Oregon City Downtown: Progress & Possibilities

Event Overview

The Oregon City Business Alliance hosted its July forum with a focus on downtown Oregon City’s growth, challenges, and opportunities following the County Courthouse’s transition to Red Soils. The forum highlighted how community events, private development, and public projects are reshaping the district.

Speakers shared updates on economic vitality, new projects, and future development plans that aim to strengthen Oregon City’s downtown as a hub for business, culture, and community.

Speakers

• Juliana Allen – Executive Director, Downtown Oregon City Association (DOCA)
• Ben James – Financial Advisor, President & Founder, Elevate Wealth Advisors
• Seth Henderson – Cofounder & Partner, Level Development NW

Key Takeaways

1. Downtown Activity is Rising
   • The relocation of the courthouse has improved parking availability and increased elevator ridership by 2,000+ in May and June compared to last year.
   • Most businesses are adapting well, with some benefiting from better access and others adjusting after losing juror traffic.
2. Community Events Drive Economic Growth
   • The First City Celebration is a major downtown festival with vendors, music, and family activities, attracting thousands of visitors.
   • Events like this support local businesses and build momentum for future projects.
3. Revitalization Through Development Projects
   • Ben James’s Elevate Plaza Brick Campaign is transforming the courtyard at the top of the elevator into “Oregon City’s Balcony.”
   • Over 1,000 commemorative bricks have already been sold, with a ribbon-cutting planned for September.
4. Courthouse Redevelopment is Underway
   • Seth Henderson’s team at Level Development NW is leading the redevelopment of the historic Main Street Courthouse site.
   • The project will include mixed-use housing, retail, structured parking, and an expanded Liberty Plaza, targeting completion by 2028.
5. Public-Private Partnerships are Essential
   • Collaboration between business owners, developers, city staff, and community members has been critical in moving projects forward.
   • The emphasis is on creating accessible, pedestrian-friendly spaces that enhance downtown vitality.

Key Topics & Speaker Highlights

Juliana Allen – Downtown Oregon City Association

• Reported on DOCA’s four focus pillars: design, economic vitality, promotion, and organization.
• Noted downtown challenges: courthouse transition, parking, and houselessness.
• Highlighted data showing increased elevator ridership after the courthouse moved.
• Shared updates on lighting projects: Well Lit Trees Campaign and Alleyway Illuminations art installation.
• Stressed partnerships with OCPD and nonprofits to address houselessness compassionately.

Ben James – Elevate Wealth Advisors

• Shared the history of the quirky elevator-top property and its transformation into Elevate Plaza.
• Introduced the Brick Campaign with 4,500 potential bricks—already 1,000 sold.
• Emphasized the vision of retail and gathering spaces to capture tourist traffic at the elevator.
• Scheduled ribbon-cutting with community festivities for September 13, 2025.

Seth Henderson – Level Development NW

• Provided a detailed update on the courthouse redevelopment process.
• Proposal accepted after broad community and business support, emphasizing no public funding required.
• Plans include structured parking, mixed-use housing (focused on studios and 1-bedrooms), and expanded Liberty Plaza.
• Project timeline: demo/abatement 2026–27; construction completion target 2028.
• Goal: ensure new development drives economic vitality without displacing downtown businesses.

Expanded Q&A

Q1: How financially feasible is the courthouse project given rising costs?

• Seth Henderson: Current cost estimates (~$27M) come from contractor input. While tariffs and interest rates could shift, the development team has secured financing capacity and experience raising similar capital for past projects.

Q2: What is the current downtown occupancy rate?

• Juliana Allen: Very few vacancies remain; most inquiries come from businesses eager to locate downtown.

Q3: What about the elevator’s seismic safety?

• Ben James: Geotechnical analysis shows the elevator sits on granite, suggesting stability.

Q4: What is the estimated cost of the Alleyway Illuminations project?

• Juliana Allen: Approximately $75,000, with funding still being sought.

Q5: Why will Liberty Plaza be city-owned instead of privately held?

• Seth Henderson: It was required by the RFP. Public ownership ensures long-term community use, maintenance, and trust.

Conclusion

The July forum spotlighted Oregon City’s downtown as a place of momentum, creativity, and resilience. From DOCA’s community-driven events and beautification projects, to Elevate Plaza’s innovative brick campaign, to the ambitious courthouse redevelopment led by Level Development NW, the message was clear: downtown Oregon City is evolving into a more vibrant and accessible center for business and community life.

The forum underscored the importance of collaboration between nonprofits, local entrepreneurs, developers, and city leaders in shaping the district’s future. With new energy, strategic investments, and strong community engagement, Oregon City’s downtown is positioned for growth that honors its history while building for the future.