Downtown Tigard's Universal Plaza

Design work is underway for Universal Plaza!

Planned to open in 2022, Universal Plaza will be a place for everyone- a community gathering spot in the heart of downtown Tigard that celebrates our shared humanity and our one shared planet.

Universal Plaza was designed with the community through interactive and engaging experiences both onsite and virtually. Together, the project team and the community, created a one-of-a-kind Plaza that will be a showpiece for our revitalizing Downtown.

Careful attention and a lot of planning has led to the development of Universal Plaza in two phases. Phase 1 will feature the community’s most requested amenity­- an interactive water feature and splash pad. Phase 2 will construct a show stopping overhead canopy for shade in the summer and shelter in the winter. Universal Plaza will be completely ADA friendly, walkable, healthy and accessible to everyone!

Phase 1

Highlighted Features Include:

• Interactive water feature- that’s right Tigard’s first splash pad!
• Porch Swings
• Two event lawns and landscaping
• A 4-stall restroom
• A shelter for vending and storage
• Warm boulder field overlooking Fanno Creek
• Fanno Creek entry art piece
• Lighting throughout the plaza

Construction will begin Winter 2021-2022. Phase 1 is planned to open Summer 2022!

Through the design process the community asked for a bike and pedestrian connection linking Universal Plaza to the Fanno Creek Trail. Although separate from this project, the city will construct a boardwalk overlooking Fanno Creek and connecting it to our Downtown.

The Plaza design process is happening now, and we’d love your participation to help guide the design process. While the new normal for now requires us to be socially distant, that hasn’t stopped us from creating opportunities for you to join in on the fun.

Phase 2

Highlighted Features Include:

• Overhead Canopy providing shelter from the rain and sun
• Community room
• Built-in seating both alongside the water feature and throughout the lawn.

There is no construction date for Phase 2 of Universal Plaza. Universal Plaza Phase 2 and a parking structure are projects included in the City Center Urban Renewal Amendment on the ballot May 2021.

On-Site

The Universal Plaza (9100 SW Burnham St) is now open for the public to explore!

Please follow standard COVID guidelines. Face coverings are required (for those over 5 years old) when social distancing cannot be maintained. Art installations are not sanitized.

Online

Share your thoughts!
Do you have other ideas, suggestions or comments as to what you'd like to see at the Universal Plaza? Your ongoing engagement can help us design the best possible plaza for all of Tigard.