ARCH 484/584: ARCHITECTURE STUDIO SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND ENVIRONMENT Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities Tanzila Haque Zerin Report Author • School of Architecture and Environment Nancy Cheng Associate Professor • School of Architecture and Environment WINTER 2025 GRESHAM Acknowledgments The author would like to acknowledge and thank the City of Gresham for making this project possible. We would also like to thank the following City of Gresham and Gresham Barlow School District staff for their assistance and contributions that were instrumental to the completion of this report.  Ashley Miller, Community Development Director, City of Gresham Eric Schmidt, City Manager, City of Gresham Dr Araceli Farias, Multilingual and Bilingual Education, Gresham Barlow School District Leah H, Kendra L, Amy W, Staff Members, Gresham Barlow School District Karim Hassanein, Communications Designer, Collogate Design Jeffrey Maas, Architect & Development Associate, Urban Patterns Iliana Tovar, Director of Facilities and Office Operations, Meyer Memorial Trust This report represents original student work and recommendations prepared by students in the University of Oregon’s Sustainable City Year Program for the City of Gresham. Text and images contained in this report may not be used without permission from the University of Oregon. Contents 4 About SCI 4 About SCYP 5 About City of Gresham 6 Course Participants 6 Course Description 7 Executive Summary 9 Introduction 11 Initial Research 36 Recommendations 66 Conclusion 67 References 68 Appendix The Sustainable Cities Institute (SCI) is an applied think tank focusing on sustainability and cities through applied research, teaching, and community partnerships. We work across disciplines that match the complexity of cities to address sustainability challenges, from regional planning to building design and from enhancing engagement of diverse communities to understanding the impacts on municipal budgets from disruptive technologies and many issues in between. SCI focuses on sustainability-based research and teaching opportunities through two primary efforts: 1. Our Sustainable City Year Program (SCYP), a massively scaled university- community partnership program that matches the resources of the University with one Oregon community each year to help advance that community’s sustainability goals; and The Sustainable City Year Program (SCYP) is a yearlong partnership between SCI and a partner in Oregon, in which students and faculty in courses from across the university collaborate with a public entity on sustainability and livability projects. SCYP faculty and students work in collaboration with staff from the partner agency through a variety of studio projects and service- learning courses to provide students with real-world projects to investigate. Students bring energy, enthusiasm, and innovative approaches 2. Our Urbanism Next Center, which focuses on how autonomous vehicles, e-commerce, and the sharing economy will impact the form and function of cities. In all cases, we share our expertise and experiences with scholars, policymakers, community leaders, and project partners. We further extend our impact via an annual Expert-in-Residence Program, SCI China visiting scholars program, study abroad course on redesigning cities for people on bicycle, and through our co-leadership of the Educational Partnerships for Innovation in Communities Network (EPIC-N), which is transferring SCYP to universities and communities across the globe. Our work connects student passion, faculty experience, and community needs to produce innovative, tangible solutions for the creation of a sustainable society. to difficult, persistent problems. SCYP’s primary value derives from collaborations that result in on-the-ground impact and expanded conversations for a community ready to transition to a more sustainable and livable future. Community partnerships are possible in part due to support from U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, as well as former Congressman Peter DeFazio, who secured federal funding for SCYP through Congressionally Directed Spending. 4 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities About SCI About SCYP Gresham is the fourth largest city in Oregon with a population of just over 110,000 people. Gresham is bordered to the west by Portland, the largest city in the state, and is located near both the Columbia George National Scenic Area and Mount Hood, the highest point in Oregon. It has a wide variety of neighborhoods including: the Civic Center, known for its active transportation network, rapid transit connections, and residential, commercial, and retail mix; Historic Downtown, which offers a walkable blend of shops, restaurants, and service businesses; and Rockwood, one of the youngest and most diverse neighborhoods in Oregon. It offers community farmers markets, history museums, and several historical landmarks. Gresham’s residents care deeply about their heritage as a homestead and agricultural community and are committed to building a vibrant future. Today, Gresham is a dynamic, innovative, and rapidly growing city with a mutual desire and drive to thrive. The City of Gresham is located on the traditional territory of the Chinookan people. In 1851, the Powell brothers settled the area and it would be known as Powell’s Valley until the creation of the Gresham post office in 1884. The economy ran mostly on agriculture with trains running between Gresham and Portland every hour. In 1904, the city elected Lewis Shattuck as its first mayor and in 1905 officially incorporated. 5 About City of Gresham GRADUATE STUDENTS Sara Fernandez Andrew Halpin Tanzila Haque Zerin Kevin O’Hara August Stolba UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS Gabriel Alvarado Raman Bajwa Samuel Baranski Madison Coultrap Fabiola Gomez-Chan Micah Gamlen Katie Roles Jackson Taylor Jessica Zedrick ARCH 484/584 ARCHITECTURE STUDIO This course guides students through design projects requiring comprehensive and integrative study over a wide range of project options. Course components include individual criticism, group discussions, lectures and seminars by visiting specialists, and public review of projects. 6 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities Course Participants Course Description The City of Gresham aims to reinvigorate community life by enhancing access to inclusive, engaging, and youth-friendly public spaces. Gresham is Oregon’s fourth largest city and has a relatively young population. The city has a shortage of community facilities that support social interaction across age groups and cultural backgrounds. This collaboration between University of Oregon Architecture students and the City of Gresham explored how the built environment could catalyze the social vitality of different ethnic communities, activate Gresham Main City Park, and foster civic identity. Based on the needs identified by Gresham City Council, students proposed the construction of a community center at 150 East Powell Boulevard in Gresham. Studies examined residents’ day-to-day experiences, analyzing how people engage with space and identifying opportunities for inclusive design. Students emphasized the role of architecture and urban design in inviting community members into shared spaces while also responding to the diverse needs of the population. FIG. 1 Gresham City Council meeting. Credit: Zerin, Tanzila Haque 7 Executive Summary Design proposals varied, reflecting the wide range of priorities identified through student research. Several projects focused on youth-oriented centers and a sports arena with flexible programming. In contrast, others addressed food access, responding to the city’s desire for more restaurants and communal dining opportunities. While some recommendations emphasized smaller, more intimate outdoor or semi-outdoor spaces that promote informal gatherings and neighborhood-level connection. Recognizing the diversity of Gresham’s residents, students also proposed spaces that prioritize privacy and support for vulnerable populations. These included meditation rooms, healing gardens, and reflective areas that foster wellness. Across all proposals, students worked to balance broad community goals with the nuanced, everyday needs of individuals and families. During this project, students critically engaged with archives, community resources, and the urban context to generate thoughtful, actionable design ideas. Their work reflects how civic architecture and public space can support a more connected, vibrant, and inclusive community. FIG. 2 Site Visit. Credit: August Stolba 8 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities The key goal of the partnership between the University of Oregon’s School of Architecture and Environment Design Studio and City of Gresham is to align with the Downtown Gresham Conceptual Framework Project by creating a vibrant, small-scale, walkable downtown. The conceptual framework envisions Downtown Gresham as a walkable neighborhood that weaves together the rich history of Main Street with the vibrancy of the Transit Center. It features a range of activated public open spaces at various scales, offers diverse housing options, and fosters entertainment, community-focused commerce, and an entrepreneurial spirit. As part of the community, this framework seeks to strengthen the social and economic fabric of Downtown  Gresham. Gresham seeks to activate the Main City Park and design a community center that elevates inclusivity, ensures people feel safe, and serves Gresham’s diverse ethnic communities and city residents. Gresham is home to a rich demographic, with over 30% of its population identifying as Hispanic, Asian, and from other ethnically diverse backgrounds. However, the city currently lacks a unified communal space where these communities can gather, celebrate culture, and feel represented. University of Oregon Architecture students engaged in a participatory design process to address this need, envisioning a community center that serves both as a cultural anchor and a physical connector to Gresham’s natural assets, including the Gresham Main City Park, Johnson Creek, and the Springwater Corridor Trail. Through site visits, interviews, landscape surveys, and partnerships with local schools, libraries, architects, and forums, students explored how public space can better serve Gresham’s communities. The design site plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between urban life and the area’s stunning natural surroundings, particularly Gresham City Park, which is perceived as disconnected from the urban fabric. The student proposals offered insightful recommendations on how to strengthen this connection with the park. Some proposals emphasized reinforcing Gresham’s civic identity through making the building a city statement by introducing civic-oriented spaces, while others focused on fostering a more socially inclusive and blended community through design interventions that camouflage the building with the landscape. These visions collectively aim to re- establish Downtown Gresham as a dynamic, connected, and community- orientated place. The project integrates direct input from residents through interviews and community archiving, ensuring the final design is informed by the voices of those who will use it. The Vision for Gresham project centers on creating an inclusive, community-driven space that reflects the city’s diverse cultural fabric. This collaborative process promotes equity and builds lasting connections between people and places. 9 Introduction FIG. 3 An initial sketch of the Gresham Community Center. Credit: Micah Gamlen 10 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities Initial Research SITE ANALYSIS Site Visit, Land Surveys, Structural Analysis To prepare for the design, students spoke to Eric Schmidt, Gresham City Manager, Ashley Miller, Gresham Community Development Director, and Gresham Barlow School District teachers. They toured several buildings including: Meyer Memorial Trust, Multnomah County’s Holgate Library, and the Redd Event Center to see how spaces can support inclusive community gatherings. Each student group also researched specific aspects of the space to include: • Data collection, data analysis, and report presentation • Climate research through climate consultant and studio (sun, wind, shadow, fire, microclimate) • Soil and hydrology survey, and topographic survey • Gresham community history, local businesses, and communal activity research • Demographic research (use patterns, activities, events, social-economic engines) • Built environment and road connectivity, urban infrastructure, transportation analysis (spaces & connections, building patterns, materials, legal constraints) • Building codes and standards analysis • Sensory observation of the landscape (views, sounds/noise, smells, haptic sensations (touch & movement), and wayfinding for varied users) • Ecological and habitat corridor research • Site visit (sketching, communication designer tour, taking photographs, City Council Meeting, high school, and Public Library visits) • Structural analysis (part of the design phase) • Design process SITE VISIT To prepare for the design, students spoke to Eric Schmidt, Gresham City Manager, Ashley Miller, Gresham Community Development Director, and Gresham Barlow School District teachers. They toured several buildings including: Meyer Memorial Trust, Multnomah County’s Holgate Library, and the Redd Event Center to see how spaces can support inclusive community gatherings. Students summarized their site visit using sketching, photography and written notes. 11 FIG. 4 At the Meyer Memorial Trust, Facilities Manager Iliana Tovar explains planning choices and exterior finished to the class. Credit: Zerin, Tanzila Haque 12 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities FIG. 5 Students examine finishes in the Meyer Memorial Trust building. Credit: Zerin, Tanzila Haque 13 Initial Research FIG. 6 Students examine the custom furnishings for children in the newly renovated Midland Library on a tour led by Karim Hassanein of Colloqate Design. Credit: Zerin, Tanzila Haque 14 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities FIG. 7 Midland Library exterior playground 15 Initial Research FIG. 8 Visit to the Redd Event Center, hosted by architect Jeffrey Maas of Urban Patterns. Credit: Zerin, Tanzila Haque 16 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities FIG. 9 Sketches capture the contrasting paths on Main Street (left), viewing Johnson Creek in Main City Park (center) and the stairs down from the site to the park. Credit: Zerin, Tanzila Haque 17 Initial Research SITE ANALYSIS As part of the pre-design phase, small student groups researched specific aspects of the site, collecting and analyzing data, then sharing a report to the class. The categories included Human Factors • Gresham community history, local businesses, and communal activity research • Demographic research (use patterns, activities, events, social-economic engines) Natural Environment • Ecological and habitat corridor research • Climate research through climate consultant and studio (sun, wind, shadow, fire, microclimate) • Soil and hydrology survey, and topographic survey Built Environment • Road connectivity, urban infrastructure, transportation analysis (spaces & connections, building patterns, materials, legal constraints) • Building codes and standards analysis Sensory Environment • Observation of the place (views, sounds/noise, smells, haptic sensations (touch & movement), and wayfinding for varied users. 18 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities LOGGERS IN LINNTON OREGON c. 1890s A TROLLYEY AT LINNEMAN STATION GRESHAM c. 1902 RASBERRY GROWERS OF GRESHAM c. 1950s MT HOOD OREGON c. 2010s GRESHAM TEDDY BEAR PARADE DOWNTOWN GRESHAM c. 2015 A MAN AND A BULL. MULTUNOMAH COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS c. 1950s TRADITIONAL CHINOOK PLANKHOUSE CHINOOK MAN FISHING IN THE COLUMBIA RIVER JOE AND HENRY KATO ON THEIR FARM ON SOUTHEAST 190th c. 1950s A TRAIN IN THE COLUMBIA GORGE c. 1918 GRESHAM FIRST NATIONAL BANK c. 1940s LOOKING WEST ON POWELL BLVD c. 1910 12,000 BCE - First signs of Chinook People in Pacific North West 1806 - Estimated population of Chinook to be around 1,800 (Lewis and Clark) 1903 - Springwater rail line arrived in Gresham, resulted in a small population surge 1914 - Gresham begins to be known as the “Raspberry Capital of the World” due to berry production 1950s - Highway development begins, I-80 (now I-84) replaced a portion of Highway 30. Resulted in another population surge 1966 - Mt. Hood Community College established 1984 - Mt. Hood Festival of Jazz created 2012 - 150 W. Powell building becomes mostly vacant 2019 - Contract given for the demolition of 150 W. Powell Building 1855 - Native Chinook ceded rights to area for $2,500 for 10 years (never paid) and moved to Grand Ronde 1850 - Settlers arrived, area begins to be known as “Campground” or Powell’s Valley” 1860s - Logging begins in Area, 5 lumber mills created 1884 - Debacle with the Postal Service gave the area the name Gresham (After General Walter Q. Gresham) 1780s - Native Americans in the Gresham Area are first exposed to smallpox and malaria 1890s - Lumber era of Gresham began to decrease as more land was available for agriculture (corn, grains, lettuce, potatoes, berries, hops) 1905 - Established as a city and City Council createdhops) 1907 - Multnomah County Fair begins 1939 - Population of Gresham begins to grow due to the availability of farmland during the Great Depression 1952 - 150 W. Powell Building was built. Would house the City Hall, FIre Station, Police Station and Jail, the Gresham Circuit Court, and other multi-use spaces 1969 - Multnomah County Fair moved to the Portland Expo Center 1990s - Teddy Bear Festival created 2017 - Veteran’s Hall (the last running tennant) leaves 150 W. Powell due to asbestos, lead paint, mold, and inoperable building systems LOGGERS IN LINNTON OREGON c. 1890s A TROLLYEY AT LINNEMAN STATION GRESHAM c. 1902 RASBERRY GROWERS OF GRESHAM c. 1950s MT HOOD OREGON c. 2010s GRESHAM TEDDY BEAR PARADE DOWNTOWN GRESHAM c. 2015 A MAN AND A BULL. MULTUNOMAH COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS c. 1950s TRADITIONAL CHINOOK PLANKHOUSE CHINOOK MAN FISHING IN THE COLUMBIA RIVER JOE AND HENRY KATO ON THEIR FARM ON SOUTHEAST 190th c. 1950s A TRAIN IN THE COLUMBIA GORGE c. 1918 GRESHAM FIRST NATIONAL BANK c. 1940s LOOKING WEST ON POWELL BLVD c. 1910 12,000 BCE - First signs of Chinook People in Pacific North West 1806 - Estimated population of Chinook to be around 1,800 (Lewis and Clark) 1903 - Springwater rail line arrived in Gresham, resulted in a small population surge 1914 - Gresham begins to be known as the “Raspberry Capital of the World” due to berry production 1950s - Highway development begins, I-80 (now I-84) replaced a portion of Highway 30. Resulted in another population surge 1966 - Mt. Hood Community College established 1984 - Mt. Hood Festival of Jazz created 2012 - 150 W. Powell building becomes mostly vacant 2019 - Contract given for the demolition of 150 W. Powell Building 1855 - Native Chinook ceded rights to area for $2,500 for 10 years (never paid) and moved to Grand Ronde 1850 - Settlers arrived, area begins to be known as “Campground” or Powell’s Valley” 1860s - Logging begins in Area, 5 lumber mills created 1884 - Debacle with the Postal Service gave the area the name Gresham (After General Walter Q. Gresham) 1780s - Native Americans in the Gresham Area are first exposed to smallpox and malaria 1890s - Lumber era of Gresham began to decrease as more land was available for agriculture (corn, grains, lettuce, potatoes, berries, hops) 1905 - Established as a city and City Council createdhops) 1907 - Multnomah County Fair begins 1939 - Population of Gresham begins to grow due to the availability of farmland during the Great Depression 1952 - 150 W. Powell Building was built. Would house the City Hall, FIre Station, Police Station and Jail, the Gresham Circuit Court, and other multi-use spaces 1969 - Multnomah County Fair moved to the Portland Expo Center 1990s - Teddy Bear Festival created 2017 - Veteran’s Hall (the last running tennant) leaves 150 W. Powell due to asbestos, lead paint, mold, and inoperable building systems FIG. 10 Timeline of Gresham’s history 19 Initial Research FIG. 11 Our site abuts Johnson Creek that flows through the north edge Main City Park to Portland. In addition to providing an aesthetic amenity to city residents, it has been a spawning ground to coho salmon. This data shows that the stream is too hot and water quality poor for fish, birds and microinvertebrates to thrive. Credit: Andrew Halpin 20 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities FIG. 12 Flora and fauna of the Johnson Creek restoration. Credit: Andrew Halpin 21 Initial Research FIG. 13 This drawing shows how Johnson Creek’s streambed could be amended to provide better habitat for fish, bird and microinvertebrates. Credit: Andrew Halpin 22 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities FIG. 14 Map shows that the site (in red) is well serviced by routes for cars and bikes, but is not very convenient from public transportation: key at bottom. Credit: Sara Fernandez 23 Initial Research FIG. 15 Icons show locations of activities in Main City Park, that could complement community center activities just to the north. Credit: Raman Bajwa 24 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities FIG. 16 Site Analysis. Credit: Andrew Halpin 25 Initial Research FIG. 17 A summary of design guidelines and code restrictions from the City of Gresham’s Downtown Plan District Design Manual (Section 4.1100) including permitted building types, materials and setbacks. Credit: Gabriel Alvarado 26 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities FIG. 18 Solar shading analysis and parti diagrams showing possible building footprints to maximize natural lighting. Credit: Zerin, Tanzila Haque 27 Initial Research FIG. 19 Solar analysis with plans showing how daylighting would be distributed inside the a building proposal. Credit: August Stolba 28 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities FIG. 20 Each student customized how the community center would meet the City of Gresham’s needs by creating a customized program of activities and spaces to be accommodated. Credit: Kevin O’Hara 29 Initial Research FIG. 21 This drawing of program distribution shows how the community center could be organized to fit residents’ needs in. Credit: Andrew Halpin 30 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities FIG. 22 This drawing of program distribution locates activities in a 3D massing model. Credit: Zerin, Tanzila Haque 31 Initial Research RESULTS WHILE TESTING GRASSHOPPER CODE STRUCTURAL AXON PLAN ALL ABOUT STRUCTURE FIG. 23 Diagonal bracing and shear walls stabilize beams and columns. Credit: Sara Fernandez STRUCTURAL DESIGN Once they had decided on the basic building massing, several students used Karamba software to explore how design choices would affect structural stability. 32 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities FIG. 24 Common construction elements unify the two halves of this community center, with corner walls providing stabilitly. Credit: August Stolba 33 Initial Research FIG. 25 Parametric design provides adjustment of curved roof expression with feedback on stress distributions. Credit: Kevin O’Hara 34 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities FIG. 26 Concept Credit: Gabriel Alvarado 35 Initial Research Recommendations Architecture students conducted extensive research and community engagement to develop the following recommendations. Students drew insights from the Gresham Priority Survey, Gresham Latino Network, Gresham City Council, and other archival data, including the Gresham Public Pedestrian Summary. The findings were also informed by the Gresham Downtown Master Plan, Downtown Plan District Design Manual, Conceptual Framework Plan, specific public meeting summaries, and feedback from community engagement efforts shared by the Gresham City Council. The goal was to create a built environment that fosters connectivity, walkability, and inclusivity while addressing specific community needs. DEDICATED ASSEMBLY AND MEETING SPACES To support social and community engagement, students recommend creating dedicated assembly spaces that can be used for various gatherings, such as cultural events, community meetings, and public forums. Dedicated assembly spaces support cultural events, public meetings, and programs for all ages, offering neutral ground for diverse communities. Flexible designs like mezzanines or courtyards adapt to changing needs, while also activating surrounding areas and boosting local engagement. Assembly spaces varied in design, with some students designing double- or triple-height entrance lobbies. Others extended these areas into flexible rooms that could also function as auditoriums. Several proposals included multi-purpose spaces and meeting rooms. In the proposed youth centers, some students incorporated mezzanines to serve as dedicated assembly spaces for the younger generation. Additionally, some assembly areas were envisioned as open-air, food court-style spaces, integrated into indoor courtyards. These spaces should be flexible and adaptable, allowing for different group sizes and activities. In addition to larger assembly rooms, incorporating smaller meeting rooms would provide opportunities for intimate, smaller-scale interactions. 36 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities FIG. 27 Atrium assembly place. Credit: August Stolba 37 Recommendations FIG. 28 Interior assembly. Credit: Zerin, Tanzila Haque 38 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities FIG. 29 Interior prospective from the main entrance. Credit: Gabriel Alvarado 39 Recommendations FIG. 30 Interior view from the main entrance. Credit: Jessica Zedrick 40 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities FIG. 31 Assembly space. Credit: Micah Gamlen 41 Recommendations FIG. 32 Alternative assembly space. Credit: Madison Coultrap and Sam Baranski 42 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities SMALL COURTYARDS AND OUTDOOR SPORTS COURTS Integrating small courtyards and outdoor sports courts into the design will provide spaces for active recreation and relaxation. Integrating courtyards and outdoor sports courts creates essential spaces for recreation, rest, and community interaction. These areas enhance the user experience by offering visual relief, guiding circulation, and supporting diverse activities across age groups. They act as transitional zones between the building and park, encouraging movement and engagement. Thoughtful landscaping and flexible programming make these spaces inclusive, dynamic, and vital to the overall design. Students recommend that these areas should be accessible to people of all ages and could feature seating areas, greenery, and play structures. Students debated the extent to which sports facilities should be incorporated in the community center lot versus in the adjacent park. The outdoor sports courts can cater to various age groups, fostering a sense of community and well-being through active participation. Including outdoor courtyards and recreation spaces can create breathing room between the building masses, fostering a sense of spatial intimacy within the community center. These open areas provide a moment of pause and guide movement toward the Main City Park. The courtyards, along with designated spaces for food trucks and communal gatherings, support open- air activities such as performances and outdoor play. Some student proposals also incorporated thoughtful landscape elements to enhance these experiences. This approach reflects the idea that the community center should offer more than just enclosed or semi-outdoor spaces— it should provide a variety of spatial experiences. By combining small-scale outdoor areas with larger public spaces like the park, and integrating semi- outdoor and indoor environments, the proposed designs aim to deliver a layered, immersive, and inclusive experience for all users. 43 Recommendations FIG. 33 Potential courtyard design.   Credit: Gabriel Alvarado 44 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities FIG. 34 The courtyard provides a focal gathering space that welcomes residents to the Main City Park. Credit: Gabriel Alvarado 45 Recommendations FIG. 35 Secondary courtyard design. Credit: Zerin, Tanzila Haque.  46 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities FIG. 36 Sectional perspective of Vision for Gresham. Credit: Zerin, Tanzila Haque FIG. 37 Courtyard design. Credit: Micah Gamlen 47 Recommendations FIG. 38 Courtyard section. Credit: Micah Gamlen 48 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities FIG. 39 Courtyard landscaping plan. Credit: Andrew Halpin 49 Recommendations FIG. 40 Sara Fernandez courtyard design. Credit: Sara Fernadez FIG. 41 Additional courtyard design. Credit: Madison Coultrap and Sam Baranski 50 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities GATEWAY AND INTIMATE ENTRANCES Varied entrances matter because they ensure inclusivity, addressing different user needs—public gathering, privacy, and accessibility. A bold gateway signals civic pride and openness, while smaller entries offer comfort and ease for seniors or those seeking quieter spaces. These strategies enhance both physical and psychological accessibility. They also strengthen the building’s relationship with the park and community, making it more welcoming and functional for all. A bold entrance or gateway to the central park via the proposed community hub can provide a welcoming and visually striking point of entry. Additionally, creating intimate, welcoming entrances specifically designed for the elderly can make the space more accessible and user-friendly for this population. These entrances could focus on ease of access and comfort. Varied structural possibilities defined strong entrances and inviting internal atrium spaces. The design of the entry façade established a strong dialogue between the building and the pedestrian community, presenting a significant statement piece on the exterior. There was considerable discussion around the interior programming and how the scale of the entrances contributes to the overall experience. Entrances ranged from smaller, more intimate entryways to larger, primary access points. The smaller entrances were designed for individuals seeking privacy and a sense of safety—spaces that support quieter, focused activities. In contrast, the larger primary entrances were intended to be exposed for broader public engagement, welcoming larger groups and encouraging openness. Additionally, some proposals included “shared” or transitional entry points—balanced zones that draw attention without overwhelming, offering a middle ground between exposure and intimacy. These varying entry strategies reflect Gresham’s diverse community needs and speak to the inclusive vision for the city’s public  architecture. 51 Recommendations FIG. 42 Rendering for Powell Boulevard. Credit: Zerin, Tanzila Haque 52 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities FIG. 43 Proposed entrance. Credit: Micah Gamlen 53 Recommendations FIG. 44 Front of the community center. Credit: Madison Coultrap and Sam Baranski 54 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities FIG. 45 Building facade. Credit: Sara Fernandez 55 Recommendations FIG. 46 The Ark. Credit: Fabiola Gomez-Chan FIG. 47 Proposed entryway. Credit: Jackson Taylor 56 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities FIG. 48 Additional facade design. Credit: Andrew Halpin 57 Recommendations FIG. 49 Community center elevation. Credit: Kevin O’Hara 58 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities SEPARATE YOUTH CENTERS AND ADMINISTRATIVE ENTRANCES Separate entrances for the youth center and administrative areas enhance clarity, safety, and user experience by reducing cross-traffic and ensuring each group feels a sense of ownership. A distinct youth entry fosters identity and engagement, while separating administrative access allows for focused services like senior support and legal aid. This programming supports diverse needs without conflict, improving functionality and wayfinding. To better accommodate the needs of different user groups, it is recommended to create separate entrances for the youth center and the administrative spaces. For instance, recognizing the significant presence of young people in Gresham, many students proposed a dedicated youth center in their designs. Some recommendations included creating separate entrances for the youth center to establish a distinct identity, while others integrated it with café spaces or internal lobby areas to encourage social interaction. These variations reflect different approaches to making the youth center accessible and engaging. In addition, the proposed administrative spaces often included an attached help desk for senior citizens, along with dedicated areas for immigration and legal assistance. The youth center, in this context, serves as a key component in addressing the needs of a diverse  population. This will ensure that each group can enjoy their respective areas without disruption while enhancing security and the overall user experience. The youth center should have its own direct access, distinct from administrative or other community-oriented spaces. 59 Recommendations FIG. 50 Ground floor plan. Credit: Kevin O’Hara 60 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities FIG. 51 Ground floor plan. Credit: Zerin, Tanzila Haque 61 Recommendations FIG. 52 Section one. Credit: Ramen Bajwa FIG. 53 Youth center. Credit: Micah Gamlen 62 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities FIG. 54 Proposed courtyard. Credit: Sara Fernandez FIG. 55 Section entry. Credit: Andrew Halpin 63 Recommendations FIG. 56 Youth center entry. Credit: Madison Coultrap and Sam Baranski FIG. 57 Section Perspectives. Credit: Kevin O’Hara 64 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities These recommendations aim to address the diverse needs of Gresham’s residents, fostering an inclusive, walkable, and vibrant community environment. By incorporating flexible assembly areas, youth-specific spaces, and accessible entrances for the elderly, the design responds to the social and spatial needs of various user groups. Outdoor amenities like courtyards and sports courts encourage physical activity and intergenerational engagement, while the welcoming gateway and thoughtful entry points promote a sense of identity, belonging, and pride in place. 65 Recommendations The Vision for Gresham project achieved its goals by developing scalable landscape designs that integrate community engagement, promote safe passage, maintain privacy, and ensure accessibility. The designs align with the Downtown Gresham Conceptual Framework and directly support the City Council’s broader goals of creating a vibrant, inclusive, and walkable downtown. Through community-driven strategies, the project introduced flexible gathering spaces, culturally welcoming entrances, healing gardens, and active recreational areas. These spaces strengthen the connection between the urban environment and Gresham’s natural assets while responding to the diverse community needs. By combining thoughtful spatial design with civic priorities, the Vision for Gresham lays the groundwork for a more connected, resilient, and inclusive city center that serves both the present and the future needs of the community. Conclusion 66 Winter 2025 Vision for Gresham – A Communal Space for Gresham’s Multi-Cultural Communities SERA (2024, September 11). Downtown Conceptual Framework Plan: Public meeting summary (Draft) [Report]. City of Gresham. Gresham City Council. (n.d.). City Council documents and proceedings. City of Gresham. Retrieved January 15, 2025, from https://greshamoregon.gov/City- Council/ City of Gresham. (2022). Imagine Gresham survey responses report. City of Gresham. City of Gresham. (n.d.). Downtown Master Plan Concept | Engage Gresham. Engage Gresham. Retrieved January 15, 2025, from https://www.engagegresham.com/ downtown-master-plan-concept City of Gresham. (2021–2022). Imagine Gresham community engagement feedback. Internal documents. City of Gresham. (n.d.). Development Code Section 4.1100: Downtown Plan District. Retrieved January 15, 2025, from https:// greshamoregon.gov/Development-Code/ City of Gresham. (n.d.). Gresham Map (GIS mapping system). Retrieved January 15, 2025, from https://gismap. greshamoregon.gov/Html5Viewer/index. html?viewer=gresham Portland Water Bureau. (n.d.). Water easement information. Pending contact and documentation. City of Gresham. (n.d.). Demolition permit records for former City Hall building. References 67 Appendix A 68 Appendix SCYP Blog Post SCYP Blog Post 69 Students spinning a sculpture at the Meyer Memorial Trust on the Portland, Oregon field trip. Architecture Students Propose a Vision for Gresham’s Historic Downtown University of Oregon students in Architectural Design (ARCH 484/584) partnered with the City of Gresham through the Sustainable City Year Program to design concept plans for a 1.4 acres opportunity site. The goal of this project is to transform a vacant corner lot into a social and cultural magnet that bridges historic downtown Gresham and the adjacent Main City Park that connects to the expansive 21- mile Springwater Corridor trail. The project included two interdisciplinary charettes with Spatial Justice Fellow Alaa Hamidʼs landscape architecture students, who helped strengthen the vision for the site, considering stormwater management, community connections, education, and ecology. Hamidʼs students brought an understanding of Native American approaches from working on the Klamath basin in the Oregon studio sequence. Students were tasked with ensuring their proposed two to four story building and surrounding landscape would consider Native American approaches to Nature, while providing space for civic and community gatherings, activities for all ages, and food-centered social events. Nancy Cheng, Associate Professor in the School of Architecture & Environment, led students on an overnight site visit on January 10 to Gresham, Oregon. This experience allowed the class to meet with city officials, explore the project site and visit related buildings. Architecture student, Madison Coultrap ʼ27, reflected on the experience. "Getting the opportunity to meet Gresham locals and district officials, such as Ashley Miller and Dr. Araceli Farias, really embodied what the community of Gresham is like. Their input and feedback guided my peers and I in the initial programming and design development for this community center. While designing for Gresham, we were tasked to follow existing design requirements and site Appendix A 70 August Stolba presents work from the architecture-landscape architecture design charrette while partner Jessica Zedrick looks on. Sara Fernandes presents to Eugene architects Randy Nishimura and Scott Clarke and Gresham client Ashley Miller. limitations, which proposed a new challenge for our studio. In exploring the various facets that come with these existing conditions, I felt it was key to make this community center act as a beacon for all of Greshamʼs members while paying tribute to the surrounding land.”  This redesign project provides students with the opportunity to work with city stakeholders, learn about Oregon tribal values and traditions, and inspire future plans for the building.   Cheng shared her thoughts on the program’s impact. “The Sustainable City Year Program provides students the chance to work on a real building site, meet the clients, and pitch ideas that could shape the site's future development. “In the case of Gresham, our client Ashley Miller, Director of Urban Design & Planning, has been great at supplying plenty of information that make the place come to life. Weʼre delighted to delve into recent community engagement reports to understand how to create a center that can address local needs and be welcoming to all. The city helped support a tour of not only the lovely green Gresham site but also related SCYP Blog Post 71 award-winning buildings in the Portland vicinity – fun and inspiring!” Cheng said.  Portland architects and planners also contributed community engagement documents and online feedback for the students. This partnership between the Sustainable City Year Program and the City of Gresham represents a vital intersection between education, Oregon communities, and community-driven design, growing both knowledge and resources in the cities and for students.  “Throughout this term we were able to develop thoughtful connections between the urban landscape, historical attributes, and the City of Gresham. I am eager to present our findings and potential site proposals to the people of Gresham alongside our esteemed faculty," said Coultrap.  - Denali Herrick, SCYP Communication and Visual Media Assistant, Master's in Advertising and Brand Responsibility ʻ25 Marc Schlossberg SCI Co-Director, and Professor of Planning, Public Policy and Management, University of Oregon Nico Larco SCI Co-Director, and Professor of Architecture, University of Oregon Megan Banks SCYP Director, University of Oregon Lindsey Hayward SCYP Assistant Program Manager, University of Oregon Marsha Gravesen SCI Fiscal and Office Manager Grace Craven Report Coordinator Danielle Lewis Graphic Designer SCI Directors and Staff