Portland Downtown 
Waterfront Development, 
Volume 1 
Urban Design Proposals

Isabel Hoff
Report Author  •  School of Architecture and Environment

Lora Lillard
Instructor  •  City of Portland

Nico Larco
Professor •  School of Architecture and Environment

Mark Raggett
Instructor •  GBD Architects

COLLEGE OF DESIGN

Spring 2023

ARCH 584 
Sustainable 
Urbanism 
Design Studio

ARCH 407/507 
Sustainable 
Urbanism 
Seminar



Course participants benefitted tremendously 
from knowledge, support, and expertise from the 
following professionals who presented and/or 
worked with students in studio:

Troy Doss (City of Portland, BPS)
Sofie Kvist and Laura Johnson (Gehl)
Paddy Tillet and Tad Savinar (AIA – R/DAC)
Lora Lillard (City of Portland, Parks and Recreation)
Winta Yohannes (Albina Vision Trust)
Keith Jones (Green Loop)
Sean Suib (New Avenues for Youth)
Mark Raggett (GBD)
Lisa Abuaf (ULI/Prosper Portland)
Nick Falbo (City of Portland, PBOT)
Heather Wilson (AIAOregon)

Acknowledgements

Course participants would also like to thank 
the following project reviewers:

Troy Doss
Laura Johnson
Sofie Kvist
Paddy Tillet
Tad Savinar
Winta Yohannes
Keith Jones
Sean Suib
Lisa Abuaf
Nick Falbo
Heather Wilson
Allison Rouse
Amy Nagy
Betty Lou Poston

Cassie Ballew
Chris Herring
Jason Franklin
Jung Choothian
Katie Mangle
Ken Pirie
Martin Glastra van Loon
Ross Swanson
David McIlnay
Dylan Morgan
Fiona Lyon
Jake Byrda
Jason Franklin
Walker Wells



Contents

4 About SCI

4 About SCYP

5 Faculty/Course Participants

6 Executive Summary

7 Introduction

8 Methodology

 8 Course Structure

 22 Takeaways

27 Student Design Proposals

 27 Proposal 1: Live Like a Local

 49 Proposal 2

 57 Proposal 3

 71 Proposal 4: Arts + Rec

 87 Proposal 5

 93 Proposal 6: Willamette Ways

99 Conclusion



4

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

About SCI

About SCYP

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

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.

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 
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.



5

Architecture Graduates
Emily Bratt
Spencer Daigle
Hari Deevi
EJ Del Rosario
Spenser Gould
Isabel Hoff
Madelyn Johnson
Thalia Kierstead
Andy Kreiter
Hanna Lindblad
Adel Makboul
Emma Paget
Alyssa Rupp
Jacob Schaeperkoetter-Cochran
Sergey Tkachenko
Samantha Vetter

Nico Larco, Professor
Lora Lillard, Instructor
Mark Raggett, Instructor

Course Participants

Faculty

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 Portland. Text and 
images contained in this report may not be 
used without permission from the University 
of Oregon.



Students in a graduate urban design 
studio based at the University of Oregon’s 
Portland campus were asked to create 
urban design redevelopment proposals 
for downtown Portland. Students began 
the term by analyzing the site as a team of 
eight groups assessing existing building 
typologies and dimensions, transportation 
infrastructure, environmental conditions, 
zoning requirements, history of the place 
and culture, physical aspects of the 
site, relevant urban design precedents, 

and by creating base drawings from 
which the class could then build upon 
throughout the term (see appendix 
for this analysis). The class was then 
divided into six groups, each of which 
developed an urban design development 
proposal for the same downtown site. The 
students worked together to draw from 
downtown Portland’s existing qualities 
while addressing challenges by proposing 
designs that could make the city’s center a 
more welcoming and vibrant area.

6

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

Executive Summary



7

Introduction

The site was limited to Portland’s 
downtown core, including Tom McCall 
waterfront park, north of SW Jefferson 
Street, south of W Burnside Street, and 
east of SW Broadway Avenue. Each 
group of students conducted their own 
analysis on the existing conditions within 

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 
PH

YS
IC

AL
 S

IT
E

PHYSICAL SITE

SERGEY TKACHENKO, ADEL MAKBOUL

FIGURE GROUND

Our site contains 184 buildings

the site, thus determining target areas 
for redevelopment and topics of focus 
within their redesign schemes. Common 
areas of focus included the waterfront 
park, ecological and social sustainability, 
pedestrian-centered design, and 
increasing housing options downtown.

Figure 1: Physical 
site. Site contains 184 

buildings.

It was generally agreed upon across 
groups that downtown Portland is lacking 
in housing, that the waterfront park is 
lacking in activation beyond its use as a 
fairground, and that the city does not take 
full advantage of the Willamette River as 
a social, ecological, and cultural resource. 
While Portland’s 200-foot by 200-foot 
block grid is walkable and revered for this, 

the downtown area is lacking in hierarchy, 
leading people to wander the blocks 
without any particular draw toward the 
river or other downtown attractions. The 
students aimed to address these issues in 
their urban design proposals to improve 
the livability of downtown Portland, as 
well as to increase economic and social 
growth in the area.



8

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

 River

Problem Analysis: 
Land Use/Open Space Unprogrammed Urban Space

 Paved Area
 Park
 River

Divided Urban Space

 Commerce
 Park

Mobile Activation Unactivated Space

To begin this ten-week studio, the 
students worked individually to 
analyze smaller areas within the larger 
downtown site and were asked to 
identify what could make that area 
“better” as an urban space. Through this 
initial analysis, students determined that 
the downtown waterfront is lacking in 

Methodology

Course Structure

residential buildings, there are many 
unprogrammed, underutilized spaces 
throughout the site, the Willamette 
River is underappreciated and could be 
better connected to the city, and that 
the downtown waterfront is lacking in 
notable landmarks that provide a sense 
of identity to the area. 

Figure 2: Problem 
Analysis



9

Problem Solutions: Land Use/Open Space
Connection 
to the River

Programs and 
Activation

Complete Streets

3

1 2 3
Naito Pkwy1st Ave

Circulation Moves the Length of the Bridge

Identity Sculpture

The students suggested introducing 
significant landmarks along the waterfront 
park, such as amphitheaters, iconic 
sculptures, high-rise residential towers, 
food markets, or areas for engaging with 
the river through swimming or boating.
 
After this brief initial analysis, students 
were divided into groups to conduct 
a thorough investigation of the 
existing site. Students researched the 
typologies and dimensions of existing 
buildings, transportation infrastructure, 
environmental conditions, zoning 
information, history of the culture 

and place, physical characteristics 
of the site, and precedent studies of 
other waterfront areas in city centers 
worldwide. Additionally, one group 
complied a set of base drawings including 
street sections and 3D models of the 
site so students could work from these 
templates throughout the term. This 
analytical groupwork was compiled into a 
156-page document that can be found in 
the appendix as the Downtown Portland 
Urban Design Studio: Site Analysis and 
Logistics. A few pages were selected below 
to summarize the analysis:

Figure 3: Problem 
Solutions

Methodology



10

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 

31

TYPOLOGIES / DIMENSIONS

ANDY KREITER & SPENCER DAIGLE

TY
PO

LO
G

IE
S/

DI
M

EN
SI

O
N

S

PUBLIC MARKETS - INDOOR

PORTLAND NIGHT MARKET

UNIQUE MARKETS

PORTLAND FLEA (SE LOCATION)

PINE STREET MARKET

PIKE’S PLACE MARKET 

ADDRESS  100 SE ALDER ST, PORTLAND, OR 
HOURS   4PM - 11PM  (APR-DEC) 
# OF VENDORS 175+
BOOTH SIZES  6’ x 6’,  8’ x 8’,  10’ x 10’
SITE SF   10,000 SF

ADDRESS  300 N WINNING WAY, PORTLAND, OREGON
HOURS   10:00AM - 4:00PM  (5/13-5/14) 
# OF VENDORS 150+
BOOTH SIZES  6’ x 6’,  10’ x 10’,  10’ x 20’
SITE SF   40,000 SF

ADDRESS  240 SE CLAY ST. PORTLAND, OR 
HOURS   11:00AM - 4:00PM  (APR-OCT)
# OF VENDORS 50+
BOOTH SIZES  10’ x 10’  (AREA OF CANOPY)
SITE SF   4,000 SF

ADDRESS  126 SW 2ND AVE, PORTLAND, OR
HOURS   11:00AM - 9:00PM  (YEAR ROUND) 
# OF VENDORS 9
BOOTH SIZES  VARIES PER TENANT
SITE SF   10,000 SF

ADDRESS  4420 NE HANCOCK ST, PORTLAND, OR
HOURS   9:00AM - 5:00PM  (YEAR ROUND) 
# OF VENDORS 220+
BOOTH SIZES  6’ x 8’, 10’ x 10’, 10’ x 20’
SITE SF   44,000 SF

M TT FW SS

M TT FW SS

M TT FW SS

M TT FW SS

M TT FW SS

Typologies/Dimensions
This group compiled information on 
the dimensions of temporary shelters, 
townhouses, residential buildings of 
varied sizes, retail/mall buildings, food 
cart pods, food halls, restaurants, bars, 
coffee shops, grocery stores, ground-
floor retail, stadiums, performance halls, 

convention centers, parking spots sizes 
and layouts, individual market booths, 
office buildings, food trucks, and shipping 
containers. This information was used 
by students who were interested in 
incorporating any of these aspects in their 
urban design proposals. Two pages are 
shown below as an example of this work: 

Figure 4: Typologies/
Dimensions 1



11

Methodology

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 

34

TYPOLOGIES / DIMENSIONS

ANDY KREITER & SPENCER DAIGLE

TY
PO

LO
G

IE
S/

DI
M

EN
SI

O
N

S

OFFICE TYPOLOGY 

FOX TOWER
121 SW SALMON ST, PORTLAND, OR

PARK AVENUE WEST TOWER
121 SW SALMON ST, PORTLAND, OR

PARKING
RETAIL
OFFICE

RESIDENTIAL

USE
ARCHITECT
# OF STORIES
BUILDING AREA
BUILDING HEIGHT
YEAR OF COMPLETION
TOTAL GHG EMISSIONS

USE
ARCHITECT
# OF STORIES
BUILDING AREA
BUILDING HEIGHT
YEAR OF COMPLETION
TOTAL GHG EMISSIONS

RETAIL + COMMERCIAL OFFICES
TVA
27
599,388 SQ FT
113 FT
2000
1,328.3 MT CO2E

RETAIL + OFFICE + RESIDENTIAL
TVA
30
474,000 SQ FT
460 FT
2016
3,239.1 MT CO2E

RETAIL

OFFICE

Figure 5: Typologies/
Dimensions 2



12

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 

42

TRANSPORTATION

EMMA PAGET AND EJ DEL ROSARIO

TRANSIT ORIENTATED STREET
SW 5TH AVE. and  SW ALDER ST. 

Pedestrian Zone Pedestrian ZoneVehicle Zone

2’ 6” 8’ 0”

Fr
on

ta
ge

 A
re

a

Pe
de

st
ria

n 
Th

ro
ug

h 
La

ne

Fu
rn

ish
in

g 
Ar

ea

Fr
on

ta
ge

 A
re

a

Pe
de

st
ria

n 
Th

ro
ug

h 
La

ne

Fu
rn

ish
in

g 
Ar

ea

Bu
s 

La
ne

M
AX

 L
an

e

Ca
r L

an
e

4’ 0” 10’ 0” 10’ 0” 10’ 0” 2’ 6”8’ 0”4’ 0”

60’

TR
AN

SP
O

RT
AT

IO
N

NEIGHBORHOOD MAIN STREET DESIGN

Transportation
This group mapped existing transit routes 
and drew sections of significant streets 
downtown to display the spatial needs 

for different kinds of transportation. 
Downtown Portland is well connected by 
public transit and has substantial existing 
bike infrastructure.

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 

42

TRANSPORTATION

EMMA PAGET AND EJ DEL ROSARIO

TRANSIT ORIENTATED STREET
SW 5TH AVE. and  SW ALDER ST. 

Pedestrian Zone Pedestrian ZoneVehicle Zone

2’ 6” 8’ 0”

Fr
on

ta
ge

 A
re

a

Pe
de

st
ria

n 
Th

ro
ug

h 
La

ne

Fu
rn

ish
in

g 
Ar

ea

Fr
on

ta
ge

 A
re

a

Pe
de

st
ria

n 
Th

ro
ug

h 
La

ne

Fu
rn

ish
in

g 
Ar

ea

Bu
s 

La
ne

M
AX

 L
an

e

Ca
r L

an
e

4’ 0” 10’ 0” 10’ 0” 10’ 0” 2’ 6”8’ 0”4’ 0”

60’

TR
AN

SP
O

RT
AT

IO
N

NEIGHBORHOOD MAIN STREET DESIGN

Figure 6: Transportation



13
U

RB
AN

 D
ES

IG
N

 S
TU

DI
O

 |
 U

O
 S

PR
IN

G
 2

02
3 

55

ENVIRONMENTAL INFO

ISABEL HOFF AND THALIA KIERSTEAD

EN
VI

RO
N

M
EN

TA
L 

IN
FO

SOLAR STUDY

W
inter

SU
nPa

th

Summer Sun Path

Summer Sun Noon Summer Sun Evening Winter Sun Noon Winter Sun Evening

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 

55

ENVIRONMENTAL INFO

ISABEL HOFF AND THALIA KIERSTEAD

EN
VI

RO
N

M
EN

TA
L 

IN
FO

SOLAR STUDY

W
inter

SU
nPa

th

Summer Sun Path

Summer Sun Noon Summer Sun Evening Winter Sun Noon Winter Sun Evening

Methodology

Environmental Information
This group conducted a solar analysis, 
finding that the site has ample access 
to daylight as sunlight is unobstructed 
from the east due to the site’s 

Figure 7: Environmental 
Information

juxtaposition with the Willamette River. 
The sun sets over the western hills, 
minimizing afternoon heat gains from 
western solar exposure. 



14

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

Seasonal wind patterns also favor the 
site, as summer winds blow cool air over 
the river from the southeast, and winter 
winds approach from the northwest, 
largely obstructed by natural topography. 
The group graphed typical and projected 
climate patterns, mapped topography, 
air quality, and existing greenery on 
the site, documented benefits of urban 
greenery, and compiled a list of plant and 
animal species that are native to the site. 

They included design suggestions for 
promoting a healthy aquatic ecosystem 
downtown, as well as examples of 
sustainable drainage systems for 
stormwater management. The students 
also diagrammed building energy 
performance downtown and showed that 
compact urban blocks and higher density 
residential buildings are associated with 
lower energy demand per capita.



15

Zoning 
This group mapped zoning designations 
on the site, Floor Area Ratio (FAR) 
requirements, height limits, and 
compiled information on parking 
requirements by zone. Students were not 

Methodology

required to design according to existing 
zoning requirements, but acknowledging 
the current zoning ordinances allowed 
them to consider how zoning changes 
could improve the design of the city 
center. 

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 

70

ZONING

HANNA LINDBLAD

ZO
N

IN
G

ZONING MAP

Central Commercial (CX)

Central Employment (EX)

Commercial Mixed Use 2 (CM2)

Commercial Mixed Use 3 (CM3)

Open Space (OS)

General Industrial (IG1)

Central Residential (RX)

Residential Multi-Dwelling 4 (RM4)

Residential Multi-Dwelling 3 (RM3)

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 

70

ZONING

HANNA LINDBLAD

ZO
N

IN
G

ZONING MAP

Central Commercial (CX)

Central Employment (EX)

Commercial Mixed Use 2 (CM2)

Commercial Mixed Use 3 (CM3)

Open Space (OS)

General Industrial (IG1)

Central Residential (RX)

Residential Multi-Dwelling 4 (RM4)

Residential Multi-Dwelling 3 (RM3)

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 

70

ZONING

HANNA LINDBLAD

ZO
N

IN
G

ZONING MAP

Central Commercial (CX)

Central Employment (EX)

Commercial Mixed Use 2 (CM2)

Commercial Mixed Use 3 (CM3)

Open Space (OS)

General Industrial (IG1)

Central Residential (RX)

Residential Multi-Dwelling 4 (RM4)

Residential Multi-Dwelling 3 (RM3)

Figure 8: Zoning



16

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 

82

CULTURE/PLACE

JACOB SCHAEPERKOETTER-COCHRAN/SAMANTHA VETTER

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Portlanders gather for the opening of the dedication 
of the Burnside Bridge.

Roy Woods dives off Burnside in 1934.

Man dives into the waters surrounding the Skidmore 
Fountain during the Willamette Flood of 1894.

The 1894 flood raised the Willamette River 30 feet, 
flooding the central business district.

CU
LT

U
RE

/P
LA

CE
U

RB
AN

 D
ES

IG
N

 S
TU

DI
O

 |
 U

O
 S

PR
IN

G
 2

02
3 

82

CULTURE/PLACE

JACOB SCHAEPERKOETTER-COCHRAN/SAMANTHA VETTER

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Portlanders gather for the opening of the dedication 
of the Burnside Bridge.

Roy Woods dives off Burnside in 1934.

Man dives into the waters surrounding the Skidmore 
Fountain during the Willamette Flood of 1894.

The 1894 flood raised the Willamette River 30 feet, 
flooding the central business district.

CU
LT

U
RE

/P
LA

CE

Culture/Place
This group compiled historical images and 
anecdotes providing a historical context 
for the site. They created a timeline of 
significant events, such as the completion 

Figure 9 : Culture/Place 
history

of major infrastructure projects in the city. 
The graphed population change over time, 
and mapped recent and recurring events 
downtown, as well as popular things to do 
and see in the area. 



17

Methodology

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 

94

CULTURE/PLACE

JACOB SCHAEPERKOETTER-COCHRAN/SAMANTHA VETTER

CU
LT

U
RE

/P
LA

CE

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

C
EN

TR
A

L EA
S

T
/ IN

D
U

S
TR

IA
L

UNIVERSITY

PEARL 

OLDTO
W

N
/

CHINA
TO

W

N

CENTRAL

W
ES

T 
EN

D

BURNSIDE

MORRISON

HAWTHORNE

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

1-3 3-5FOOD CARTS/ PODS
NOTABLE PUBLIC PLAZAS

EXPANSIVE GREEN

THINGS TO DO/ SEE 
01. Tom McCall Waterfront Park 
02. Pioneer Courthouse Square 
03. Voodoo Doughnuts 
04. Portland Oregon Sign
05. Saturday Market
06. Pioneer Square Mall
07. Hawthorne Bowl 
08. Portland Building
09. Powell’s Books
10. Portland Art Museum

Figure 10: Culture/Place 
now



18

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 
PH

YS
IC

AL
 S

IT
E

PHYSICAL SITE

SERGEY TKACHENKO, ADEL MAKBOUL 98

STREET INFRASTRUCTURE

Stoplights

Except for two streets, Natio and 
Burnside, all of the streets we will be 
working with are one way streets. 
There is also a stop light at just 
about every stop in our site

Street Direction

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 
PH

YS
IC

AL
 S

IT
E

PHYSICAL SITE

SERGEY TKACHENKO, ADEL MAKBOUL 98

STREET INFRASTRUCTURE

Stoplights

Except for two streets, Natio and 
Burnside, all of the streets we will be 
working with are one way streets. 
There is also a stop light at just 
about every stop in our site

Street Direction

Physical Site
This group mapped building footprints, 
major infrastructure, street directions, 
water fountains, sidewalks, popular 
destinations, block layout, major and 
minor elements, parking areas and 

Figure 11: Physical Site

types, street parking, opportunity sites, 
critical sites, existing uses, area context, 
amenities, barriers and challenges, public 
transit connections, and viewpoints on 
the site. 

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 
PH

YS
IC

AL
 S

IT
E

PHYSICAL SITE

SERGEY TKACHENKO, ADEL MAKBOUL 98

STREET INFRASTRUCTURE

Stoplights

Except for two streets, Natio and 
Burnside, all of the streets we will be 
working with are one way streets. 
There is also a stop light at just 
about every stop in our site

Street Direction

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 
PH

YS
IC

AL
 S

IT
E

PHYSICAL SITE

SERGEY TKACHENKO, ADEL MAKBOUL 98

STREET INFRASTRUCTURE

Stoplights

Except for two streets, Natio and 
Burnside, all of the streets we will be 
working with are one way streets. 
There is also a stop light at just 
about every stop in our site

Street Direction



19

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 

119

PRECEDENTS

MADDY JOHNSON

W
AT

ER
FR

O
N

TS

JIAOZHOU SANLI RIVER

Waterfront	activation,	varied	pathways	(boardwalks)	and	transportation	modes,	rehabilitation	of	
natural	ecology,	interface	of	urban	density	and	greenspace,	spaces	for	recreation

Significance

jiaozhou, china 

https://mooool.com/en/jiaozhou-sanli-river-the-central-business-district-by-ldg.html Size: 10000	ft	long

Precedents
This group studied precedents that 
are examples of successful design in 
waterfronts, plazas, pathways, urban 

Methodology

recreation, urban swimming, public 
markets, and street activation. Two 
examples are shown below. 

Figure 12: Jiaozhou 
Sanli RIver precedent



20

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 

141

PRECEDENTS

SPENSER GOULD

PR
EC

ED
EN

TS

CHATTANOOGA WATERFRONT PARK

Stepped connection down to water, piers out into the water. Major green/fairground as center of 
the park and waterfront. 

Significance

Chattanooga, TN

http://www.hargreaves.com/work/chattanooga-21st-century-waterfront-park/

First plan for the park was succesfully implemented throught the 90’s and 2000’s, and a renewed 
master plan was made in 2020 to further activate the green outside of festivals and big events. 

Figure 13: Chattanooga 
Waterfront Park 
precedent



21

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 BASE DRAWINGS

HARI DEEVI AND EMILY BRATT 

BA
SE

 D
RA

W
IN

G
S

151

STREET SECTIONS

15'-0"
SIDEWALK

15'-0"
SIDEWALK

40
'-0

"

8'-6"
PARKING

8'-6"
PARKING

11'-0"
TRAVEL

11'-0"
TRAVEL

11'-0"
TRAVEL

60
'-0

"

40
'-0

"

18'-0"
SIDEWALK

PIONEER
COURTHOUSE

SQUARE
26'-6"

SIDEWALK
14'-0"
BUS

11'-0"
TRAVEL

10'-6"
MAX

80'-0"
R.O.W.

80'-0"
R.O.W.

SW 3rd, BTWN SW ALDER & SW WASHINGTON, LOOKING NORTH
Scale: 1/16” = 1’-0”

SW 6th, BTWN YAMHILL & MORRISON, LOOKING NORTH
Scale: 1/16” = 1’-0”

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 BASE DRAWINGS

HARI DEEVI AND EMILY BRATT 

BA
SE

 D
RA

W
IN

G
S

151

STREET SECTIONS

15'-0"
SIDEWALK

15'-0"
SIDEWALK

40
'-0

"

8'-6"
PARKING

8'-6"
PARKING

11'-0"
TRAVEL

11'-0"
TRAVEL

11'-0"
TRAVEL

60
'-0

"

40
'-0

"

18'-0"
SIDEWALK

PIONEER
COURTHOUSE

SQUARE
26'-6"

SIDEWALK
14'-0"
BUS

11'-0"
TRAVEL

10'-6"
MAX

80'-0"
R.O.W.

80'-0"
R.O.W.

SW 3rd, BTWN SW ALDER & SW WASHINGTON, LOOKING NORTH
Scale: 1/16” = 1’-0”

SW 6th, BTWN YAMHILL & MORRISON, LOOKING NORTH
Scale: 1/16” = 1’-0”

Base Drawings
This group provided snapshots and street 
sections of significant streets within the 

site, a 3D model of the site, and a file 
including linework in plan-view of the city 
center, encompassing the site. 

Methodology

Figure 14: Base 
Drawings: Street 

Sections



22

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 
PH

YS
IC

AL
 S

IT
E

PHYSICAL SITE

SERGEY TKACHENKO, ADEL MAKBOUL

EXISTING USES

Retail

Office/Business

Residential

Hospitality

Park/Open Plaza

Institutional

Religious

Justice Center/Government

Garage Building

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 
PH

YS
IC

AL
 S

IT
E

PHYSICAL SITE

SERGEY TKACHENKO, ADEL MAKBOUL

EXISTING USES

Retail

Office/Business

Residential

Hospitality

Park/Open Plaza

Institutional

Religious

Justice Center/Government

Garage Building

Takeaways
After each group presented their work 
from the logistics assignment, the 
class was able to discuss the following 
overarching findings. Since the global 
COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and the shift 
toward remote and hybrid work, office 
buildings nationwide have struggled to 
fill their leases back to pre-pandemic 
levels of capacity. This has left central 

business districts feeling empty as a large 
portion of daytime office workers have 
not returned to the office five days a week. 
Downtown Portland has been especially 
affected by this phenomenon because 
the area was so heavily reliant on office 
workers coming into downtown daily, 
eating at local restaurants for lunch, and 
running errands at local businesses. 

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 
PH

YS
IC

AL
 S

IT
E

PHYSICAL SITE

SERGEY TKACHENKO, ADEL MAKBOUL

EXISTING USES

Retail

Office/Business

Residential

Hospitality

Park/Open Plaza

Institutional

Religious

Justice Center/Government

Garage Building

Figure 15: Existing Uses



23

Downtown Portland has very few 
residential buildings, as shown in the 
previous graphic, highlighting how few 
people live in the area. Because the 
majority of buildings in the city’s center 
are designated as either office space, 
retail, or hospitality, the city’s streets have 
not perked up to pre-pandemic levels of 
activity, even three years later. Another 
culprit for the decline in downtown retail 
traffic has been an increase in online 
shopping. Additionally, shoppers who 
have returned to stores in-person are 
likely to shop in their own neighborhoods, 
leaving downtown with few customers. 

Another detail that can be noted from 
the graphic is the amount of open space 
downtown that is designated for either 
surface parking or no specific use at all. 
Much of this space has huge potential for 
redevelopment. 

To become familiar with key principles 
of urban design, the students began the 
course by learning about street design and 
placemaking. Students drew sections of 
existing streets and learned about typical 
dimensions in street design. Through this 
exercise, students learned what design 
components can make a street feel safer 
and more alive. 

Methodology

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 BASE DRAWINGS

HARI DEEVI AND EMILY BRATT 

BA
SE

 D
RA

W
IN

G
S

149

STREET SECTIONS

69
'-0

"

65
'-0

"

11'-6"
TRAVEL

10'-6"
MAX

8'-0"
PARKING

10'-0"
BIKES/

TURNING
10'-0"

TRAVEL
8'-0"

PARKING PARKING LOT

60
'-0

"

12'-0"
SIDEWALK

12'-0"
SIDEWALK

58'-0"
R.O.W.

60'-0"
R.O.W.

18'-0"
SIDEWALK

18'-0"
SIDEWALK

SW YAMHILL, BTWN 3rd & 4th, LOOKING WEST
Scale: 1/16” = 1’-0”

SW HARVEY MILK, BTWN 3rd & 4th, LOOKING WEST
Scale: 1/16” = 1’-0”

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 BASE DRAWINGS

HARI DEEVI AND EMILY BRATT 

BA
SE

 D
RA

W
IN

G
S

149

STREET SECTIONS

69
'-0

"

65
'-0

"

11'-6"
TRAVEL

10'-6"
MAX

8'-0"
PARKING

10'-0"
BIKES/

TURNING
10'-0"

TRAVEL
8'-0"

PARKING PARKING LOT

60
'-0

"

12'-0"
SIDEWALK

12'-0"
SIDEWALK

58'-0"
R.O.W.

60'-0"
R.O.W.

18'-0"
SIDEWALK

18'-0"
SIDEWALK

SW YAMHILL, BTWN 3rd & 4th, LOOKING WEST
Scale: 1/16” = 1’-0”

SW HARVEY MILK, BTWN 3rd & 4th, LOOKING WEST
Scale: 1/16” = 1’-0”

Figure 16: Street 
Sections



24

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

An important idea concerning safety 
in urban design is called “eyes on the 
street,” where people tend to feel safer 
when they feel that there are people 
around and aware of what is occurring 
on the street. Aspects such as ground-
floor transparency, activated storefronts, 
residential balconies, frequent and 
bustling doorways, etc. can all contribute 
to a feeling of liveliness and community 
awareness along a street. Downtown 
Portland is lacking in many of these 
aspects due to empty storefronts, office 
buildings that do not have street-facing 
retail space, few residents, and infrequent 
doorways along a block. By studying these 
basic urban design principles alongside 

Figure 17: Physical Site

the existing conditions in downtown 
Portland, students generated ideas about 
how the city center’s redesign could 
become a more pedestrian-friendly and 
vibrant area. 

Another important area of focus 
throughout the term was the long-term 
sustainability of the students’ design 
proposals, both environmentally and 
socially. Students were encouraged to 
consider the site’s ecological health 
and history. Many groups decided to 
engage with the riverfront ecology, urban 
greenery, and the city’s existing green 
stormwater management infrastructure. 

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 
PH

YS
IC

AL
 S

IT
E

PHYSICAL SITE

SERGEY TKACHENKO, ADEL MAKBOUL

BARRIERS/CHALLENGES

BUILDING 
HEIGHT

RAMPS

SEA WALL

SHIP WATER PATH

U
RB

AN
 D

ES
IG

N
 S

TU
DI

O
 |

 U
O

 S
PR

IN
G

 2
02

3 
PH

YS
IC

AL
 S

IT
E

PHYSICAL SITE

SERGEY TKACHENKO, ADEL MAKBOUL

BARRIERS/CHALLENGES

BUILDING 
HEIGHT

RAMPS

SEA WALL

SHIP WATER PATH



25

Additionally, students considered how 
their urban design proposals could 
reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked 
to transportation and buildings within 
the site by encouraging daylighting and 
the use of public transit, bicycling, and 
walking. In its current state, downtown 
Portland is very well connected by public 
transit, though its ridership has decreased 
since the pandemic. The same is true for 
downtown’s bicycle infrastructure and 
ridership. Many commuters who used to 
ride a bicycle or the city bus to work every 
day, now that they only return to their 
downtown offices two or three times a 
week, instead choose to drive and pay for 
parking because the frequency of these 
trips has been reduced. 

As for social sustainability, students noted 
that a downtown that caters to all users 
is one where there are plenty of places to 
sit, modes of transportation for people 
who do not drive or own cars, and where 
there are spaces to gather and participate 
in social activities without the need for 
spending money. In its recent history, 
downtown Portland has lacked in such 
spaces, and the free, open spaces that 
do exist are lacking in social activation, 
creating unsafe, shady areas. Students 
generated ideas by looking into Portland’s 
history and current social attractors 
toward the city to consider how downtown 
could be programmed to incorporate 
bustling public activity that supports and 
engages people from all walks of life.

Methodology





27

Student Design Proposals

Proposal 1: Live Like a Local
Emily Bratt, Hari Deeyi, Hanna Lindblad

This project began by analyzing downtown 
Portland through the lens of two user 
groups: 1) a Portland tourist and 2) a 

Portland resident. It was determined 
that experiencing Portland, for both user 
groups, falls under three major categories: 
recreation, food, and art.

inadequate connectivity and 
wayfinding

problems identified:

lack of activation insufficient housing 

BOARDWALK/
PAVING

BURNSIDE

COUCH

DAVIS

NA
IT

O

1S
T 

AV

2N
D 

AV

3R
D 

AV

4T
H 

AV

5T
H 

AV

6T
H 

AV

BR
OA

DW
AY

8T
H 

AV

PA
RK

 A
V

EVERETT

ANKENY
ASH

PINE

OAK ST

HARVEY MILK

WASHINGTON

MORRISON

YAMHILL

TAYLOR

SALMON

MAIN

MADISON

JEFFERSON

COLUMBIA

CLAY

MARKET

ALDER

OMSI

PORTLAND ART 
MUSEUM

PIONEER COURTYARD 
SQUARE

OREGON MARITIME 
MUSEUM

WHITE STAG SIGN

CHINESE GARDENS

PORTLAND SATURDAY 
MARKET

VOODOO DONUTS

FESTIVAL GROUNDS

SALMON ST SPRINGS

PORTLAND SPIRIT

MAY/JUNE

BURNSIDE

COUCH

DAVIS

NA
IT

O

1S
T 

AV

2N
D 

AV

3R
D 

AV

4T
H 

AV

5T
H 

AV

6T
H 

AV

BR
OA

DW
AY

8T
H 

AV

PA
RK

 A
V

EVERETT

ANKENY
ASH

PINE

OAK ST

HARVEY MILK

WASHINGTON

MORRISON

YAMHILL

TAYLOR

SALMON

MAIN

MADISON

JEFFERSON

COLUMBIA

CLAY

MARKET

ALDER

legend

food/retail

recreation

art

BURNSIDE

COUCH

DAVIS

NA
IT

O

1S
T 

AV

2N
D 

AV

3R
D 

AV

4T
H 

AV

5T
H 

AV

6T
H 

AV

BR
OA

DW
AY

8T
H 

AV

PA
RK

 A
V

EVERETT

ANKENY
ASH

PINE

OAK ST

HARVEY MILK

WASHINGTON

MORRISON

YAMHILL

TAYLOR

SALMON

MAIN

MADISON

JEFFERSON

COLUMBIA

CLAY

MARKET

ALDER

230 ASH

STUDIO
 $1,300-1,510
1B 
$1,400-1,600

333 OAK

THE WESTSHORE

TAX CREDIT BUILDING

AFFORDABLE 
SENIOR HOUSING
STUDIO 
$0-$450
1B
$0-$600

ST. JAMES

AFFORDABLE 
SENIOR HOUSING
STUDIO 
$1,000

ESSEX HOUSE

1B
$1,500
2B 
$2,500

AMBASSADOR CONDO

HOTEL ALDER

CONDOMINIUMS 3 FLR

analysis: attractions analysis: amenities analysis: housing



28

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

The following problems were identified 
within the site: a lack of connection and 
wayfinding between existing attractions, 
spaces that are only activated during 

specific times of day, and a lack of housing 
in the area, contributing to the lack of 24-
hour activation.

RECREATION WALK

RETAIL CORRIDOR

ART WALK

PARTI DIAGRAM

art recreationfood/retail market

FULL DOWNTOWN PORTLAND AXON

ouR PROJECT PROPOSES A REDEVELOPMENT OF KEY AREAS WITHIN OUR SITE, ACTIVATING THE PUBLIC SPACE FOR BOTH TOURISTS AND 
RESIDENTS, THROUGH RECREATION, FOOD AND ART



29

Student Design Proposals

This project proposes a redevelopment 
of key areas within the site, activating the 

public space for both tourists and residents, 
through recreation, food, and art.

ILLUSTRATIVE PLAN 
SCALE: 1” = 120’-0”

W BURNSIDE

SW
 N

AI
TO

SW
 1S

T 

SW
 2

ND
 

SW
 3

RD
 

SW
 4

TH

SW
 5

TH
 

SW
 6

TH
 

SW ANKENY
SW ASH

SW PINE

SW OAK 

SW HARVEY MILK

SW WASHINGTON

SW MORRISON

SW YAMHILL

SW TAYLOR

SW SALMON

SW MAIN

SW MADISON

SW JEFFERSON

SW ALDER

N



30

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

The designers defined the three 
bridgeheads as opportunity sites for 
anchors that respond to their three 

themes. The anchors influence the 
programming in their adjacent spaces, 
leading back into the city. 

SAUNA / 

PLAYGROUND

POOLS

OREGON 
MARITIME MUSEUM

BATTLESHIP 
OREGON MEMORIAL

BILL NAITO 
LEGACY FOUNTAIN

CALISTHENICS

BOULDERING

PINE ST

SW OAK ST

SW ASH ST

ANKENY ST

SW 1ST AVE

SW
 NAITO PKW

Y

ENLARGED PLAN: RECREATION
SCALE: 1/32” = 1’-0”

N



31

Student Design Proposals

The recreation anchor is at the Burnside 
bridgehead and is a proposed sauna 
and pools area. Inspired by historic bath 
houses, this new attraction would allow 

people to interact with the river year-
round. The sauna and pools would create 
a recreation hub, which would tie into the 
neighboring proposed housing district. 

recreation PHASE A recreation PHASE b

housing 
woonerf street 
naito improvements 

sauna/pool
sport courts 
marina 
naito improvements 

PHASING: RECREATION/HOUSING



32

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

PLANTER BOX WITH NATIVE PLANTS

2 X 4 WOOD PLANK BENCH

CONCRETE BASE 

PAVING

LANDSCAPING

STEEL PILE SUPPORTING DOCK

2 X 4 WOOD PLANK DOCK 

AVERAGE RIVER LEVEL 20’ BELOW SEAWALL

EXISTING SEAWALL AND WATERFRONT PATHWAY

LOW RIVER LEVEL 25’ BELOW SEAWALL

HIGH RIVER LEVEL 15’ BELOW SEAWALL

SEAWALL RAILING

perspective: SPORT COURTS AND DOCKS 

RECREATION 
PARK 

SCALE: 1/2” = 1’-0”
DETAIL: FLOATING DOCK

N.T.S.

DETAIL: PLANTER BOX AND WOOD BENCHES



33

Student Design Proposals

The sport courts, playground, and 
sunbathing areas would serve as amenities 
to the neighborhood’s residents. The 

docks, marina, boat storage, and kayak 
launching spot would be especially active 
during summer months. 

10’

60'-0"

15’ 25’10’

SW PINE
Scale: 1/8” = 1’-0”

N



34

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

This area would connect with the city’s 
residential district through a proposed 
woonerf along SW Pine Street, which 
would prioritize pedestrian activity by 
raising the street’s surface to be level with 

the sidewalk. It would include passive 
workout equipment, be heavily vegetated, 
incorporating bioswales, and a distinct 
paving pattern.

SW HARVEY MILK ST

SW WASHINGTON ST

SW MORRISON ST

SW
 1S

T 
AV

E

SW
2N

D 
AV

E

SW
 N

AI
TO

 P
KW

Y

MARINA

FOOD TRUCKS
PORTLANDIA

MARKET

CONTAINER 
POP-UP STORES

AMPHITHEATRE 
/ STAGE

ENLARGED PLAN: FOOD
SCALE: 1/32” = 1’-0”

N



35

Student Design Proposals

South of the recreation area along the 
waterfront would be a public market 
and food hall, anchoring the Morrison 
bridgehead. This development could 
be modeled after San Francisco’s Ferry 

Building or Seattle’s Pike Place Market. 
This area would create a food and retail 
hub using food trucks and outdoor 
seating, an amenity for residents and a 
magnet for tourists. 

RETAIL PHASE A

PHASING: FOOD/RETAIL

remove  cloverleaf offramps
food trucks
naito improvements 

food hall 
food trucks under morrison bridge 
amphitheatre seating and stage
portlandia statue 
shipping container retail on street
housing 

RETAIL PHASE B

SW NAITO & WATERFRONT PARK SECTION
SCALE:  1/16” = 1’-0”



36

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

A major piece of this area’s redesign 
proposal would be the relocation of the 
Portlandia statue, from the Portland 

Building to the iconic entry to downtown 
as people cross the Morrison Bridge into 
the city center. 

PAVING TRANSITION AT PARK LEVEL: OCCURS EVERY 14’

WOOD BENCH AT PARK LEVEL: ALIGN WITH BELOW

GUARDRAIL

WOOD SLATS CONTINUE UP WALL

WOOD BENCH AT AMPHITHEATRE LEVEL 

CONCRETE BENCH AT AMPHITHEATRE LEVEL

CONCRETE RAMP AT AMPHITHEATRE LEVEL

PERSPECTIVE: LOOKING NORTH TOWARDS 
MORRISON BRIDGE

AMPHITHEATRE 
SEATING

DETAIL: BENCH AND PAVING TRANSITION AT 
RETAINING WALL

n.t.s.

DETAIL: stair & ramp axon view

SCALE: 1/2” = 1’-0”

INTEGRATED PLANTERS

RAMP, FROM PARK TO 
TYPICAL WATER LEVEL

TERRACED SEATING, MIX 
OF WOOD AND CONCRETE



37

Student Design Proposals

Amphitheater seating on the waterfront 
with a floating stage would create an 
opportunity for people to touch the 
water, sit with a riverfront view while 
eating food from the food hall, and for 

outdoor events to be hosted in public. 
This amphitheater would be designed to 
accommodate the river’s fluctuating water 
levels while activating the public space at 
all times of day. 

15’

60'-0"

15’ 12’18’

SW MORRISON
Scale: 1/8” = 1’-0”

N



38

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

High-density housing is proposed adjacent 
to the market and food hall. Ties into the 
existing retail corridor along Morrison and 
Yamhill streets, leading toward Pioneer 
Place Mall, would bring a new pedestrian 

focus to these streets. Shipping container 
retail spaces, outdoor café seating, and 
places to sit would replace an existing car 
lane to create a pedestrian and transit-
only street. 

SW SALMON ST

SW MAIN ST

SW MADISON ST

SW
 1S

T 
AV

E

SW
 N

AI
TO

 P
KW

Y

SALMON 
STREET SPRINGS

PORTLAND 
SPIRIT

PORTLAND 
ROSE FESTIVAL 

ART MUSEUM

SCULPTURE 
WALK

ENLARGED PLAN: ART
SCALE: 1/32” = 1’-0”

N



39

Student Design Proposals

The art anchor at the Hawthorne 
bridgehead is a proposed art museum 
with a focus on local art and culture.

art PHASE A art PHASE b

art museum and housing 
office building conversions
painted art walk
naito improvements  

sculpture garden 

PHASING: ART

art PHASE A art PHASE b

art museum and housing 
office building conversions
painted art walk
naito improvements  

sculpture garden 

PHASING: ART



40

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

 Artist studios would provide increased 
opportunities for artists to live and work 
in this district. They could be connected to 
the museum or provide private investment 
into the neighborhood. Unused office 
buildings could be converted into live-
work studios and creative office spaces.

LANDSCAPING

TRANSITION

GRAVEL

SCULPTURE

asphalt

painted asphalt shapes

6” white painted stripe on asphalt

planter

raised planter box

perspective: art museum and sculpture park

SCALE: 1/2” = 1’-0”
DETAIL: GRAVEL/LANDSCAPING TRANSITION AT SCULPTURE PARK

SCALE: 1/2” = 1’-0”
DETAIL: TRANSITION BETWEEN gravel and landscaping at sculpture park 

SCULPTURE 
PARK

The newly proposed art museum 
could have ties with Portland’s existing 
museums, while the painted walkway 
along SE Main Street would provide 
wayfinding toward the Portland Art 
Museum and over the Hawthorne Bridge 
toward the Oregon Museum of Science 
and Industry (OMSI).



41

Student Design Proposals

A sculpture park would provide an 
opportunity for people passing by to 

engage with art without entering the 
museum or needing to pay for a ticket.

60'-0"

13’ 13’10’ 10’7’ 7’

SW MAIN
Scale: 1/8” = 1’-0”

N



42

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

A painted plaza would engage locals 
and provide a moment for wayfinding, 

differentiating this area of the waterfront 
from others.

NSW NAITO: TYPICAL INTERSECTION
Scale: 1/16” = 1’-0”

14
’

10
’

11
’

10
’

10
’

15
’

11
’

8’
3’

15
’

NSW NAITO: TYPICAL INTERSECTION
Scale: 1/16” = 1’-0”

14
’

10
’

11
’

10
’

10
’

15
’

11
’

8’
3’

15
’



43

Student Design Proposals

Beyond the three overarching themes 
of this redesign proposal, the group 
decided on a reconfiguration of Naito 
Parkway: remove one travel lane; add 
vegetated islands between the travel 
lanes and bike lanes to slow down traffic; 
expand sidewalks on the west side of 

the street and add bioswales and pocket-
parks to tie into the waterfront park; and 
expand sidewalks on the park side of the 
street adjacent to the bike lanes. This 
proposed design would make the bike 
lane feel like part of the park rather than 
part of the street.

SW PINE

G
R
O
C
E
R
Y 

M
A
R
K
E
T

SW 2nd AVE

NEIGHBORHOOD CORE



44

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

A new neighborhood core centered 
around SW 2nd Avenue and SW Pine Street 
would add medium-density housing on 
all opportunity sites in this area. The 
proposed housing would match existing 
building heights and character. Existing 
and proposed amenities include dining 

and retail, and a newly proposed grocery 
store would be essential. The nearby 
waterfront recreation area and woonerfs 
would act as outdoor, cost-free amenities. 
This pedestrian and transit-focused 
neighborhood would provide housing for 
residents with a range of income levels.

HIGH-DENSITY 
GROUND FLOOR RETAIL

MEDIUM-DENSITY 
GROUND FLOOR RETAIL

MEDIUM-DENSITY 
GROUND FLOOR WALK-UP APARTMENTS

LOW-DENSITY 
TOWNHOMES

TYPOLOGIES: HOUSING

HIGH-DENSITY 
GROUND FLOOR RETAIL

MEDIUM-DENSITY 
GROUND FLOOR RETAIL

MEDIUM-DENSITY 
GROUND FLOOR WALK-UP APARTMENTS

LOW-DENSITY 
TOWNHOMES

TYPOLOGIES: HOUSING



45

Student Design Proposals

This proposal focuses on providing varying 
scales of opportunity and low barriers of 
entry through all the newly introduced 

development. The new housing would 
include a range of densities and unit sizes, 
catering to residents with varied space 
needs and incomes.

VENDOR STALL
MOBILE; LOWEST BARRIER OF ENTRY

POP-UP RETAIL
/FOOD TRUCK
SEMI-PERMANENT LOCATION

STOREFRONT 
SMALL RETAIL OR CAFE

BIG-BOX
ESTABLISHED CHAIN STORE

TYPOLOGIES: RETAIL

VENDOR STALL
MOBILE; LOWEST BARRIER OF ENTRY

POP-UP RETAIL
/FOOD TRUCK
SEMI-PERMANENT LOCATION

STOREFRONT 
SMALL RETAIL OR CAFE

BIG-BOX
ESTABLISHED CHAIN STORE

TYPOLOGIES: RETAIL



46

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

Retail opportunities would range from 
smaller market stalls and street vendors 
to more established food trucks and 

shipping container stores, to storefronts 
and cafes, to large established retail 
businesses.

STREET MURALS 
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & ACTIVISM

LIVE-WORK UNITS
CONVERT EXCESS OFFICE SPACE

ART STUDIO 
OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD BUSINESS

MUSEUM GALLERY
OPPORTUNITY TO DISPLAY WORK

TYPOLOGIES: ART

STREET MURALS 
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & ACTIVISM

LIVE-WORK UNITS
CONVERT EXCESS OFFICE SPACE

ART STUDIO 
OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD BUSINESS

MUSEUM GALLERY
OPPORTUNITY TO DISPLAY WORK

TYPOLOGIES: ART



47

Student Design Proposals

Spaces for street painting, indoor 
galleries, studio space, and live-work 

units would allow local artists a variety of 
places to create and display their artwork.

HOTEL CORE

FOOD MARKET

sport courts

amphitheatre seating

sauna

saturday market

neighborhood core

retail corridor

art museum

art walk

sculpture garden

woonerf

pioneer place

portlandia

resident tourist TARGET USER GROUPEXPERIENCE DIAGRAM

pioneer square



48

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

Overall, the proposed design aims to 
cater to Portland residents and tourists 

alike, creating a lively and bustling 
downtown core.

Sustainability strategies for this design 
proposal are grouped into the following 
categories: water, equity and health, 
ecology and habitat, transportation, 
and energy. Permeable pavers allow 
stormwater to pass through the site 
and into the soil underneath, reducing 
the amount of pollution that flows into 
the river from impermeable streets. A 
mix of housing unit types, mixed retail 
typologies, and low barriers of entry 
allow residents varied opportunities for 
living and doing business in the proposed 
neighborhood development. In addition, 
attractive open spaces activate the 
urban conditions, creating a healthy and 

water

IncreaseS the direct consumer base and 
fosterS community

planting larger trees fosters 
BIODIVERSITY 

ALLOWS a wide range of social and 
economic status to access housing 

a range of retail SCALES OPENS UP 
opportunities  to all business levels

food trucks are a low investment 
oppurtunity FOR LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS Paving patterns PROVIDE A BETTER  WATER 

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
bioswales ABSORB RUNOFF AND PROVIDE 
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

WELL-DESIGNED OUTDOOR SPACE ACTIVATES 
THE URBAN CONDITION 

bicycle infrastructure supports the use of 
MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION

legend: sustainability strategies 

energy use and production

transportationequity and health

ecology and habitat

MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION BICYCLE NETWORKS

mixed retail typologies

ATTRACTIVE OPEN SPACE

LOW BARRIERS OF ENTRY 

MIX OF HOUSING UNIT TYPES

MICRO HABITAT CREATION

GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE

high density development

PERMEABLE PAVERS

vibrant neighborhood where residents 
can interact with and feel connected to 
the river. Expanding green stormwater 
infrastructure and increasing urban 
greenery foster more biodiversity, 
mitigate flood risk, and reduce urban 
heat island effect. Pedestrian-focused 
areas, multimodal transportation, and 
bicycle networks allow residents to move 
throughout the city without the need to 
drive cars. High density development 
concentrates people around resources 
and increases efficiency by reducing 
distances people and goods need to be 
transported.



49

Student Design Proposals

Proposal 2
Spencer Daigle, Spenser Gould, and Jacob Schaepperkoetter-Cochran

An initial analysis of downtown Portland’s 
current state leads to the conclusion that 
its treatment as purely a central business 
district is no longer able to carry the 
city center. For downtown Portland to 
be an economically and socially vibrant 
district in this new era, housing needs to 

be developed so that downtown can be 
transformed into a mixed-used residential 
neighborhood. To maintain affordable 
rental costs and accommodate a growing 
city, thousands of new units will need 
to be built throughout Portland in the 
coming years. 

• High concentration of office buildings throughout central city and few residential buildings

• In the same area there are ample surface parking lots which can be readily developed

• Downtown is well suited for residential development which is needed now more than ever

DOWNTOWN PORTLAND, OR

Residential

Office

Parking Garages

Surface Parking

EXISTING

FUTURE?

N

Naito Pkwy

1st Ave

2nd Ave

3rd Ave

4th Ave

5th Ave

6th Ave

Broadway

Ankeny

Burnside

Pine
Oak

Harvey Milk

Washington

Alder

Morrison

Yamhill

Taylor

Salmon

Ash

Main

Madison



50

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

• Luxury tower
• Mixed-use for first few floors: 

retail ground floor and offices 
above

• Point tower on podium
• 3-4 story mixed-use podium

• Setback tower
• Commercial ground floor
• Loft-style units on second floor 

with outdoor terrace 

• 3/4 block, double loaded 
slab-style apartments

• Mixed-use for first few floors: 
retail ground floor and offices 
above

• 1/2 block, double loaded 
slab-style apartments

• 6 - 13 stories
• Ground floor commercial or 

purely residential building

• 5 over 1
• 6 stories residential or 5 floors 

residential over commercial 
ground floor

• Quarter block, double loaded 
apartments

• 5-9 stories

• Courtyard apartments, sin-
gle-loaded

• 3 stories residential over com-
mercial ground floor

• Small apartment building
• 3-5 stories

• Townhouses
• 2 stories with accessible roof
• 2-3 bed homes
• Walk up

Park Avenue West - TVA

The Wyatt - FFA

Blackburn Center - Ankrom Moisan 

Rose Apartments - Brooks + Scarpa

HIGH-RISE APARTMENT TOWERS

HIGH AND MID-RISE APARTMENTS

MID AND LOW-RISE APARTMENTS

LOW-RISE APARTMENTS AND TOWNHOUSES

The Cosmopolitan - Bora

Overton 15 - Vallaster Corl

Pearl Townhouses - Prendergast & Assoc.

Framework - Lever

M

M

M

M

M

M
M

M

M

M

M

M

M

M

M

1 2
3

4

5
6

7
8

9

10

11

12 13

14

15
16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

Burnside

Ankeny

N

Loft studios. 3 stories. ~20 units

2-3 beds per house. 2 stories each. Shared courtyard parking. 
10 houses

Studio-1bed. 5 stories. ~77 units

Deeply affordable housing. Studio-1bed. 9 stories. ~90 units

Studio- 2bed. 9 stories. ~217 units

Studio-2bed. 9 stories residential over commercial base. ~217 units

Studio- 2bed. 9 stories. ~217 units

Studio- 2bed. 9 stories. ~217 units

Luxury condominiums. 121, 2-3 bed condos and 15 loft style townhomes. 
Ground floor commercial with 18 stories residential above. ~136 units

Studio-2bed. 20 story point tower with 4 story podium. Ground floor 
commercial with three floors residential above. ~300 units

Luxury apartments. Ground floor commercial and 2 floors office. Top 38 
stories residential. ~532 units

Studio- 2bed. 8 stories. ~193 units

Studio- 2bed. 12 stories residential over commercial base. ~290 units

Studio- 3bed. 10 stories. ~132 units

Studio- 3bed. 11 stories.~132 units

1-3 bed. 32 story tower. Commercial wing facing 2nd Ave. 
5 stories office space. ~329 units

Studio-2bed. 20 story point tower with 4 story podium. Podium houses 
community rec. center. ~240 units

2-3 bed Lofts. 2 stories. ~8 units

3 beds. 2 stories. 7 houses

Studio-1bed. 3 stories residential over commercial base. ~33 units

Studio- 2bed. 5 stories residential over commercial base. 
~120 units

Studio- 2bed. 9 stories. ~80 units

Supportive housing. Studio-1bed. 4 stories. ~122 units in two buildings

Supportive housing. Studios. 6 stories. ~138 units

2-3 beds. 2 stories each. 4 houses

Deeply affordable housing. Studio-1bed. 3 stories residential over 
commercial base. ~45 units

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

Point Tower

Point Tower with Podium

Townhouse

Supportive Housing

Apartment Block

Mixed Use M

26 NEW BUILDINGS ~ 3,900 UNITS



51

Student Design Proposals

Another opportunity for improving 
Portland’s downtown is to enhance its 
connection to the Willamette River. A 

proposed waterfront marketplace and 
community center would bring people to 
the riverfront year-round. 

BIKE PARKING TRAVEL 20’ MULTI-USE 
PATH

SHORTF
ALL

OVERSH
OOT

THE MARKET AT THE WATERFRONT

DONUT ECONOMICS PIKE PLACE, SEATTLE



52

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

 Inspired by Seattle’s Pike Place Market, 
the market hall could have residences 
above the main shopping floor at the 
ground level. Shops could be rented day 

by day, allowing vendors of all sizes and 
kinds to participate in the market’s retail 
business without needed to fulfill an 
expensive or long-term lease. 



53

Student Design Proposals

RIVER ROCK FILTER BLANKET

REACTIVE CORE MAT

SOIL

RIPRAP

LARGE WOODY DEBRIS

GRAVEL PATH BOULDERS

Fill

Island Core

Piling

AVERAGE WATER LEVEL

LOW WATER LEVEL

Typical Naturalized Bank Section
scale: 3/16”=1’-0”

10’

3’

Typical Island Bank Section
scale: 3/16”=1’-0”

Side Channel Habitat Support
scale: 3/16”=1’-0”

20’

GUARD RAIL
PATH

SHEET PILE WALL
RIPRAP

FILTER BLANKET

CONCRETE VAULT RETAINING WALL

GABION RETAINING WALL

RIVER ROCK

FILTER BLANKET

REACTIVE CORE MAT

SOIL

RIPRAP

RIVERBED

CUT FILL

Section through Naito Parkway, Waterfront at Salmon Springs, and Island
scale: 1/16”=1’-0”

20’ Multi use path~100’ Park11’ Sidewalk71’ Naito Pkwy

Speed Table

12’ Sidewalk ~7’ Bulb Out

Side Channel Main Channel

1850 1995

WILLAMETTE RIVER ISLAND

LARGE WOODY DEBRIS 
OFFERS REFUGE FOR FISH

RIVERBED GRAVEL

WATERFOWL

RESIDENT BIRD POPULATION

REST AREA FOR MIGRATORY BIRDS

Meandering Channelized

Braided Channelized

100 YEAR FLOOD

Erosion Deposition

Floodplain

Hardened Bank

• Diversity of habitat
• Natural flood buffer
• Improved water quality

• Sediment accumulates downstream
• Higher velocity flow
• Deeper midriver



54

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

To improve the riverfront ecology, the 
designers propose the reintroduction of 
an island just off the waterfront park’s 
shore, in addition to the deconstruction 
of the sea wall. This would allow the 
river’s edge condition to return to a state 
more like that of its origins, before settler 
development channelized the river into a 
more streamlined basin. By removing the 

sea wall and pulling the southern edge 
of the waterfront park inwards, the river 
would be brought closer to the city with a 
naturalized and gradually inclined bank. 
At the northern edge of the waterfront 
park, by the Burnside Bridge, the park 
could be pushed out over the river through 
the addition of a pier. 



55

Student Design Proposals

The new island would serve as an 
ecological center for Portland’s wildlife, 
bridging a gap between Forest Park and 

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. This island 
would host important food and habitat for 
birds and aquatic animals alike.

A redesign of SW 2nd Avenue would 
promote a neighborhood spine for 
the proposed housing development. 
This corridor would allow people to 
work, socialize, and recreate where 
they live. Access to public transit and a 
pedestrian-oriented urban environment 
could be created by designing clear and 

  Robust Urban Forest

Shade + Comfort
Micro Habitat

Storm Water Control

Street Plantings 

Bioswale

Bike Lane

Vehicle Travel 

Parking 

Reduced Emissions
Low Maintenance

Less Spots
Buffer Zones 

Speed Control
Physical Barriers

80’ ROW

12’ 12’12’ 6’8’ 8’11’ 11’

F

G

80’ ROW

11’ 11’12’4’8’ 11’11’ 8’ 4’

I

J

K

Asymmetrical Streets

80’ ROW

11’ 11’6’ 6’4’ 4’8’ 11’11’ 8’12’ 12’6’ 6’8’ 8’11’ 6’ 11’

BC

E

a.Mode Shift (Bike/Ped) Zone 
b.Multi-modal Zone
c.Inner (Ped Only) Bulb-out 
d.Two-way Vehicle Traffic 
e.Bike/ Ped Boulevards
f. Two-way Bike Traffic 
g.Mid Block Crossing/ Parking Access
h.Shortened Crossing Distance
i. Asymmetrical Road Division
j. One Sided (Multi-modal) Boulevard
k. Two-way Bike Activated Frontage 

Symmetrical Streets

80’ ROW

2n
d 

an
d 

Sa
lm

on

2n
d 

an
d 

Pi
ne

2n
d 

an
d 

Sa
lm

on

2n
d 

an
d 

Pi
ne

2ND AVENUE STREET DESIGNS

D

H

A

active ground floors to building blocks, 
implementing plantings and street 
furniture along the sidewalks, and by 
slowing down motor vehicle traffic using 
bulb-outs, planted medians, and bollards. 
Bicycle corridors could be enhanced by 
introducing cycle tracks and by protecting 
cyclists from cars using a lane of street 
parking and bollards.





57

Student Design Proposals

Proposal 3
EJ Del Rosario, Isabel Hoff, and Alyssa Rupp

This project uses a “hand” parti to define 
the Willamette River, or the “palm,” as 
the center of the city, with fingers that 
reach into downtown, drawing people 
toward Portland’s waterfront park. The 
sites selected as “fingertips” are some 
of downtown’s most culturally and 
economically important centers. By 

daylighting streams that have long been 
buried and built over, this redesign plan 
further connects downtown Portland to 
the river by reviving aspects of the local 
ecosystem and connecting people to 
natural waterways. In addition, pedestrian 
byways further promote east-west 
circulation through the city center.



58

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

Connection to 
Downtown

Ecologically 
Focused 
Design

River 
Interaction

Residential 
Areas

Year-round 
Waterfront 
Activation

WATERFRONT 
CHALLENGES



59

Student Design Proposals

This redesign plan aims to confront 
the following challenges identified 
during initial analysis of the site: lack 
of residential areas, lack of connection 
between downtown and the Willamette, 
lack of ecologically focused design, lack of 
access for people to interact with the river 
at the waterfront park, and a lack of year-
round waterfront activation. 

Another challenge identified when 
analyzing the existing site was Naito 
Parkway, as it currently divides Portland’s 
city blocks from Tom McCall Waterfront 
Park. The four lanes of fast-moving traffic 
make the street unpleasant for pedestrians 
and intimidating to cross. In addition, 
people cannot see the Willamette River 
from the street level, as the combined 
width of the park and Naito is too great a 
distance to see across to the water.

18'-0"
SIDEWALK

14'-0"
BIKES

8'-0"
SIDEWALK

100'-0"
R.O.W.

165'-0"
LANDSCAPING

11'-0"
TRAVEL

11'-0"
TRAVEL

11'-0"
TRAVEL

11'-0"
TURNING8’ - 0’’

PARKING
5’ - 0’’
BIKES

3’ 

One-Sided 
Street Lacks 
Engagement

Fast Traffic 
Intimidates
Pedestrians

Divides City 
From Park



60

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

By burying Naito’s drive lanes, this design 
proposes to turn Naito Parkway into a 
riverfront pedestrian plaza, allowing the 

park to reach up to SW 1st Avenue through 
a series of woonerfs connecting the city to 
the waterfront.

TUNNEL ENTRANCE TUNNEL EXIT NAITO TO DT



61

Student Design Proposals

10'-0"
TRANSIT

10'-0"
TRANSIT

10'-0"
BIKES8'-0"

PARKING
8'-0"

PARKING
10'-0"

TRAVEL
10'-0"

TRAVEL

10'-0"
TRAVEL

10'-0"
TRAVEL

10'-0"
TRAVEL

10'-0"
TRAVEL

10'-0"
TRAVEL

10'-0"
TRAVEL

10'-0"
TRAVEL

8'-0"
PARKING

6'-0"
BIKE

25'-0"
SIDEWALK

SCALE: 1’ = 1/32” 

WATERFRONT SECTION A



62

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

By converting the MAX lines on SW 1st 
Avenue into a subway, the street would be 
reactivated by two lanes of slow-moving 
two-way traffic servicing the proposed 
housing towers along the waterfront 
blocks. Following the Vancouver model 

of development, buildings would sit on 
three or four-story podiums with narrower 
towers ascending higher up, allowing light 
to penetrate between city blocks onto the 
streets. Expanded transit networks would 
bring bus lines to SW 2nd Avenue.

SW 1st Ave  1/8’’ = 1’



63

Student Design Proposals

SW 2nd Ave 1/8” = 1’

16’ 11’ 5’ 10’ 8’ 10’ 10’ 

BUS



64

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

Morrison Bridge

Hawthorne Bridge

Burnside Bridge

3.

4.

5.

2.

Natural History Museum

Food Market

Amphitheater

Boat House

Saturday Market

Site Plan

Restored Streams

Node
1.   Cultural District
2.   Pioneer Courthouse Square
3.   Powell’s Books
4.   Voodoo Doughnuts
5.   Old Town

Complete Street

Bike/Pedestrian Priority Lane

River Front Attractions

Jefferson St

Columbia St

Clay St

Market St

Mill St

Main St

Salmon St

Madison St

Taylor St

1.

Yamhill St

Morrison St

Alder St

Washington St

Harvey Milk St

Oak St

Burnside St

Couch St

Davis St

Everett St

8t
h 

Av
e

Pa
rk

 A
ve

9t
h 

Av
e

4t
h 

Av
e

5t
h 

Av
e

6t
h 

Av
e

Br
oa

dw
ay

N
ai

to
 P

kw
y

1s
t A

ve

2n
d 

Av
e

3r
d 

Av
e



65

Student Design Proposals

The circulation map shows the five nodes, 
which represent the symbolic fingertips 
of the design’s “hand” parti. The map 
also shows the paths the daylit streams 
would take, originating at nodes one and 
four, drawing pedestrians toward the 
river, providing habitat for local flora and 
fauna, and further expanding Portland’s 
stormwater management strategies. 
The two points where the streams 
would runoff into the Willamette would 
be celebrated moments; one a public 

amphitheater, and the other a natural area 
for waterplay such as swimming, kayaking, 
and stand-up paddle-boarding. 

By removing the existing seawall, the 
riverfront would become much more 
hospitable to aquatic wildlife. An 
expanded shoreline would increase areas 
for riparian plant life and habitat, allowing 
havens for migrating salmon to rest during 
their long journeys through the Willamette 
back to the streams where they spawn.

A



66

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

A natural history museum located just 
north of the Hawthorne Bridge would 
activate the waterfront year-round. While 
many people enjoy living in and visiting 
the Pacific Northwest for its incredible 
landscapes, the designers decided a 
natural history museum would be the 
perfect waterfront monument to celebrate 
Portland and the region’s history and 
place. While Seattle and Portland both 
have excellent art museums, and Portland 

has a museum for science and industry, 
both of which celebrate local industries 
that define the thriving character of the 
northwest, what lacks is a celebration 
of the region’s natural history. Such a 
museum could be visited year-round, 
when rainy weather makes outdoor 
activities less enticing. Partnerships with 
local educational and research institutions 
could involve habitat restoration and 
research, as well as public education 
initiatives along the downtown waterfront. 



67

Student Design Proposals

The neighboring amphitheater would 
flood and dry as the river’s water levels 
rise and fall. Meandering paths and 
boardwalks extending over the river would 
increase pedestrian views to directions 
beyond the existing north-south walking 
paths. By pushing the park’s edge in and 
away from the city, pedestrians would 
enjoy views toward and away from the 
river, allowing them to look back at 
the city from the boardwalk’s farthest 
points. Pathways and open spaces are 
placed strategically to promote dynamic 
interactions with people and the water, 

such as topographic variation, sight lines, 
program cadence, and supporting native 
ecology.
 
Daylit streams would be modeled after 
examples like the ones pictured below, 
in the Stockholm Royal Seaport, a 
newly developed mixed-use residential 
neighborhood built on a former 
brownfield site. By allowing Portland’s 
streams to pass through the city’s streets 
and parks, native ecosystems can regrow 
and further connect the city’s residents to 
the place where they live.

PRECEDENTS

Examples of urban 
streams at the 

Stockholm Royal 
Seaport

(“Let Nature Do the 
Work.” Stockholm 

Royal Seaport 2030, 
March 30, 2023. 

norradjurgardsstaden 
2030.se/results/ 

let-nature-do-the-
work.)

https://norradjurgardsstaden2030.se/results/let-nature-do-the-work
https://norradjurgardsstaden2030.se/results/let-nature-do-the-work
https://norradjurgardsstaden2030.se/results/let-nature-do-the-work
https://norradjurgardsstaden2030.se/results/let-nature-do-the-work


68

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

Taylor Street

Lownsdale Square



69

Student Design Proposals

Salmon Street





71

Proposal 4: Arts + Rec
Mary Johnson and Sam Vetter

ARTS REC+
powell’s books

pioneer square 

amphitheater

boating + swimming

arts pedestrian street

rec pedestrian street

tra
ns

it 
m

al
l

ne
w

 h
ou

sin
g

priorities

strategies

waterfront touchpoints

NEW HOUSING

WATERFRONT ACTIVATION

COMMUNITY 
IDENTITY

URBAN     
CONNECTIVITY

PEDESTRIAN 
FOCUS

FREE PUBLIC 
ACTIVITIES



72

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

The designers in this group came up with 
two character groups, which represent a 
perspective on Portland’s culture. One is 
an outdoorsy adventurist, who currently 
travels outside of the city for their 

recreation needs. The other is a creative, 
looking for more places to engage with 
their art in the city. The designers attempt 
to fill gaps in downtown Portland by 
responding to these characters’ needs. 

identity

the adventurist the creative



73

Student Design Proposals

existing conditions

HOUSING

powell’s bookstore

portland art 
museum

ARTS/MUSIC PROGRAMMING

mural theater / venue gallery /museum bookstore /library

pioneer courthouse 
square

saturday market

salmon street 
springs

maritime museum

park blocks

portland parks 
+ rec

RECREATION PROGRAMMING

ARTS DISTRICT

park / open space indoor recreation playground



74

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

existing conditions

HOUSING

powell’s bookstore

portland art 
museum

ARTS/MUSIC PROGRAMMING

mural theater / venue gallery /museum bookstore /library

pioneer courthouse 
square

saturday market

salmon street 
springs

maritime museum

park blocks

portland parks 
+ rec

RECREATION PROGRAMMING

ARTS DISTRICT

park / open space indoor recreation playground



75

Student Design Proposals

Through an initial analysis of Portland’s 
downtown, it was determined that the 
city center needs to integrate new housing 
options and community-focused spaces.

The existing arts programming in the city 
is scattered, apart from the designated 
arts district in southwest Portland. While 
the theaters and museums in this district 

are frequented, it is important to note that 
there is a barrier of entry to these spaces 
as they are only available to those who can 
afford tickets.

As far as recreational spaces are 
concerned, the main open space is 
obviously the waterfront, which is well-
loved by the city but sporadically used due 
to its general lack of programming.

N
NEW HOUSING PROPOSAL



76

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

1 REDEFINE THE STREET-SCAPE 2 WATERFRONT HUBS 3 WATERFRONT PATHS 4 ACTIVITY DEVELOPMENT 5 HOUSING

1

1

2

2

3

4

4

5

5

5

PHASING 

N
1”=120’

MASTER PLAN



77

Student Design Proposals

By removing motor vehicle traffic from 
both SW Oak and Yamhill Streets, these 
important corridors can be transformed 
into active pedestrian routes. These 
two arteries connect the waterfront to 

Portland landmarks, Powell’s Books and 
Pioneer Courthouse Square. These proposed 
pedestrian streets would be programmed 
with several indoor and outdoor activities 
relating to either arts or recreation. 

1”=50’

OAK ST PLAN
N



78

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

SW Oak Street, the recreation street, 
would be characterized by a boardwalk 
and bioswale, allowing for a pleasant 
walkable experience heightened by public 
activities such as rock climbing, tennis, 

and yoga. Given that recreational activities 
are often associated with motion, this 
street would have a more linear circulation 
path in order to not disrupt runners, 
cyclists, or people out for a walk.

N
1/8” = 1’

REC STREET

VARYING PEDESTRIAN

60’-0”
R.O.W

9’-0”
SIDEWALK

9’-0”
SIDEWALK

SW YAMHILL



79

Student Design Proposals

1”=50’

YAMHILL PLAN
N



80

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

Yamhill, as the arts street, would invite 
meandering, utilizing different materials 
and paving patterns to create an engaging 
experience alongside activities such as 
permanent busking stages, recording 

studios, and galleries. This meandering 
feel would encourage people to take their 
time passing through the street and create 
pockets of areas for artists to create and 
display their artwork. 

VARIES PEDESTRIAN
9’ - 0”

SIDEWALK
12’ - 0”

SIDEWALK

60’ - 0”
R.O.W

SW YAMHILL

1/8” = 1’

ART STREET
N



81

Student Design Proposals

1”=50’
WATERFRONT N



82

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

SW Oak Street would lead to a boating 
and swimming facility on the river, 
increasing residents’ interactions with 
the Willamette. SW Yamhill Street would 
culminate at a waterfront amphitheater 
where performances could take place for 

free, bringing activity to the waterfront 
day and night. Both new developments 
would be bordered by two new buildings 
which could be programmed as restaurant 
or café space, or as support functions, 
such as boat rental for the dock.

waterfront amphitheater



83

Student Design Proposals

boating + swimming



84

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

skate park

martial arts 
studio

dance studio

picnic park

yoga plaza

rock climbing

playground + 
tennis courts non-motorized 

boating +  
swimming

powell’s books

“rec” street
OAK

dog park + 
pickleball

outdoor market

portland 
outdoor store

pioneer courthouse 
square

busking 
stage

gallery art studio + 
classes

waterfront am-
phitheater

mural

craft market 
plaza

“arts” street
YAMHILL

the great     
light way

pavement 
design

projection 
plaza

co-op recording 
studiomural



85

Student Design Proposals

By creating spaces for engagement with 
arts and outdoor recreation in downtown 
Portland’s public spaces, the designers 
hope to attract investment in new housing 
projects downtown. Free public activities 
could foster community and engagement 

within the city’s center, allowing all people 
to participate and engage with each other 
and the city. In addition, this proposal 
aims to bring people and activity to the 
waterfront park to improve downtown’s 
connection to the Willamette.

a day in the life: REC 

8:00 AM: BOARDWALK 10:00 AM: ROCK CLIMBING 11:00 AM: DOCK

a day in the life: ART

12:00 PM: CAFE 2:00 PM: GALLERY 6:00 PM: CONCERT

community resourcespedestrian focus all ages all abilities free activities

equity





87

Proposal 5
Thalia Keirstead and Sergey Tkachenko

19'-6"
GREEN STREET

31'-0"
GREEN STREET

10'-6"
MAX

61'-0"
R.O.W.

SW MORRISON, BTWN 2nd & 3rd, LOOKING WEST
Scale: 1/8” = 1’-0”

Scale: 1/4” = 1’-0”
9’ 15’ 10’10’ 6’ 9’ 15’ 10’10’ 6’

Ankeny Street Sections

80'-0"
R.O.W.

SW 4TH, BTWN SW PINE & SW OAK, LOOKING NORTH
Scale: 1/8” = 1’-0”

Typical Commercial Street

PDX Green Loop

Proposed Eco Corridor

Proposed Commercial Corridor

Existing Anchor

Proposed Anchor

Traffic Into the City

Park Programs

Powell’s

Big Pink

Shopping

Civic + Parks

Salmon Street Springs

Saturday Markets

The Towers

Forest Clearings

Winter Plaza

Morrison Bridge

Hawthorn Bridge

Burnside Bridge

eH
ig

h
Density Residential

Medium Density Residential

Med Density Residential

24 - 365
City



88

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

This proposal aims to increase residential 
density within downtown Portland 
by introducing new housing projects 
toward the northeastern area of the 
site. Proposed pedestrian-centered 
eco-corridors would allow residents to 
walk safely through downtown streets 
while increasing their connections to the 
surrounding landscape. In addition, more 
tree coverage and greenery in general 
would improve urban air quality, reduce 

urban heat island effect, and provide 
food and habitat for local wildlife. While 
existing transit malls on SW 6th and 
SW 5th Avenues promote north-south 
circulation, the proposed eco-corridors 
would enhance downtown’s east-west 
circulation, bringing people toward 
the river and into downtown. Finally, 
proposed “anchors” would add waterfront 
attractions, contributing to the waterfront 
park’s active programs.

19'-6"
GREEN STREET

31'-0"
GREEN STREET

10'-6"
MAX

61'-0"
R.O.W.

SW MORRISON, BTWN 2nd & 3rd, LOOKING WEST
Scale: 1/8” = 1’-0”

Scale: 1/4” = 1’-0”
9’ 15’ 10’10’ 6’ 9’ 15’ 10’10’ 6’

Ankeny Street Sections

80'-0"
R.O.W.

SW 4TH, BTWN SW PINE & SW OAK, LOOKING NORTH
Scale: 1/8” = 1’-0”

Typical Commercial Street

PDX Green Loop

Proposed Eco Corridor

Proposed Commercial Corridor

Existing Anchor

Proposed Anchor

Traffic Into the City

Park Programs

Powell’s

Big Pink

Shopping

Civic + Parks

Salmon Street Springs

Saturday Markets

The Towers

Forest Clearings

Winter Plaza

Morrison Bridge

Hawthorn Bridge

Burnside Bridge

eH
ig

h
Density Residential

Medium Density Residential
Med Density Residential

24 - 365
City



89

A closer look at the design’s proposed 
eco-corridors shows residential balconies 
lining green streets alive with not only 
street trees but also vertical complexity; 
shrubs and grasses which contribute 
to habitat and food for pollinators and 
other wildlife. Bioswales and places for 
people to sit, eat, read, and connect with 

one another along these green streets 
would allow for a change of pace during a 
bustling downtown commute. Natural and 
locally sourced materials, such as wood 
and stone pavers, would enhance the 
natural qualities of the eco-corridors and 
create long-lasting pedestrian streets.

OVERALL ILLUSTRATIVE PLAN 
1” = 100’

N

SW
 N

AT
O

 S
T 

SW ANKENY ST 

SW OAK ST 

SW MORRISON ST 

SW
 4

TH
 S

T 

SW SALMON ST 

Student Design Proposals



90

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

Two proposed access points along the 
waterfront would allow people to touch 
the water, whether it be for swimming, 
boating, or just dipping one’s toes. One 
access point at the end of SW Oak Street 
would involve a gradual, natural descent 
toward the river’s edge, allowing riparian 
greenery to grow in lieu of the existing 
seawall, providing habitat, food, and 
shelter for aquatic life such as migrating 
salmon. A seasonal public beach would 
certainly draw people to the park in the 
summer, while a sculpture garden, sport 

courts, and a playground would provide 
waterfront activities year-round.

The other access point, at the end of SW 
Morrison Street, would boast warming 
huts in the wintertime, beer gardens year-
round, a central pavilion for gatherings, 
performances, or a café, and a stair that 
allows for waterfront seating in addition to 
its descent toward a waterside walkway. 
At the southern end of the park, an 
opera house would create a year-round 
attraction beside the Hawthorne Bridge.

OVERALL ILLUSTRATIVE PLAN 
1” = 100’

N

SW
 N

AT
O

 S
T 

SW ANKENY ST 

SW OAK ST 

SW MORRISON ST 

SW
 4

TH
 S

T 

SW SALMON ST 



91

Student Design Proposals

A network of docks and boardwalks would 
allow pedestrians to walk over the river, 
while also protecting swimmers from 
boats moving through the Willamette. 

Lilly-pad-inspired structures, accessible 
only along the boardwalks, would create 
places to hang out and engage with the 
water from another perspective.

HIGH RISE RESIDENTIAL TOWER
USER AMENITIES

LIVE/WORK BALANCE OPTION
2 FLOORS RETAIL & SHOPPING 

HIGH RISE RESIDENTIAL TOWER
USER AMENITIES

LIVE/WORK BALANCE OPTION
1 FLOOR RETAIL & SHOPPING 

MEDIUM RISE RESIDENTIAL DWELLING
USER AMENITIES

COMMERCIAL GROUND FLOOR

MEDIUM RISE RESIDENTIAL DWELLING
USER AMENITIES

COMMERCIAL GROUND FLOOR

MEDIUM RISE RESIDENTIAL DWELLING
GROUND FLOOR AMENITIES OPTION

LIVE/WORK BALANCE OPTION

REGIONAL PARKING GARAGE
COMMERCIAL ACTIVATED GROUND FLOOR

LIVE/WORK BALANCE OPTION

40’

20’

300’

300’

20’

160’

20’

20’

160’

80-100’

80’

COMMERCIAL MAP
1” = 200’

N

SW
 N

AT
O

 S
T 

SW ANKENY ST 

SW OAK ST 

SW MORRISON ST 

SW
 4

TH
 S

T 

SW SALMON ST 

2 STORY COMMERCIAL & SHOPPING

1 STORY COMMERCIAL

RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT MAP
1” = 200’

HIGH RISE RESIDENTIAL

MID RISE RESIDENTIAL

N

SW
 N

AT
O

 S
T 

SW ANKENY ST 

SW OAK ST 

SW MORRISON ST 

SW
 4

TH
 S

T 

SW SALMON ST 

A

B

A  HIGH RISE RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL
B MID RISE RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL
C  MID RISE RESIDENTIAL 
D PARKING GARAGE
E  REGIONAL SCHOOL

C

D

E



92

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

By introducing new housing and a 
commercial corridor along SW 4th Avenue, 
downtown’s residential and visiting 
populations could increase significantly. 
The commercial corridor along SW 4th 
Avenue would host smaller vendors than 
those among existing commercial spaces 
along SW Yamhill and Morrison Streets. 
SW 4th Avenue would host vendors in 
shipping-container shops, allowing for a 
wider range of salespeople and products 
to grow business in downtown Portland. 
Craftspeople and artists could rent 
said spaces, displaying and supporting 
Portland’s rich industrial and arts scene.

New housing projects would range from 
mid-size to higher density buildings, 
allowing for a variety of unit types, prices, 
and neighborhood characters within 
Downtown. Mid-rise buildings along 
SW Oak Street would create a smaller 
neighborhood feel along the eco-corridor, 
while allowing sunlight to reach the street 
and trees to grow taller and wider. The 
high-rise buildings along the waterfront 
park would create a stronger presence 
at the Morrison bridgehead, announcing 
one’s arrival to downtown Portland as 
people arrive through the bridge. A similar 
approach is proposed along the southern 
edge of W Burnside Street.



93

Proposal 6: Willamette Ways
Andy Kreiter, Adel Makboul, and Emma Paget

Student Design Proposals

W i l l a m e t t e  W a y s
Designed by: Andy Kreiter, Emma Paget and Adel Makboul

�����������

������������

����������

�

�

�

�

�

�

�



������
	����
������������
������������

�����
������������

�����
����������
�����
������
	��
�

������������������������
���
��
��

��
��
��
��
��

�
	�
��

��
��
�


��
��
��
��
�

��
���

�
	�
��

�
���
��


�
�

��
�

�

�
��
���

��
��

�
�

�
���


�
��
��
��
���

�

?
?

?

��������������������

�����������
�������������

�
������
����������

�����������
��������

������������������������

���������

���������


�������
�	������

������������

����������������������

�������������

���������������


���������

���������������

����������

������������

�����������

����
��������


������
������


�	�����
��������

��������������������������

���������������

����
���
����


	��������������



94

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

Initial assessment of the existing site led 
this group of designers to imagine how 
Portland’s Green Loop could be connected 
to the waterfront park through east-west 
connections along SW Oak Steet, SW 
Morrison Street, and SW Salmon Street. 
Using the themes of food, water, and art, 

these three streets would contribute to 
more programming throughout downtown 
and the park. Lastly, the addition of 
housing on all existing surface parking 
lots within the site would contribute to the 
city’s downtown residential population by 
3,000 new units across eight buildings. 

������� ���������� ���������������� ���������� ���������������

���������������

��
��

�
��

��
�
�
��
�

������� ���������� ���������������� ���������� ���������������

��
��
��

�
�
�
��
�

������� ���������� ���������������� ���������� ���������������

��
��
��

��
�

Oak Street

Salmon Street

Morrison Street



95

Student Design Proposals

These improved streets would include 
new benches, bike racks, more greenery, 
and street lighting that would double as 
a wayfinding feature. SW Morrison Street 

would include a swimming pool at the 
waterfront park, allowing people to enjoy 
the river’s water in a safe environment. 

������� ���������� ���������������� ���������� ���������������

���������������

��
��

�
��

��
�
�
��
�

������� ���������� ���������������� ���������� ���������������

��
��
��

�
�
�
��
�

������� ���������� ���������������� ���������� ���������������

��
��
��

��
�

Oak Street

Salmon Street

Morrison Street



96

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

SW Oak Street would be transformed 
into a woonerf between certain blocks, 
where pedestrians would be prioritized 
but motor vehicles could pass slowly as 
needed. Food carts, street vendors, and 
ample seating would make the street 
a great place to grab food, gather, and 
eat. Restaurants lining the street would 
have increased outdoor seating along the 
sidewalks. 

SW Morrison Street, as the water street, 
would include public Ashi-Yu – foot baths, 
allowing pedestrians to touch water 
blocks away from the river. SW Salmon 
Street would include sculptures as public 
art along the sidewalks. The buildings 
lining SW Salmon Street would include 
spaces for people to make and display art, 
further emphasizing the art theme along 
this street. 

��
��
��

��
�

���������������

�������

�������

���

�������

���

�������
�	����� ����� 
�	���������������� �����������
���������

������

������ ����������� ������������������ ������ ���������������


�	�����

B
A
T
H
R
O
O
M��

��
��

�
��
�
��

�
��
�

�������
����

�������
����

��������������� ��������� �������� ����
����������

��
	���

����������� ���������������������
�������

������ ����������� ������������������ ������ ���������������

165’ - 0”

����������
����

�������
����

�������
����

������������ ����������� ����������� 
������������������
�������

���������������



	��� 

	����	��� 

	���

	�����	��� 
�	��� �	����	����	���

��
��

�
��

��
�
�
��
�

��
��
��

�
�
�
��
�

���������������

�������

�
�����
����

�
�����
����

�������
���	�
� ���������

������ ����������� ������������������ ������ ���������������

�����
����� �����
�����
����������

������

Section @ Oak St & Naito Pkwy

Section @ Morrison Bridge & Naito Pkwy

Section @ Morrison St & Naito Pkwy

Section @ Salmon St & Naito Pkwy

Hawthorne Bridge

Morrison Bridge

SW Madison St

SW Jefferson St

SW Salmon St

SW Main St

SW Taylor St

SW Yamhill St

SW Morrison St

SW Alder St

SW Washington St

SW Harvey Milk 

SW Oak St

SW Pine St

SW Ash St

SW Ank
eny 

SW Cou
ch S

t

SW
 N

ai
to
 P

kw
y

SW
 1s

t A
ve

Burn
side 

Bridg
e

SW
 N

ai
to
 

SW
 1st Ave



97

Student Design Proposals

At the waterfront park, the themes of 
these three improved streets would 
culminate with riverside attractions such 
as a community center, seating-steps 

descending toward the riverside, food 
carts under the bridge, a swimming area, 
and a sculpture park. 

��� �� � � � � � � � � �

� � � ��� � � �

� � � � � � � � �
���� � � � � � � � � � � � �

� � � � � � � � � � 
 � � � 
 �

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

 � �� � � � � 
�
 � � �

� � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � 
 � � �



98

Spring 2023 Portland Downtown Waterfront Development: Urban Design Proposals

As for the sustainability of the redesign 
scheme, the new street furnishings would 
be made of reclaimed wood. Bioswales 
could increase the city’s stormwater 
management infrastructure while adding 
greenery and slowing traffic. Increased 

access to public transportation would 
decrease individually owned motor 
vehicle traffic and improve the pedestrian 
experience. Solar powered street lighting 
would create safer streets using only 
renewable energy.



99

While each group took a unique 
approach in their redesign schemes for 
the downtown Portland area, there are 
a few recurring themes across the six 
different proposals. All groups included 
new housing projects to increase 
downtown Portland’s residential capacity, 
pedestrian-centered streets, and areas for 
gathering at the waterfront park.

Among all groups, a critique of the existing 
conditions at the waterfront park was a 
lack of programming, such as activities 
to do at the waterfront, especially in the 
non-summer months. Another common 
critique was the lack of water access at the 
Willamette; while pedestrians can walk 
along the riverfront in Tom McCall Park, 
there is no opportunity for people to touch 
the water due to the height of the sea 
wall and its design. Many of the students’ 
designs included opportunities for 
swimming, or at least walking down to the 
water’s edge. A few groups recommended 
removing the sea wall entirely, allowing 
for naturalization of the riverbank, which 
would improve ecological conditions for 
aquatic plants and wildlife. Some groups 

Conclusion

designed ways for people to interact 
with the natural ecology or other water 
features throughout downtown streets, 
not only at the riverfront.

Beyond the waterfront park, the students’ 
proposals included design schemes that 
would introduce a hierarchy, or some 
kind of change in pace, among Portland’s 
even city block grid. Many groups chose 
to emphasize Portland’s existing food 
and arts scenes, using these as themes 
for economic and cultural growth within 
downtown. Multiple redesign proposals 
chose to emphasize these themes along 
specific streets, creating a hierarchy within 
Portland’s existing grid. Other groups 
created a hierarchy within downtown 
blocks by introducing green streets, which 
included more vegetation, tree cover, 
pedestrian space, and bike lanes.

Overall, an increase in housing 
opportunities across varied price ranges 
and unit sizes, pedestrian-centered street 
design, and free, public programming at 
the waterfront park were common to all 
student proposals.