11/13/1987 - Vision for Downtown Tigard PRESS RELEASE 11/13/87
In May of this year the Tigard City Council appointed a seven member Central
City Planning Committee to develop a plan for the revitalization of the
downtown area. In the six months since formation the Committee has
successfully completed several key tasks. These have included: defining the
boundaries of the study area, identifying and assessing physical and
geographical limitations and opportunities, and reviewing existing zoning
regulations and developing new interim zoning standards. It also has spent
considerable time studying urban design issues and concerns as well as needs
and priorities for public improvements.
The final plan is still several months away from completion. In the interim,
to guide its work and to stimulate public discussion, the committee has
prepared a Vision statement that describes the aspiration of its planning
effort. The Vision distills into a few paragraphs the Committee's long term
goals for the future of the downtown. More specific policy and implementation
proposals within the context of the Vision will be developed in the months
ahead.
As its next step, the Committee is interested in proceeding with a complete
and objective analysis of the development potential of the downtown area using
the services of a professional marketing consultant. As market forces largely
will shape the development of downtown, the Committee views the study as a
major component of the overall effort to develop a detailed plan and strategy
to re—energize Tigard' s central area.
The committee is very interested in community views regarding its Vision and
the proposed market study. To help it gain a better understanding of the full
range of views, the Committee welcomes and solicits comments and suggestions.
They may be sent to: City Center Plan Task Force, Box 23397, Tigard, Or 9722.3.
Press inquiries regarding the vision statement and proposed market study are
directed to: Stuart Cohen, Chairman, (work) 222-5510, (home) 639-4795. R.
Michael Marr, Vice—Chairman, (work) 639-1656, (home) 620-2372.
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CITY CENTER PLAN TASK FORCE
VISION FOR' DOWNTOWN TIGARD
The Vision for downtown Tigard is a living and growing downtown, with a
special character and identity. The major unifying feature is the image of a
"City in the Park. " This image has as its centerpiece Fanno Creek Park, a
large publicly owned area of land dedicated to public use and enjoyment in the
heart of the City. Contributing to the image are fingers of green extending
throughout the downtown in the form of leafy trees overhanging streets, richly
planted pedestrianways, greenway entrance points, and the region' s only tea
test garden. This clear and compelling image shows the value that Tigard's
citizens give to quality of life.
As attractive as this image is, the Vision recognizes that it is the people
who make the town. To this end, the Vision foresees a multitude of people
drawn to the downtown not only by an appealing environment, but by available
governmental, social, financial, and professional services, and above all by a
strong retail core, with many unique, one—of—a—kind businesses. Other
elements that make the downtown alive and contribute to an ample nightlife,
such as restaurants, street vendors, movie theaters, and facilities for
performing arts events are an important part of the Vision. Close—in housing
and a high—quality hotel assist the central area economy.
To facilitate economic revival, the Vision foresees improved access to
downtown from many directions and, within the area, a grid system of streets
to increase frontage sites and improve traffic circulation. Seen also are
several small parking lots set interior to the block to minimize the visual
impact on downtown and to disperse the parking to serve the most businesses.
As a primary circulation system that connects activities throughout the
downtown, the Vision foresees a network of pedestrianways leading to the back
entrances of buildings.
Integral to the Vision its the belief- that the past is worth preserving.
Accordingly, the Vision foresees the preservation and restoration of the
downtown's few remaining buildings of historical significance. These
contribute to preserving our memory of the origin of the City. Co—existing
with historical buildings are attractive newer buildings set flush with the
street to create a sense of enclosure and place. To delineate the downtown
area, the Vision foresees clearly defined edges and entrance points.
We believe this Vision statement describes a City Center, with its own
individuality, that is livable and worth being in.
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CITY CENTER STUDY AREA
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