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Council adopts concept plan for Federal Street Plaza and extends ad hoc committee through completion
Summary
The Dalles City Council accepted a site plan for a downtown plaza at Second and Federal streets, endorsed continued fundraising and design work, and adopted Resolution 25-018 to extend the Federal Street Plaza ad hoc committee through project completion.
The Dalles City Council voted to accept the recommended site plan for the Federal Street Plaza and to direct the city manager to move the project forward. The council also adopted Resolution 25-018, extending the Federal Street Plaza ad hoc committee through project completion.
City Manager Matthew Cleves and a city-appointed Federal Street ad hoc committee presented a concept design developed with consultant Walker Macy. The recommended plan blends two finalist design themes and includes a shaded “living room” plaza near the Lewis and Clark Festival Park, terrace seating with fabric canopies, porch swings, basalt-inspired seating, a splash/spray fountain, and a Columbia Gorge bike-hub adjacent to the transportation building. The plan envisions new bulb-outs on Second Street and connections to First Street and the Riverfront Trail.
Staff reported a preliminary direct construction cost estimate of $4.9 million, and presented potential funding sources the committee and staff are pursuing: $1 million from Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, $150,000 from Travel Oregon, $150,000 from the Urban Renewal Agency, $100,000 in sponsorship from Google, $30,000 expected from Union Pacific, and $5,000 from Wasco County Parks and Rec.
Several committee members and downtown business owners spoke in support at the meeting, describing extensive public engagement including an open house and surveys. Committee volunteer Bet Stelzer told the council the community participated in design choices and urged approval, saying the plaza could reduce the downtown’s draw to other cities. Councilors, the mayor and staff praised the volunteer committee and the design process.
Councilor Ben Ring moved to accept the site plan and extend the ad hoc committee; Councilor Runyon seconded. Council approved the motion by voice vote; the motion carried.
