Publication date: September 5, 2024
One of three mega-projects set to reshape Portland took a major step forward when the City Council unanimously approved a $15.4 million investment in the OMSI District in the Central Eastside on Sept. 4.
The funding will realign Southwest Water Avenue and lay the groundwork for a project that includes 24 acres of transit-oriented, mixed-use developments — including 1,200 new market rate and affordable housing units — a new waterfront education park, and the restoration of Tribal presence on the Willamette River through the creation of a Center for Tribal Nations and the waterfront education park.
“This investment by the City Council is a pivotal step in bringing the OMSI District vision to life,” Erin Graham, president and CEO of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, said after the vote. “The city’s support, along with our partnerships with Tribal, local and regional entities, ensures that we are on track to create a hub of innovation and community connection that will benefit all Portlanders. We are excited to move forward and begin paving the way for a one-of-a-kind destination for learning, culture and sustainability.”
The city of Portland has partnered with OMSI for more than a decade to develop the vision for the OMSI District, including planning for this investment. In 2019, Mayor Ted Wheeler identified the OMSI District as a key priority and assigned Prosper Portland, the city’s economic and urban development agency, as the lead bureau for the project. The Prosper Portland Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Aug. 28 to bring it forward to the City Council.