Update: Portland Design Commission Unanimously Accepts Revised Master Plan for the Lloyd Center Mall

"A mind numbing amount of thought has gone into this on the part of the PPD, our bureaus, and the applicant. The transformation of the area from a less than penetrable megablock to an area with permeability represents significant urban planning progress, with potential for thousands of new housing units in the redeveloped space."

"My real concern is that there's no real catalyst for anything associated with this. While plans include a music venue, the master plan does not necessarily lead to a robust commercial district in the area, raising questions about retail, tourism, and entertainment viability."

"How much Portland needs affordable and accessible public space. Lloyd Center functions as an important third place—a destination beyond home or work—and people valued the mall as a public asset to the community, though the challenge remains that it is privately owned and operated."

The Portland Design Commission unanimously accepted the Revised Primary Master Plan for Lloyd Center Mall on March 5, marking progress on the redevelopment initiative. The commission's approval focused on zoning code compliance, including infrastructure capacity and transportation considerations rather than building demolition or specific development approvals. Portland Permitting and Development's report addressed fire access, ADA requirements, and sewer connection maintenance during demolition. Commission members praised the plan's potential to transform the area from an impenetrable megablock into a permeable district with thousands of potential housing units. However, some members expressed concerns about attracting retail, tourism, and entertainment without a clear commercial catalyst. The discussion highlighted Lloyd Center's importance as a community gathering space and the challenge of maintaining public accessibility in a privately owned development.

Read at Portland Mercury