University District Coalition Vision Report. January 26, 2005 DRAFT FOR COMMENT

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3 University District Coalition Vision Report January 26, 2005 DRAFT FOR COMMENT

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5 Table of Contents Introduction...1 Background...3 University District Coalition Neighborhoods...5 Vision Statement...7 Vision Principles and Objectives...9 Recommendations...19 Next Steps...21 Appendices...23 Appendix A. University District Coalition Project Timeline and Outreach Schedule...23 Appendix B. Previous Planning Efforts...25 Appendix C. History of the University District Coalition Study Area...29

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7 University District Coalition Steering Committee Burt Ewart, University District Coalition Chair, Portland State University, Manager of Campus Design and Planning William Danneman, Corbett-Terwilliger-Lair Hill Neighborhood Association Transportation and Parking Committee Chair Jim Davis, Chair, Corbett-Terwilliger-Lair Hill Neighborhood Association Land Use Committee Chair Janet Kelly, Corbett-Terwilliger-Lair Hill Neighborhood Association President Bernice B. Johnston, American Plaza Condominium Association Susan Roberts, American Plaza Condominium Association Don Stastny, American Plaza Condominium Association Julie Leuvrey, Co-President, Oregon Pacific Capital Management Corporation Tracy Capellen, Oregon Pacific Capital Management Corporation Justin Myers, Student, Portland State University Nohad Toulan, Dean, College of Urban and Public Affairs, Portland State University Lisa Abuaf, Graduate Research Assistant, Master of Urban and Regional Planning, Portland State University Jennifer Mannhard, Graduate Research Assistant, Master of Urban and Regional Planning, Portland State University

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9 Introduction Introduction As a central city university facing growth in the 21st century economy with reduced state and federal funding and increasing student enrollment the expansion of Portland State University facilities is an important step towards the stability of the university and the economy of Oregon. Geographically and financially constrained, Portland State University (PSU) must cultivate the resources necessary to develop additional housing, amenities, and research facilities through innovative partnerships with adjacent neighborhoods, city agencies, and private investors. In order to accommodate this growth in a planned and responsible manner, Portland State University initiated the University District Coalition in September The Coalition is comprised of representatives of the university and the Corbett-Terwilliger-Lair Hill and Downtown Neighborhood Associations. Involving individuals from South Auditorium and Lair Hill, neighborhood subareas adjacent to the University District, the Coalition examined the potential of a more inclusive planning approach for mutual benefit. Through community workshops, the name University District Coalition was selected, a steering committee was convened, and the boundaries of a study area were determined. Based on analysis of the study area and community outreach, the University District Coalition has authored a vision for the area that encompasses the greater part of Lair Hill, South Auditorium, and Portland State University. The University District Coalition study area straddles I-405 Freeway and is generally bounded by SW Market Street on the north, SW Abernathy on the south, I-405 and Terwilliger Boulevard Parkway on the west, and the I-5 freeway on the east. University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT 1

10 Introduction The purpose of the University District Coalition Vision Report is to: Guide orderly integration of university functions within the area Redefine the boundaries of the current University District Nurture synergy between the neighborhoods Strengthen the connections among the neighborhoods Enhance the positive aspects of each area Maintain the scale and character of each neighborhood The University District Vision Report describes the impetus of the project, lays out a vision for the future, and provides principles for future development. The report provides the basis for an ongoing planning process for the Coalition area. The first step in this process is to expand the University District plan district. This plan district is the mechanism by which the neighborhood associations together with PSU can mold a comprehensive planning approach to the entire area s unique resources, opportunities, and constraints. 2 University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT

11 A Growing University Background to the University District Coalition Vision Report A Growing University The University District was created in 1995 by Portland State University in cooperation with the City of Portland, the Association for Portland Progress (now the Portland Business Alliance), and community and neighborhood associations. The purpose of the University District Plan was to foster the development of an academic neighborhood within the downtown area and to make the University District a vibrant neighborhood intertwined with the fabric of the City. As with the city s other Plan Districts, the University District is an overlay that addresses the area s unique economic and land use concerns that are not adequately addressed through more general zoning mechanisms. Plan Districts are established through an area planning study and are codified in Portland s Title 33 Planning and Zoning Code. While many of the goals of the 1995 plan have been realized, much has changed since its adoption, and new and unique challenges now confront the university. Over the past nine years, Portland State University has experienced the greatest growth in its history. It has achieved national, regional, and local recognition for the quality of its students, faculty, and programs, while significantly increasing its enrollment and research revenue. Portland State University has become a critical asset to the economic development of the region through its increase in research and development activities and as one of the largest employers in downtown Portland. The university also sees tremendous opportunity to develop economic synergy through a research triangle that connects its resources and functions with that of Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) and the new South Waterfront development. In looking to the future, Portland State University has a desire to continue to enhance its growing prestige, serve its rapidly increasing Portland State University properties and current University District boundaries. University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT 3

12 A Growing University student population, and fulfill its charge as a research institution critical to the city s economy. In order to support this growth, the University s physical infrastructure will need to expand and accommodate new housing, retail, and research and development centers. As with other large institutions and downtown universities, the potential impacts of Portland State University s expansion are of interest and concern to its neighbors. In recognition of these concerns, Portland State University initiated the University District Coalition as a way to involve the surrounding communities in a comprehensive planning process that addresses both university and adjacent neighborhood change. Through participation in the Coalition, both PSU and nearby neighbors acknowledge the mutual benefits that can be attained by working together. While PSU offers unique amenities, resources, and services not otherwise available to a neighborhood, the surrounding community provides a distinct setting for students, faculty, and families to live and work. It is this synergy that the University District Coalition would like to nurture. Without the support of the surrounding communities, the university will confront certain conflict and be unable to fulfill its motto of Let Knowledge Serve the City. 120, ,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20, PSU Enrollment, Actual and Projected, Actual Enrollment Figures OUS Total (OUS Projection) PSU (PSU Enrollment Plan Projection) PSU (PSU Recent Growth Trend Projection) PSU (OUS projection) Projected Enrollment Figures PSU Enrollment, Research Funds, and Space Needs, Enrollment 23, (Projected) 2007 (Projected) 2009 (Projected) 2011 (Projected) 2013 (Projected) 24,000 25,500 27,000 28,500 30,000 Research $ $31 M $34 M $40 M 47 M $55 M $64 M Space Assignment: Ed/General 2.21M 2.26M 2.41M 2.63M 2.85M 3.73M Research 0.15M 0.19M 0.21M 0.21M 0.45M 0.45M Parking 1.05M 1.13M 1.63M 1.63M 1.67M 1.67M Housing 0.86M 1.02M 1.23M 1.23M 1.39M 1.39M Leased to 0.16M 0.18M 0.32M 0.38M 0.43M 0.43M Others Total GSF 4.43M 4.77M 5.80M 6.08M 6.79M 7.67M Source: Portland State University, 2004 Space Needs Assessment Committee Report 4 University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT

13 University District Coalition Neighborhoods The University District Coalition Neighborhoods The University District Coalition wishes to honor distinct neighborhood association boundaries as each of the neighborhoods has unique characteristics that should be maintained and enhanced. The University District as a plan district is an overlay of the existing neighborhood system. This system is codified through Portland s City Code and Charter, which defines neighborhood associations and authorizes the Office of Neighborhood Involvement. The existing University District plan district lies within the boundary of the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA). This has resulted in a close working relationship between PSU and DNA. The proposed expansion of the University District extends into the Lair Hill neighborhood and will be similarly subject to the interests of the CTLH Neighborhood Association. The neighborhood of Corbett-Terwilliger-Lair Hill (CTLH) is on the south side of Portland s I-405 loop. Developed in the late 1800s, the neighborhood contains one of Portland s oldest primarily residential districts, the South Portland Historic District, characterized by Victorian era single-family homes. Lair Hill, the portion of the CTLH neighborhood included in the University District Study Area, is characterized by historic single-family residences and, adjacent to the I-405 freeway, a combination of low-rise commercial buildings from the 1960s and 1970s and commercial and residential buildings from earlier eras. Neighborhood associations and district overlays, including the proposed University District expansion. University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT 5

14 University District Coalition Neighborhoods The South Auditorium neighborhood is Portland s first urban renewal area, created in 1960, and is largely characterized by the modernist concept of towers in the park and separation of uses. The neighborhood is within the Downtown Neighborhood Association and is a planned community of tall residential buildings and lower commercial structures built in the 1960s and 1970s. Its generous setbacks, mature trees and open space also define the area. In 1952, Portland State University relocated to its current site in an old high school building along the city s South Park Blocks. The university expanded from the park blocks, and today covers approximately 40 acres. The University District is characterized by buildings that are generally built up to the sidewalks, street activity, and a preponderance of Portland State University uses. The Portland State University campus is made up of two distinct areas. The traditional campus, with closed streets, wide pedestrian ways and abundant landscaping is located in the western portion of the district, while the eastern portion is more integrated into the surrounding downtown environment. The urban form of all three neighborhoods was impacted by the introduction of the I-405 freeway in the early 1960s, which divides Corbett-Terwilliger-Lair Hill from the University District and South Auditorium. The history of planning since the mid 20th century is, in many ways, mapped out in these three neighborhoods. Blending a historic residential neighborhood, a 1960s urban renewal development, and a University campus creates unique challenges and opportunities for the Portland State University District expansion. Each neighborhood has challenges unique to their history, layout, land use, and development. This collaboration allows partners to work towards individual interests while developing shared goals. The partnership hopes to create a united vision for the future and develop a means by which to overcome both shared and distinct obstacles. 6 University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT

15 Vision Statement Vision Statement The University District Coalition study area encompasses three distinct districts with diverse demographics, architectural styles, uses, zoning, and density. Contained within its boundaries are academic buildings and support facilities, small neighborhood businesses, large offices, research facilities, student housing, new and historic single family homes, and high-density, multi-family rental and owned residential units. Since 1995, Portland State University s facilities have grown to accommodate a larger student enrollment and increased research and development activity. In 2013, the campus will accommodate approximately 30,000 students with increased academic facilities and on-campus student housing. By 2015, PSU s research and development functions will be well established as an important means of economic development in Portland. A focused R&D area that is strategically located so as to integrate with adjacent offices and work in conjunction with OHSU s South Waterfront development plans and adjacent to downtown Portland will spur central city economic development. Two of Portland s prized attributes the South Park Blocks and Willamette River will be better connected by a path of open space threading from downtown, along the pedestrian passages of South Auditorium and the greenways bordering I-405, through Duniway Park and Lair Hill Park, and ending at South Waterfront s extensive greenway system, including the Willamette Greenway Trail. With a large portion of the neighborhood designated as the South Portland Historic District, the single family, low-density character of Lair Hill will continue to be preserved. By 2015, additional families will move to Lair Hill, attracted by the neighborhood s unique Functional Map for the expanded University District. The uses and concepts illustrated in the map indicate dominant uses and are not intended as block-by-block proposals. University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT 7

16 Vision Statement housing stock, historic parks, and educational facilities. Similarly, a local grocery store and other small retailers will revitalize the neighborhood s commercial streets. Lair Hill and Duniway Parks will be better connected to other downtown community and open spaces and, therefore, more accessible to neighborhood and downtown residents. Over the next ten years, the lowrise commercial areas adjacent to I-405 will increasingly be used for PSU research and development facilities and supporting offices. Changes to the west head of the Ross Island Bridge will introduce new development and may include sites for additional housing, retail, or employment opportunities. In 2005, the Portland Streetcar will be completed along SW Harrison. Future MAX development along SW Lincoln will continue to add to the neighborhood s multi-modal access. The residents of South Auditorium will be better served by a revitalized commercial and retail development at SW 1 st and Lincoln. The tree lined streets that characterize the 1960s towers in the park will play an important role in developing an open space system that connects the three neighborhoods together. With continued Coalition partnership efforts, site maintenance and defensible design will improve safety and security for all residents. This vision is predicated on the principles and objectives developed by the University District Coalition as part of a joint visioning process. The following eight principles comprise this Vision Report and are priority guidelines to planning for the expanded University District plan district. Vision Principles and Objectives. Principle 1: Neighborhood Preservation Principle 2: Enhance Neighborhood Connectivity Principle 3: Promote Neighborhood Services Principle 4: Promote Neighborhood Educational Services as Neighborhood Amenities Principle 5: Expand Cultural Amenities and Community Facilities Principle 6: Ensure Neighborhood Safety and Security Principle 7: Integrate New Development Principle 8: Cooperative and Supportive Participation Principle 9: Develop Unifying Urban Design Concepts 8 University District Coalition Vision Plan DRAFT

17 Vision Principles and Objectives Principle 1: Neighborhood Preservation All study area members shall respect, protect, and support the characteristics that are held as important to each neighborhood. Objectives 1.) Enhance and preserve Lair Hill s residential character. 2.) Ensure that the South Portland Historic District design guidelines direct new development and redevelopment to maintain and enhance the quality and significance of the district. 3.) Preserve affordable single-family and multifamily housing as well as neighborhood services to maintain current residents, especially elderly inhabitants, in Lair Hill. University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT 9

18 Vision Principles and Objectives Principle 2: Enhance Neighborhood Connectivity Enhance neighborhood connectivity to build common experiences while respecting the individuality of each neighborhood. Objectives: 1.) Connect the neighborhoods through pedestrian pathways, gateways, and blended boundaries that have a comfortable transition, but permit each neighborhood area to maintain its distinct traits and characteristics. 2.) Develop shared economic networks and commercial experiences. 3.) Systematize communication between neighborhoods by using institutions and services, such as neighborhood and university newsletter distribution and marketing of university events and activities. 4.) Develop transportation linkages between the neighborhoods through new transit systems, such as a streetcar extension or shuttle service. 10 University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT

19 Vision Principles and Objectives Principle 3. Promote Neighborhood Services Promote a mix of basic and amenity retail services conducive to a vibrant and cohesive neighborhood with good quality of life. Objectives: 1) Enhance the retail services throughout the study area with additional amenities; more specifically, A grocery store A full-service pharmacy More restaurants and other night-life amenities A hardware store 2) Encourage the development of locally owned businesses. 3) Maintain and improve access to existing retail establishments. 4) Integrate retail in new development in the area, including new Portland State University ventures. University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT 11

20 Vision Principles and Objectives Principle 4. Promote Neighborhood Educational Services as Neighborhood Amenities Develop neighborhood educational services to increase age and demographic diversity in the neighborhood, support the university s central academic role in the city, and enhance local learning opportunities. Objectives: 1) Foster the creation of new educational facilities within the area. 2) Promote new educational programs, enhance lifelong learning opportunities such as Elderhostel, and improve accessibility to these programs. 12 University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT

21 Vision Principles and Objectives Principle 5. Expand Cultural Amenities and Community Facilities Celebrate the neighborhood s cultural, community, and historic resources by protecting and expanding existing programs, assets, and facilities. Objectives: 1) Encourage access to existing, and identify new, cultural and community amenities that benefit the neighborhoods. This includes access to Portland State University facilities and activities whenever possible and existing open space, such as Lovejoy Fountain. 2) Support additional community facilities, such as playgrounds and neighborhood parks, to provide centers for community and cultural activities. 3) Develop better connections between PSU s arts programs and the cultural institutions along the South Park Blocks. University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT 13

22 Vision Principles and Objectives Principle 6. Ensure Neighborhood Safety and Security Promote a safe, secure, and comfortable environment and encourage neighborhood members to be active in protecting their homes, streets, and properties. Objectives: 1) Motivate property owners, public agencies, and neighborhood members to enforce, fund, or monitor neighborhood maintenance, surveillance, and cleanliness for both public and private properties. 2) Promote defensible design principles, such as secure vehicle parking, ample lighting, landscaping that enhances safety, and street facing windows to allow for more eyes on the street. 3) Encourage community members to participate in maintaining neighborhood safety. 14 University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT

23 Vision Principles and Objectives Principle 7. Integrate New Development Ensure that new development enhances neighborhood character and values rather than adversely impacting neighborhood growth. Objectives: 1) Sensitively integrate future development by University District Coalition members into the urban fabric and include an emphasis on preservation of property values and attractiveness. 2) Maintain regular contact and discussion between Portland State University and its Coalition partners to inform and obtain input with regard to PSU uses located within the study area. 3) Maintain PSU facilities to contribute to neighborhood character and attractiveness. University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT 15

24 Vision Principles and Objectives Principle 8. Cooperative and Supportive Participation Strengthen the development and implementation of this Vision Report and other approved area plans by uniting Coalition member support and cooperation. Objectives: 1) Continue to cooperate and develop common ground to support the various initiatives identified as prime goals of the University District Coalition. 2) Promote the implementation of the South Portland Circulation Study. 16 University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT

25 Vision Principles and Objectives Principle 9. Develop Unifying Urban Design Concepts Unify the area using design concepts to support the vision statement, principles, and objectives previously described. Objectives: 1) Integrate pedestrian and bike paths as part of an open space design system for the area to encourage neighborhood connectivity, as shown in the adjacent Concept Map. 2) Introduce a commercial and cultural way-finding system for both neighborhood residents and visitors to the area. 3) Explore urban form that reflects neighborhood design, including step backs, and maintains ample view corridors, light, and open space. 4) Apply defensible design concepts to both new development and redevelopment projects, including building construction, landscape, and right of way design. Concept Map for the expanded University District. University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT 17

26 Vision Principles and Objectives 18 University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT

27 Recommendations Recommendations The University District Coalition makes these recommendations to the City of Portland in order that each item be implemented by the appropriate public agency: Expand the University District plan district to include the area bounded as follows: o SW Market Street to SW 3 rd Avenue to SW Montgomery Street on the north; o SW Hooker Street to SW Front/Naito Avenue to SW Grover Street on the south; o I-405 to SW Park Avenue to SW Broadway Avenue to SW Caruthers Street to Duniway Park on the west; and, o SW Water Avenue and I-5 on the east. Appoint the membership of the University District Coalition to a Citizens Advisory Committee charged with the development and management of planning for the expanded University District plan district. Use existing zoning densities and height requirements in the expanded University District as a basis for planning the University District plan district and allow for modifications when required for future development; Introduce design review overlay for the expanded University District plan district; Update the Lair Hill Historic Conservation District Guidelines to reflect the South Portland Historic District s status as a National Register resource; Initiate a pedestrian connectivity initiative including sidewalk improvements and extensions; Improve pedestrian safety on I-405 overpasses; Prioritize the area between SW 1 st and SW 3 rd Avenues when considering capping the I-405 freeway; and, Implement the South Portland Circulation Study. University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT 19

28 Recommendations The University District Coalition makes these recommendations to Portland State University: Develop a system of communication between PSU Marketing staff, neighborhood newsletters, and the general public for wider coverage of university and neighborhood events; Actively pursue a smaller, approximately 50,000 square foot, grocery store tenant in new development or work with the private sector to attract such a tenant; Coordinate with Portland Public Schools or other organizations to establish a public K-8 school that will allow all three neighborhoods to attract and retain families with children, particularly in the Lair Hill area; and, When possible, include a Good Neighbor Agreement as part of new PSU development surrounded by non-university uses. 20 University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT

29 Next Steps Next Steps for the University District Coalition Work with the City of Portland including, but not limited to, the Bureau of Planning, Bureau of Development Services, Portland Development Commission, Portland Department of Transportation, and Portland Parks and Recreation to ensure that each recommendation item is considered and, when possible, implemented in full; Work with the Bureau of Planning to approve the expanded University District boundaries, identify the steps required for future planning in the area, and develop an updated comprehensive area planning study for the expanded University District plan district as established in the Zoning Code s Plan District Chapter; Coordinate with private parties to encourage and guide investment in the neighborhood; and, Maintain University District Coalition meetings to continue communication between the neighborhoods. University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT 21

30 Next Steps 22 University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT

31 Appendix A. Project Timeline Appendix A. University District Coalition Project Timeline and Outreach Schedule Project Timeline. CTLH and Portland State University meetings to discuss the December 2002 to September potential for joint planning efforts 2003 PSU representatives, Corbett-Terwilliger-Lair Hill July to September 2003 Neighborhood Association, and Downtown Neighborhood Association Committee meetings to initiate further discussion University District Coalition forms and is made up of PSU and October 2003 neighborhood representatives University District Coalition meetings October to November 2003 Coalition meetings to review drafts of the Vision Statement November 2003 to January 2004 Open House to receive general public input on Vision January 26, 2004 Statement and planning efforts University District Coalition Steering Committee meetings to January to March 2004 review comments submitted by the public, make recommended changes, and develop a Vision Report and Statement Vision Report and recommendations submitted to University April to June 2004 District Coalition for review Meetings with City agencies and potential implementers to May 2004 review and discuss the Vision Report Vision Report made available to the public June 2004 Open House to present Vision Report June 2004 University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT 23

32 Appendix A. Project Timeline 24 University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT

33 Appendix B. Previous Planning Efforts Appendix B. Previous Planning Efforts The following plans provide context to the current Vision Report efforts: DOWNTOWN The Downtown Plan, 1972 The Downtown Plan set the standards for planning in Portland's downtown. Updated in 1980, The Downtown Plan provides guidelines for housing, retail, and zoning in the areas both north of Burnside and in Portland s downtown. Portland's Comprehensive Plan, 1980 Portland s Comprehensive Plan guides the future growth of the city. The plan includes methods by which to accomplish the city s desired goals and guide development. These tools include: land use and public facilities goals and policies, a Comprehensive Plan Map and related zoning, a public investment guide, and a process for reviewing, updating, and amending the plan. Central City Plan, 1988 The Central City Plan (CCP) builds on The Downtown Plan and has an expanded planning area that includes North Macadam, Goose Hollow, the Northwest Triangle, Lower Albina, the Lloyd Center area, and the Central Eastside. The CCP updates Downtown Plan policies and elaborates on the urban design plan for the Downtown Plan area. Central City Fundamental Design Guidelines, 2001 The Central City Fundamental Design Guidelines were originally adopted in 1990 and updated in The guidelines provide qualitative statements to address the desired character of development while providing for flexibility. They are mandatory approval criteria that must be met as part of design review and historic design review processes. South Waterfront Plan, 2002 The South Waterfront Plan incorporates the North Macadam Urban Renewal District formed in The plan introduces a new mixed-use district of offices, housing, hotel, parks, and retail along a greenway riverfront. The University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT 25

34 Appendix B. Previous Planning Efforts economic development component of the plan seeks to catalyze Central City science and technology growth with Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) as a central figure. Mutlimodal transportation developments are also an important part of the plan, including an extension of the Portland Streetcar and the introduction of an aerial tram that connects South Waterfront to Marquam Hill and OHSU. UNIVERSITY DISTRICT University District Plan, 1995 Created by Portland State University in partnership with the City of Portland, the Association for Portland Progress, and neighborhood associations, the University District Plan fosters an academic neighborhood in Downtown Portland. Based on ideas presented in the Vision for a University District A Working Concept, the plan provides guidelines for the development of transit, retail, student and market housing, amenities, and academic uses in the District. The plan was codified in the Portland Zoning Code through the establishment of a sub-district of the Central City Plan District, the University District, which allows PSU exemption from conditional use review on split zoning sites and sites where the use would be allowed if not associated with the university. The University District sub-district also has different land use to parking ratios. These code elements encourage the university to remain compact and allows PSU to develop within the district as opportunities arise. Portland State University Facilities Plan, 2000 The Facilities Plan is a report to the Chancellor's Office of the Oregon University System that describes PSU s request for funding and/or spending authority to rehabilitate existing and construct new university facilities. It incorporates enrollment projections, facility needs assessments, and facility conditions assessments for academic, research, student housing, and auxiliary facilities. The Facilities Plan formed the basis for the PSU portion of the OUS Capital Budget Requests to the Oregon Legislature for the and biennia. SOUTH PORTLAND Corbett, Terwilliger, and Lair Hill Policy Plan, 1977 The Corbett, Terwilliger, and Lair Hill Policy Plan was developed in response to three major developments in the neighborhood: the effects of the South Auditorium Urban Renewal Area, the development of John s Landing, and improvement efforts along SW Macadam Avenue. 26 University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT

35 Appendix B. Previous Planning Efforts Lair Hill Conservation District Design Guidelines, 1980 Upon designation of the Lair Hill Conservation District, the District s Advisory Council was charged with developing Lair Hill Conservation District Design Guidelines to provide guidance for new development within the district. The design guidelines were based on existing architectural styles and elements within the district. Community Design Guidelines, 1998 The Community Design Guidelines cover many areas outside of the Central City, including the Southwest Community Plan Area. The guidelines provide qualitative statements to address the desired character of development while providing for flexibility. They are mandatory approval criteria that must be met as part of design review and historic design review processes. Reviews offer an opportunity for public evaluation of both remodels and new development. Southwest Community Plan, 2000 The Southwest Community Plan (SWCP) encompasses an approximately 19.5 square mile area and 18 distinct neighborhoods. The SWCP s visions, policies, and objectives provide a 20-year framework for Southwest Portland and are planning guidelines for land use, transportation, public facilities and services, environmental protection, and housing and public safety. Proposals for the South Portland area, in specific, focus on augmenting mixed-use, protecting the neighborhood s historic structures, and enhancing the residential quality of the area. South Portland Circulation Study, 2001 The South Portland Circulation Study was created by the Portland Office of Transportation, with input from area neighborhood associations, institutions, and other public agency staff. The study s recommendations provide a long-term guide for reconnecting the Lair Hill neighborhood to surrounding areas through local traffic improvements. These improvements include the removal of existing Ross Island bridgehead ramps, the redesign of SW Naito/Front, and streamlined connections between the bridge, I-5, and I-405. University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT 27

36 Appendix B. Previous Planning Efforts 28 University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT

37 Appendix C. Study Area History Appendix C. History of the University District Coalition Study Area 1880s The South Portland neighborhood, encompassing areas in both CTLH and South Auditorium, was settled with primarily single-family residences. 1920s ca By 1920, the Jewish population of South Portland was over six thousand people. At the heart of the neighborhood was the Neighborhood House, offering classes and other community services to newly arrived immigrants. 1950s The Oregon legislature passed an urban renewal law, first approving housing authorities as urban renewal agencies The Portland School District donated Lincoln High School, constructed on the South Park Blocks in 1911, to the Oregon State System of Higher Education. Vanport College was relocated to the donated building under the new name Portland State Extension Center The new Center s enrollment reached 2,800 students, and the Oregon State Legislature established the institution as Portland State College: a downtown city college not of the campus type to serve commuters but not require student housing The Portland Development Commission (PDC), Portland s urban renewal agency, was created to deliver a broad range of improvement programs and carry out a comprehensive range of development programs. Portland State College s campus boundaries are established. 1950s. With urban renewal, South Portland was drastically changed by the construction of Portland s waterfront highway and the widening of the neighborhood s main street. University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT 29

38 Appendix C. Study Area History 1960s PDC s first urban renewal area, the South Auditorium, was created covering 83.5 acres of downtown property. The area was slated for a campus-like, mixed-use development of multi-family housing high-rises, office and retail projects, parks and fountains, new streets, trees, sidewalks and pedestrian ways. South Auditorium redevelopment included one hundred condemnation proceedings, the razing of fifty-four blocks, and the forced relocation of 1,500 residents A consultant-prepared development plan projected an ultimate undergraduate population of 20,000 students at Portland State College Portland State College and the Portland Development Commission designated the campus an urban renewal area The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development supplied funding to demolish most non-academic properties on the Portland State College campus The College s enrollment reached 8,800 students with an additional 5,100 enrolled in the Continuing Education evening program The Oregon Legislature granted Portland State College full university status and the institution was renamed Portland State University (PSU). 1970s PSU s full-time enrollment was more than 9,660 students. Five years later, attendance peaked at 10,572 students. 1980s The PSU campus encompassed almost forty blocks with ten student apartment buildings and twenty-six academic buildings. Concurrently, the Oregon Legislature directed PSU to become a comprehensive research university. 30 University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT

39 Appendix C. Study Area History The university planning boundaries were expanded, and an updated plan recommended the formation of a University District as a sub-district to Portland s Central City District The South Auditorium Urban Renewal Area expired, having added more than $394 million to Portland s tax rolls. 1990s As part of a larger planning process, the current PSU University District boundaries were established. The district was marked as an international crossroads with an environment which stimulates lifelong learning, and included additional on-campus housing units and multi-modal transportation access The South Portland Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Construction was started on PSU s Urban Center a center designed for classroom and retail use as well as a new transportation hub with both bus and streetcar access As part of Portland s South Waterfront development, a suspended cable transportation system was proposed from the Oregon Health and Science University over the South Portland Historic District to the Willamette River. The tram was approved as part of a larger planning project, despite strong objection from the Corbett-Terwilliger-Lair Hill neighborhood. University District Coalition Vision Report DRAFT 31