Portland's Unrealized Eastern Waterfront Plans Gain New Momentum

Portland is picking up momentum on fitful long-term planning efforts along the east bank of the Willamette River.

1 minute read

June 25, 2015, 2:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


According to Andrew Theen, "for the first time in a dozen years [Portland] is moving forward with plans to improve the waterfront, including developing a public beach." The momentum is "part of an overall plan to map the future of the Central Eastside." 

"City planners…say the river has never been cleaner, thanks to the $1.4 billion Big Pipe project finished in 2011 to divert sewer overflows. That, they said, has been a game-changer for public perceptions. They also say the new Tilikum Crossing bridge and a new light-rail station make the area ripe for development."

Theen describes the current plans as less ambitious than an unrealized 1994 plan for a waterfront park including a restaurant, public market, and amphitheater.

The article provides a lot of context on the area, including past planning efforts and the years of local action that has led to the current moment. In 2015, the city is working on a plan for the Central Eastside focused on welcoming new jobs, especially in the information economy.  

Thursday, June 25, 2015 in The Oregonian

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

5 hours ago - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

6 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

7 hours ago - Cities Today