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Council acknowledges Heritage Square concept designs and affirms intent to create public park space
Summary
City consultants showed a preferred concept for Heritage Square that mixes flexible event hardscape, gardens, a covered pavilion and programmable lighting; council acknowledged the concepts and voted to commit to a park/public space at the site.
Consultant First 40 Feet presented a final concept plan for Heritage Square and a cost-range estimate; after public comment and council discussion the council acknowledged the three concept designs and separately adopted a council commitment to create a park/public space in Heritage Square.
First 40 Feet described a design that balances open hardscape for events with garden buffers, a covered pavilion on Duane Street, flexible seating, public-art opportunities on the American Legion wall, and programmable space for the Sunday Market. The team said public input favored a flexible hardscape (option 1) but showed support across options; they presented a cost estimate range of about $2.6 million to $4.7 million at a conceptual level and an allowance for ongoing maintenance. Consultant Gabriel Cruz (OTEC) said the estimate range reflects remaining design decisions about materials, shelter and lighting; ongoing maintenance and lighting-control technology carried additional annual or monthly allowances. The team included an additive option for a Portland Loo (public restroom) and space allocated for future amenities.
Park staff noted that the design retains the current number of parking stalls in the immediate footprint while relocating stalls; councilors raised questions about parking trade-offs, maintenance costs, funding strategy, solar on a pavilion roof and the project’s status relative to brownfield remediation and an EPA “no further action” process. Friends of Heritage Square and other public commenters said they seek a sustainable funding and operations model and urged a comprehensive business plan to support maintenance and programming.
Councilor Adams moved that the council acknowledge the three concept designs presented by First 40 Feet; Councilor Lump seconded and the motion carried. Councilor Davis then moved that the council commit to creating a park and public space at Heritage Square; Councilor Adams seconded and the council adopted that commitment by voice vote. Staff said the EPA grant application for remediation had been submitted and that additional design and funding work would be needed prior to construction.
