2007 Awards

Planning, Analysis, Research, and Communication | South Waterfront Greenway Development Plan

Honor Award

South Waterfront Greenway Development Plan
Portland, Oregon

Thomas Balsley Associates
www.tbany.com

Thomas Balsley Associates, together with the Portland-based firm Walker Macy, worked closely with the City of Portland, developers, and natural resources advocates to strike a balance between development, recreation and re-naturalization for a 1.5 mile extension of downtown along the Willamette River, in Portland, Oregon.

The South Waterfront Greenway Development Plan is first and foremost dedicated to the restoration of a post-industrial waterfront into a naturalized river edge and riparian habitat. The dense mixed-use development planned along its edge, as well as pedestrian and bike trails, placed the need for public access at odds with environmental goals. The design team devised a rational plan for the park, which strategically places access and activity in "moments" and nodes without compromise to the newly-formed naturalized buffers and habitats. These spaces range from dramatic cantilevered pier overlooks, boat launches and active civic plazas to quiet, sloping lawns meadows and terraces. All are intended to serve the park's diverse constituency and are connected to the city's bikeway, tramway and light rail systems.