discussion Draft for Central City 2035, 2009 – Present

In 1988, the Bureau of Planning produced the Central City Plan. The main urban design elements of the plan were to create a rich and enjoyable environment for pedestrians; strive for excellence in the design of new buildings; encourage designers of new developments to sensitively enhance Portland’s human scale of buildings, streets, and open spaces; promote the formation of districts with distinct character and a diverse and rich mixture of uses (in nonindustrial areas); identify and protect significant public views; locate the highest densities downtown and along potential and existing transit corridors; step density down toward the Willamette River, residential neighborhoods adjacent to the Central City, and as the distance from the core increases.

To date, many of these goals have been achieved. Design Central City, a staff report examining urban design as a part of Central City 2035, explores a new set of issues. Foremost in this conversation are the Willamette River, the two sides of the river, and the public realm that stitches the two sides together.

For more information about this project, visit the Central City 2035 Project website.