By Jules Rogers
Business Tribune
Publication date: December 8, 2021
Plans to redevelop the OMSI District to be submitted to City of Portland for review
An ongoing vision since 2008, the OMSI District redevelopment team has updated its plans for submission to the city to redevelop 3 million square feet of land. The project is intended to be a growth driver and financial source for OMSI, in addition to expanding its educational programming with partners for diverse audiences.
The OMSI district project includes mixed-use buildings and outdoor spaces that covers 10 city blocks, and the plan outlines riverfront parks, restaurants, retail and affordable housing. The vibrant neighborhood plans are intended to be a destination for culture, science, innovation, the arts, climate action and learning.
Project officials told the Business Tribune that while Portland works to clean up downtown and attract visitors, the vision for OMSI is a bright spot in the future that will help revitalize the central Eastside riverfront.
City officials, local businesses and Indigenous communities have been involved in the project.
The waterfront education park proposal was created in collaboration with Tribal governments and Indigenous communities. It will be the first in Portland to restore the Indigenous community’s presence on the Willamette River, featuring plazas, public green spaces, interactive outdoor science programming and interpretation that affirms, sustains and shares Indigenous ecological knowledge with a cultural connection to the river.
The public green spaces will feature learning and technology installations, as well as a restored riverfront habitat.
Plans also include up to 1,200 units of housing, with a minimum of 20% of the units for low-income families.
OMSI officials said they plan to submit the updated master plan vision for the District to the city for approval during the first week of December.
Learn more about the project at omsi.edu/property.
