05/02/2017 - More Improvements Coming to Downtown Tigard . City of Tigard
Press Release
13125 SW Hall Boulevard Tigard, Oregon 97223 www.tigard-or.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 2, 2017
Contact:
Sean Farrelly
Redevelopment Project Manger
City of Tigard
503-718-2420
Sean@tigard-or.gov
More Improvements Coming to Downtown Tigard
In 2006,Tigard voters approved the City Center Urban Renewal Plan that started the revitalization effort
of downtown Tigard. Halfway through the 20-year implementation of the plan, downtown Tigard has seen
notable changes including street and sidewalk improvements,new mixed-use development and new
downtown business investment.
The City Center Development Agency (CCDA) started the Urban Renewal Improvement Program in 2009
with the goal of encouraging property and business owners to make exterior upgrades,leading to an
improved and walkable downtown businesses district. The programs were instrumental in attracting two
catalyst businesses to Main Street: Symposium Coffee and Jeffrey Allen Gallery. Since 2009, 20 grant-
funded projects have been completed.
"My customers'regularly comment about how much they like the new Main Street improvements," said
Sherrie Devaney, owner of Sherrze'r Jeavelry Box and recipient of a 2012 Facade Improvement Matching Grant. "They also
love the upgrades to my storefront,which I did with the help of Tigard's urban renewal agency."
Last month, the City of Tigard's urban renewal agency,the CCDA,preliminarily awarded program
matching grants to four properties in the City Center Urban Renewal Area: Tigard Cleaners, Kepler's
Upholstery,Arellano's Market and 12551 SW Main St. (formerly Tigard Cycle and Ski).
The Urban Renewal Improvement Programs Committee reviewed 11 applications for funding and selected
the successful awardees based on the following criteria:
• The potential for positive impact on walkability
• The potential for the project to improve the Downtown as a business district
• Maximizing private investment (ratio of public funds to private funds)
All told, four properties received a total of$34,000 in matching funds for improvements to the frontage of
commercial buildings,including paint, signage,lighting, cornices, canopies and awnings.
The grants provide up to a 50 percent funding match. However, these grants have leveraged approximately
$4 in private investment for every$1 in grant funds.
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"This grant program illustrates how a successful public/private partnership is helping to transform
downtown Tigard into a desirable place to develop, live,work and play," said Tigard Mayor John Cook.
One of the recipients, the site at 12551 SW Main St.,has been shuttered and in disrepair since a 2015 fire.
The new owner has plans for extensive remodeling. The new grant is expected to improve the building's
front exterior facing Main Street.
For more information on the programs www.tigard-or.gov/city hall/urban renewal.php
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