Portland Transit Station to Get Multi-Modal Mixed-Use Overhaul

Jonathan Maus reports on a project in planning in Portland, Oregon that would transform the area around the Hollywood Transit Center into a mixed-use, transit-oriented development in a partnership with TriMet and a local nonprofit affordable housing developer. 

"Dubbed 'HollywoodHub' the project’s first phase would build 110-120 housing units and ground floor retail on what is now a bus loop and platform adjacent to I-84 and the MAX light rail station on Northeast Hasley Street and 42nd Avenue," according to Maus. 

HollywoodHub project planners describe the multi-modal benefits of the project, which aims to connect bus, bike, MAX, and other transit center users. 

"Concept drawings show a stair/ramp combo design similar to Pioneer Square downtown that has eight switchbacks," according to Maus. "There are also plans to work with the Portland Bureau of Transportation to make changes on Halsey and 42nd. The website specifically calls out 'safety improvements' and 'pedestrian and bike access improvements.'" According to both Maus and a local expert with knowledge of both the project, and the existing condition of the station, the project is expected to significantly improve pedestrian and bike connections to the station, in addition to the housing and retail uses created by the project.