HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Item - 2026-05-19 - Number 07.3 - Foothills District Plan Update 7.3
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Subject: Foothills District Plan Update (PP 25-0005): Draft Preliminary Concepts
Meeting Date: May 19, 2026 Staff Member:
Erik Olson, Long Range Planning Manager
Report Date: May 1, 2026
Department: Community Development
Action Required Advisory Board/Commission Recommendation
❑ Motion ❑ Approval
❑ Public Hearing ❑ Denial
❑ Ordinance ❑ None Forwarded
❑ Resolution Z Not Applicable
❑ Information Only Comments: The Council held a recent study session
Z Council Direction on the vision and guiding principles for the Foothills
❑ Consent Agenda District Plan update on April 21.
Staff Recommendation: Review the updated Vision and Guiding Principles and provide
direction on Preliminary Development Concepts.
Project/ Issue Relates To: Begin the update of the Foothills District Plan and continue to
evaluate the Lake Grove Urban Renewal Plan
❑X Council Goals/Priorities EAdopted Master Plan(s) ❑Not Applicable
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City is continuing to make progress in its effort to update the Foothills District Framework
Plan (Plan), which outlines how the Foothills neighborhood should grow and change over time.
The project team refined the Vision and Guiding Principles for the project to reflect recent
discussions with the City Council and Planning Commission (Attachment 7). This refined
direction was then used to inform the development of Draft Preliminary Concepts for the future
of the District (Attachment 8). At the May 19 study session, staff and project consultants, First
Forty Feet, will seek Council direction on the Refined Vision and Guiding Principles as well as
which elements of the Draft Preliminary Concepts should be carried forward to the
development of schematic-level alternatives for the next phase of framework planning.
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PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT UPDATE
The project team has continued to directly engage with a diverse representation of the
community to ensure that eventual updates to the Plan reflect broad community support.
Recent engagement activities are summarized in Attachments 1 - 6, and below.
• Community Advisory Committee:The Foothills Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
is scheduled to hold their sixth meeting on May 12 to discuss the revised Vision and
Guiding Principles and Concept-Level Plan Alternatives. Outcomes from this meeting will
be summarized in a future Council memo.
• Technical Advisory Committee:The Foothills Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) held
their second meeting on April 1 to discuss technical considerations related to a potential
new access point for the northern portion of the District (Attachment 6). TAC members
identified the processes necessary to construct a new rail crossing as well as the
challenges associated with modifying the portion of the rail line owned by Union Pacific.
• Targeted Engagement: The project team held recent conversations with the Youth
Action Council (Attachment 1), Oswego Pointe Village Condo residents (Attachment 5),
and Stampher Road residents (Attachment 2), with additional meetings with key
stakeholders being scheduled for the coming weeks and months.
• City Council Study Session: The project team conducted a study session with City
Council on April 21 to present a summary of recent public engagement and receive
direction on the Draft Vision Statement and Guiding Principles for the project
(Attachment 3).
• Planning Commission Work Session:The project team also held a work session at the
Planning Commission on April 27 to present a similar a summary of recent public
engagement and receive direction on the Draft Vision Statement and Guiding Principles
(Attachment 6).
REFINED VISION STATEMENT AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The project team produced a Refined Draft Vision Statement and Guiding Principles
(Attachment 7) for the Plan update based on recent discussions with the City Council
(Attachment 3) and Planning Commission (Attachment 4). The Refined Draft Vision Statement
and Guiding Principles are excerpted below, with new or modified language underlined:
Vision Statement Refinement
The Foothills District is Lake Oswego's greatest opportunity to provide the community with a
meaningful riverfront presence. Building upon the success of Downtown Lake Oswego, the
District will redevelop in a manner that knits together Tryon Creek, Old Town, the
Willamette River, and Oswego Lake — creating a vibrant mixed-use district that extends the
Downtown with enhanced river access and reflects Lake Oswego's identity and values.
Future development will build on the existing neighborhood and deepen Lake Oswego's
connection to the Willamette River through direct access and travel options, inclusive public
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spaces, and restored natural systems. Development will balance urban form with the natural
environment, integrating the river, Tryon Creek, and landscape into the district's design. A
mix of uses will provide diverse housing options with limited retail and commercial
opportunities that complement Downtown.
Buildings will frame streets and public spaces to shape an active, pedestrian-oriented
district. Guided by the site's topography and a commitment to long -term adaptability,
development in Foothills will emphasize sustainability—honoring the land, history, and
cultural narratives while welcoming future generations.
Guiding Principles Refinement
• Create a Walkable, Mixed-Use Waterfront District: Design Foothills as a walkable,
mixed-use district that complements Downtown and provides views and accessible
connections to Foothills Park. New streets and public spaces will prioritize the pedestrian
while supporting travel options, and buildings will frame streets and public spaces to
create a cohesive, active, and human-scaled district.
• Balance Development with the Natural River Environment: Ensure new development
respects and enhances the Willamette River, Tryon Creek, tree canopy, and surrounding
landscape by integrating natural systems into the district's design, while supporting
long-term environmental performance, resilience, and stewardship
• Reconnect Lake Oswego to the Willamette River and Waterfront: Create safe,
welcoming, and visible multimodal connections between downtown, Foothills Park, and
the river through the design of Foothills trails, streets, and public spaces.
• Support an Inclusive and Economically Vital Community: Provide a mix of housing,
including affordable housing options,jobs, civic amenities, and local businesses that
support long-term economic vitality and make Foothills accessible to people of different
ages, incomes, and backgrounds.
• Integrate Sustainability, Ecology, and Climate Resilience: Design Foothills as a model
sustainable district that restores and integrates natural systems, protects habitat,
reduces carbon emissions, and incorporates clean energy and resilient infrastructure to
support long-term environmental performance.
• Plan for Adaptability Over Time: Create a flexible framework that allows Foothills to
evolve over decades while maintaining its core values of community, nature, and public
access, and supporting long-term resilience and changing community needs.
This language will continue to be refined and updated on an ongoing basis, and will next be
updated to reflect direction from the CAC at their May 12 meeting. At the study session on May
19, staff will ask the Council whether they are comfortable moving forward with the refined
language describing the vision and the guiding principles developed for the Plan, or if additional
changes are needed.
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FOOTHILLS PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT CONCEPTS
The project team has developed three different Preliminary Development Concepts
(Attachment 8), each organized around the guiding principles and project objectives outlined
above. While all three concepts assume the future Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF)
remains fully operational and is integrated as a service-oriented infrastructure use, each
alternative differs in how it structures the district's public spaces, street network, development
parcels, State Street edge, and riverfront experience.
All three concepts include the following common elements:
• Grand Connection:A pedestrian connection that would cross the rail corridor from State
Street and extend east through the heart of the District to Foothills Park, becoming the
District's main street — a walkable, mixed-use spine lined with active frontages, housing
entries, small retail, public gathering spaces, and views toward the waterfront.
• WWTF and Foothills Road Service Orientation:The future WWTF's operational needs,
circulation, service access, and footprint are respected in each preliminary design
concept, with each treating Foothills Road primarily as a service-oriented back-of-house
condition. Major pedestrian and vehicular circulation is instead generally focused along
the Grand Connection and internal street network. New development helps screen the
WWTF from the district's most active public spaces, allowing the treatment facility to
function while reducing its visual and experiential impact on the waterfront district.
The concepts are intended to test different organizing ideas — a public plaza (Park Plaza), a
downtown-to-park public space sequence (Downtown Plaza to Park), and a tree-lined
promenade (Park Promenade) — so the City and community can compare tradeoffs related to
access, development feasibility, public realm character, housing opportunities, infrastructure
investment, and the long-term identity of Foothills.
At this study session, staff will seek direction from City Council regarding which elements of the
three Preliminary Development Concepts should be carried forward to the schematic-level
design phase, as well as which elements should be reconsidered or left out.
Park Plaza
The Park Plaza concept is organized around a strong east-west Grand Connection that links a
new State Street Retail Landing to an active Park Plaza at Foothills Park. This concept creates a
clear visual, physical, and civic connection between downtown Lake Oswego and the
Willamette River, using a new street and view corridor as the primary organizing element for
development, public space, access, and district identity.
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Key features of the Park Plaza concept include:
• State Street Retail Landing: A new, park-like arrival and retail landing at State Street on
the west that would create a visible district entry, introduce small-scale commercial
activity, and frame a view corridor toward the river.
• Park Plaza: A flexible hardscape plaza at the riverfront edge of Foothills Park on the east
that would serve as the primary public gathering space for the District, supporting daily
activity, outdoor dining, small events, markets, pavilion uses, business incubator spaces,
and seasonal programming.
Downtown Plaza to Park
The Downtown Plaza to Park concept creates a prominent connection between Downtown,
State Street, Foothills Park, and the Willamette River by creating a new Downtown Retail Plaza
to create a strong arrival experience and open up major visual connections into the waterfront
district. While all concepts establish a Grand Connection, this concept places the greatest
emphasis on creating a major downtown-facing public plaza as the district's primary arrival
point and social anchor.
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Key features of the Downtown Plaza to Park concept include:
• Downtown Retail Plaza:A major new public plaza along State Street that would act as a
visible gateway into the district, a new civic destination for downtown Lake Oswego,
and a viewing platform toward the Willamette River.
• Central Intersection/Park Porch: At the center of the street network is a T-intersection
that becomes a new mixed-use center with active retail that fronts onto a long public
space —or Park Porch—extending east toward the waterfront, creating a direct civic
gesture between the district heart and the river.
• Waterfront Edge: Instead of aligning the roadway along the waterfront, this concept
reserves the riverfront edge for public space, pedestrian movement, ecological
enhancement, and park-oriented uses.
Park Promenade
The Park Promenade concept organizes the Foothills District around a new tree-lined
promenade street and view corridor that connects State Street to Foothills Park. The big move
is to create new State Street retail frontage and improved crossings at A Avenue and B Avenue,
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which together form a clearer downtown gateway into the District and establish a continuous
Grand Connection to the waterfront.
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Key features of the Park Promenade concept include:
• Grand Connection as Promenade: The Grand Connection is expressed as a strong linear
public space along the north side of the street that functions as both a movement
corridor and a public space — a green, tree-lined street that provides a visual
connection to the waterfront, supports pedestrian and bicycle movement, and organizes
new development around a clear civic spine.
• A and B Avenue Crossings: The concept introduces new retail frontage along State Street
and improved crossings at A and B Avenues to create multiple points of entry into the
district, rather than relying on a single gateway.
• Large parcels: Compared to the other concepts, the Park Promenade concept allows for
larger parcels and development blocks, creating more flexibility for future
redevelopment, phasing, and building typologies.
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RECOMMENDATION
At the work session on May 19, staff recommends that Council provide direction on the
following:
• Are any further changes needed to the Refined Vision and Guiding Principles?
• Which elements of the three Preliminary Development Concepts should be carried
forward to the schematic-level design phase? Which should be reconsidered or left out?
ATTACHMENTS
1. Youth Action Council 2026-02-25 Meeting Summary, 04/09/2026
2. Stampher Road HOA 2026-03-18 Meeting Summary, 04/09/2026
3. City Council 2026-04-21 Study Session Summary, 04/30/2026
4. Planning Commission 2026-04-27 Work Session Summary, 04/30/2026
5. Oswego Pointe Village Condos 2026-03-16 Meeting Summary, 05/01/2026
6. TAC 2026-04-01 Meeting#2 Summary, 04/30/2026
7. Refined Draft Vision and Guiding Principles, 04/30/2026
8. Draft Preliminary Design Concepts, 04/30/2026
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ATTACHMENT 1
FIRST April 9, 2026
FORTY
FEET
Architecture Foothills District Plan Update
Urban Design
Planning
Youth Action Council Engagement Summary
812 SW Washington St
Suite 250 Foothills District Plan Update
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692 Lake Oswego Youth Action Council (YAC) Summary
www.firstfortyfeet.com
February 25, 2026
Purpose
The Foothills District Plan Update team met with the Lake Oswego Youth Action
Council (YAC) to introduce the project, share the planning context and timeline,
review existing conditions in the Foothills District, and gather youth perspectives
on opportunities, challenges, and future priorities for the district. The session
included a presentation and live Mentimeter polling. This memorandum
summarizes the key themes and feedback captured during that engagement.
Participation Summary
The Youth Action Council participants represented a younger audience with a
strong interest in community involvement, civic leadership, and improving Lake
Oswego. As shown on page 4, youth described joining YAC because they wanted to
become more involved in the community, help others, apply leadership skills
beyond school, and have a meaningful role in improving Lake Oswego for the
people who live here. Several responses also reflected enthusiasm for
collaboration, event planning, and networking with peers.
Compared with other community audiences, YAC participants were less familiar
with the Foothills District. On page 5, 71 percent of respondents said they were
somewhat familiar with the district and 29 percent said they were very familiar.
No respondents indicated they had only heard the name or were not familiar at all.
These results suggest that the group had some baseline awareness of Foothills,
but generally experienced it less directly and less frequently than residents who
regularly use the area.
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update I Community Workshop No. 1 Summary page 1 of 5
ATTACHMENT 1/PAGE 1 OF 5
FIRST FORTY Summary of Key Themes
FEET1. Youth are motivated by community impact and civic participation
Architecture
Urban Design
Planning A notable theme from the opening question was that YAC participants are
motivated by a desire to contribute to the broader community. Responses
812 SW Washington St
Suite 250 emphasized helping Lake Oswego, creating fun activities, learning how to apply
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692 leadership skills, and becoming more engaged in civic life. This framing is
www.firstfortyfeet.com important because it suggests that youth participants were approaching the
Foothills conversation not only as users of the space, but also as emerging civic
stakeholders interested in how the district can serve the community over time.
2. Foothills is not yet a regular destination for most youth participants
Pages 13 and 14 indicate that YAC participants do not currently use the Foothills
area with the same regularity seen in some other engagement settings. Fifty-
seven percent said they rarely visit the Foothills area or Foothills Park, while 43
percent said they visit sometimes; no respondents selected regularly. When
asked what they usually do there, the most common answer was check out the
river (71 percent), followed by go to events (29 percent). No respondents selected
walking the trails, relaxing, boating, exercise/running, or recreation as their typical
activity. This suggests that youth currently perceive Foothills more as an
occasional waterfront destination than as an everyday neighborhood or recreation
space.
3. The district is understood primarily through its physical and environmental
character
When asked what first word or phrase comes to mind when thinking of the
Foothills District, the responses shown around page 10 centered on terms such as
industrial, park, river access, and references to the stream or waterfront setting.
Taken together, these responses suggest that youth participants currently
understand Foothills through a mix of natural and industrial qualities. This aligns
with the presentation materials on pages 8 through 12, which emphasize the area's
barriers, infrastructure, topography, and waterfront condition.
4. Youth priorities focus on walkability, access, and nature
YAC participants consistently emphasized walkability, accessibility, and
environmental quality as defining characteristics of a successful future district. On
page 22, when asked what they value most in a neighborhood, responses included
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update I Community Workshop No. 1 Summary page 2 of 5
ATTACHMENT 1/PAGE 2 OF 5
FIRST walkability and aesthetics, safety and community, being near food places,
FORTY accessibility and public spaces, and having familiar people nearby. On page 23,
FEETthe word cloud for the future Foothills District centers most prominently on
Architecture walkable and nature, with additional responses including walking accessibility,
Urban Design
Planning more access, more river access, new restaurants and shops, and a tram and
food. These responses indicate a desire for a district that feels easy to move
Suite81 SW Washington St through, socially comfortable, and strongly connected to both nature and activity.
250 9 Y 9 Y Y.
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692
www.firstfortyfeet.com 5. Environmental protection is a very strong value for youth participants
Environmental stewardship was one of the clearest points of consensus in the
session. On page 21, respondents rated the importance of preserving and
enhancing the natural environment—river, creek, and trees—at 5.0 out of 5,
indicating unanimous and very strong support. This suggests that youth
participants view environmental quality not as a secondary consideration, but as a
fundamental condition for future planning in Foothills. The response is also
consistent with their broader emphasis on nature, river access, and neighborhood
quality.
6. Transportation habits and barriers differ from other audiences
Youth responses also reveal a different mobility profile than more frequent adult
walkers and bikers. On page 17, 43 percent of respondents said they rarely walk,
bike, or roll around Lake Oswego, while 29 percent said they do so a few times a
week and 29 percent once a week. No one selected daily or never. When asked
what makes walking, biking, or rolling difficult or unappealing, the most common
response on page 18 was I prefer driving (43 percent). Smaller shares selected
steep hills, lack of sidewalks/bike lanes, safety/traffic, and weather. This is an
important distinction: while youth participants still value walkability highly, many
are not yet frequent active transportation users in practice. Their comments
suggest that convenience, habits, and perceived barriers continue to shape how
they move around the city.
Priority Features for the Future District
The ranking exercise on page 25 helps clarify what youth participants see as the
most important ingredients for a future Foothills District. Their ranked priorities
were:
1. Shops/cafes/food
2. River access
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update I Community Workshop No. 1 Summary page 3 of 5
ATTACHMENT 1/PAGE 3 OF 5
FIRST 3. Green space & nature
FORTY 4. Sustainability/climate action
FEET 5. Safe walking/ biking
Architecture 6. Places to hang out
Urban Design
Planning 7. Housing affordability
8. Other
812 SW Washington St
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205 These rankings differ somewhat from adult community input by placing a stronger
t:503-764-9692
www.firstfortyfeet.com emphasis on destination amenities and social activity, while still valuing
environmental quality and walkability. The results suggest that youth envision
Foothills as a place that is not only safe and green, but also lively, attractive, and
worth going to.
Key Challenges Identified
When asked which challenges will matter most when building the future Foothills
District, youth participants identified traffic as the top concern at 43 percent,
followed by cost of construction/housing at 29 percent. Smaller shares selected
getting to the district and environmental protection, each at 14 percent. Notably,
safety for walking/biking, steep topography, and flooding were not selected by
respondents in this exercise. This suggests that youth participants are aware of
access and implementation issues, but may interpret the district's primary barriers
more in terms of traffic, destination appeal, and the broader feasibility of making
the area usable and attractive.
Planning Implications
The Youth Action Council meeting offers several useful implications for the
Foothills District Plan Update.
First, youth participants are looking for a district that feels walkable, nature-
forward, and socially active. Their feedback suggests that future alternatives
should consider not just access and housing, but also the kinds of amenities and
destinations that would make Foothills appealing to younger users.
Second, river access, green space, and restaurants or gathering-oriented uses
appear to be especially important to this audience. These features could help
position Foothills as a more relevant destination for younger residents and future
generations.
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update I Community Workshop No. 1 Summary page 4 of 5
ATTACHMENT 1/PAGE 4 OF 5
FIRST Third, the results suggest that environmental protection and climate-conscious
FORTY design are essential values for youth participants. Planning concepts should
FEETcontinue to show how development, access, and habitat protection can work
Architecture together.
Urban Design
Planning
Fourth, the session suggests that youth do not currently see Foothills as a place
812SW Washington St they use regularly. This presents an opportunity: future planning can help
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205 transform the district from an occasional place people visit into a more integrated
t:503-764-9692
www.firstfortyfeet.com and inviting part of daily Lake Oswego life.
Conclusion
The Youth Action Council feedback provides an important perspective on how
younger community members see the future of the Foothills District. Participants
expressed strong support for a district that is more walkable, more connected to
nature, and more active as a waterfront destination. Their priorities centered on
shops and food, river access, green space, sustainability, and safe walking and
biking, while their concerns focused primarily on traffic and implementation cost.
Overall, the YAC session reinforces the importance of shaping Foothills as a district
that is environmentally grounded, publicly accessible, and compelling as a place
for future community life.
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update I Community Workshop No. 1 Summary page 5 of 5
ATTACHMENT 1/PAGE 5 OF 5
ATTACHMENT 2
FIRST April 9, 2026
FORTY
FEET
Architecture Foothills District Plan Update
Urban Design
Planning
Stampher Road HOA Meeting Summary
812 SW Washington St
Suite 250 Foothills District Plan Update
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692 Stampher Road HOA Meeting Summary
www.firstfortyfeet.com
March 18, 2026
Purpose
The Foothills District Plan Update team met with representatives of the Stampher
Road Homeowners Association to discuss neighborhood concerns, opportunities,
and long-term considerations related to the Foothills District Plan Update. The
conversation focused primarily on access, safety, neighborhood impacts, park
preservation, and how future infrastructure and land use decisions could affect
adjacent residents. This memorandum summarizes the key themes and
discussion points captured in the meeting notes and transcript summary. The HOA
representatives are very concerned about their way of life being impacted by any
new elements crossing over the Tryon Creek and onto their neighborhood.
Participation Summary
The Stampher Road HOA discussion reflected the perspective of residents living
closest to the existing park, roadway, and potential future access improvements.
Participants spoke from direct experience with current traffic conditions, parking
constraints, neighborhood safety concerns, and the day-to-day use of local streets
and park edges. Their comments emphasized the importance of understanding
how future Foothills planning decisions could negatively affect immediate
neighborhood livability, including road conditions, pedestrian safety, loss of green
space, and the character of the surrounding residential area.
Summary of Key Themes
1. Access improvements are closely tied to neighborhood concerns about
traffic, parking, and safety
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update I Community Workshop No. 1 Summary page 1 of 5
ATTACHMENT 2/PAGE 1 OF 5
FIRST A central topic of the meeting was concern about a proposed walkway connection
FORTY between Foothills Park and the Tryon Creek area. Residents expressed worry that
FEETopening or expanding this connection could increase traffic, parking pressure, and
Architecture safety conflicts in the neighborhood. Participants noted that speeding is already an
Urban Design
Planning issue on the narrow roadway and referenced removal of a 10 mph sign as one
factor contributing to higher travel speeds. More broadly, the conversation showed
Suite81 SW Washington St that residents see access planningnot as an abstract transportation issue, but as
250 P
Portland,Oregon 97205 something with immediate consequences for neighborhood safety and daily life.
t:503-764-9692
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2. Residents are concerned about preserving park space and neighborhood
character
Participants raised concern that roadway expansions, new access routes, or other
infrastructure changes could reduce existing park area and alter the character of
the neighborhood. In particular, there was concern that expanding access would
require cutting into green space and changing the current relationship between the
park, the roadway, and nearby homes. Several comments reflected a desire to
preserve the existing feel of the area while still allowing thoughtful improvements.
One idea discussed was keeping a trail south of the creek in order to improve
access while minimizing impacts to Foothills Park itself.
3. Residents want better connectivity and safety and amenity, but not at the
expense of their quiet secluded way of life on the water.
Although many comments focused on concerns, the discussion also showed that
residents are not opposed to improved public access in principle. Rather, they
emphasized that any future connection must be carefully designed to balance
broader public goals with neighborhood safety and functionality. Participants
discussed potential access opportunities through or near the public storage site,
the Terwilliger Blvd area, and the existing at-grade rail crossing. The meeting
notes indicate broad agreement that new access should support safe pedestrian
movement and may require additional traffic controls or signals at key
intersections.
4. Trail, culvert, and ecological connections should be considered together
The discussion also touched on the relationship between transportation
improvements, ecological systems, and trail connectivity. Participants referenced
earlier culvert and crossing discussions involving partner agencies and explored
the potential for a multi-use trail connection under the road to link Foothills Park
with Tryon Creek. Stakeholders emphasized that these issues should not be
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update I Community Workshop No. 1 Summary page 2 of 5
ATTACHMENT 2/PAGE 2 OF 5
FIRST addressed in isolation. Instead, they suggested that future planning should
FORTY integrate transportation access, ecological restoration, recreational use, and
FEETeducational opportunities into a more coordinated long-term approach. Residents
Architecture are hoping the city will conduct a more detailed study of cut and fill to ensure their
Urban Design
Planning homes are not impacted by flood due to upstream improvements, whether due to
erosion of flood prevention strategies.
812 SW Washington St
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205 5. Community members want assurance that their concerns will influence
t:503-764-9692
www.firstfortyfeet.com outcomes
A recurring theme in the meeting was concern that neighborhood input could be
heard but not meaningfully acted upon. Some participants voiced skepticism about
whether longstanding concerns related to safety, parking, and neighborhood
impacts would shape the final planning direction. This reflects the importance of
continued communication, transparent follow-up, and clear explanation of how
resident feedback is being incorporated into future phases of the Foothills planning
process.
6. Residents understand the Foothills effort as a long-term planning and
implementation process
The meeting also included discussion of the broader planning and implementation
framework. Participants heard that the current effort is intended to update the 2012
framework plan and identify infrastructure investments, access points, road
network concepts, and future land use and density directions as part of a first-step
planning process. The conversation also referenced a longer-term Urban Renewal
planning effort involving future infrastructure, zoning, financing, and
implementation actions. This context helped frame neighborhood concerns within
the broader timeline of future city action.
7. Implementation will require coordination across jurisdictions, agencies, and
funding sources
Participants discussed the complexity of delivering future improvements in the
Foothills area, including the need to coordinate with outside agencies and navigate
multiple jurisdictional and funding constraints. The notes reference coordination
with partner agencies such as the City of Portland Bureau of Environmental
Services and the Army Corps, as well as the role of Metro grant funding in
supporting planning for housing, parks, and trail connections. The discussion also
acknowledged land acquisition issues and the City's need to balance future public
uses, infrastructure needs, and available funding.
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update I Community Workshop No. 1 Summary page 3 of 5
ATTACHMENT 2/PAGE 3 OF 5
FIRST FORTY Key Issues Identified
FEETThe Stampher Road HOA discussion highlighted several specific issues that
Architecture
Urban Design appear especially important to nearby residents:
Planning
• Potential increases in neighborhood traffic and parking demand associated
812 SW Washington St
Suite 250 with new public access connections
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692 • Roadway safety concerns, including speeding and pedestrian conflicts
www.firstfortyfeet.com • Potential loss of park land or green space from roadway or access
improvements
• The need for safe pedestrian routes and intersection controls
• Desire to preserve neighborhood character while accommodating future
change
• Concern about whether public input will be meaningfully reflected in future
decisions
• Need for a coordinated approach that connects access, ecology,
infrastructure, and public use
• Do not cross the Tryon Creek with any improvements.
Planning Implications
The Stampher Road HOA meeting suggests several important implications for the
next phases of the Foothills District Plan Update.
First, future planning should continue to treat access and safety as closely linked
issues. For this neighborhood, the question is not simply how to improve
connectivity, but how to do so in a way that does not create unacceptable impacts
on local streets, park edges, and nearby homes.
Second, planning alternatives should clearly address park preservation and
neighborhood character. Residents appear highly sensitive to changes that could
reduce green space or alter the existing physical feel of the area.
Third, the discussion indicates a need for integrated solutions that connect
transportation, ecological restoration, trail planning, and long-term infrastructure
investment. Residents appear more open to improvements when they are
presented as part of a thoughtful and coordinated strategy rather than isolated
infrastructure interventions.
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update I Community Workshop No. 1 Summary page 4 of 5
ATTACHMENT 2/PAGE 4 OF 5
FIRST Fourth, the meeting reinforces the importance of continued neighborhood
FORTY engagement and transparent follow-up. Given the concern that resident input
FEETmay not affect outcomes, future outreach should clearly show how concerns are
Architecture being documented, tested, and reflected in plan development.
Urban Design
Planning
Follow-Up Considerations
812 SW Washington St
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205 The meetingnotes identified several follow-up actions that could helpsupport
t:503-764-9692 P P P
www.firstfortyfeet.com continued dialogue with the neighborhood:
• Update the 2012 framework plan to clarify infrastructure investments, road
networks, access points, and land use or density concepts
• Walk neighborhood participants through the existing framework plan and
previously discussed concepts
• Schedule a follow-up conversation with the neighborhood to continue
discussion and explain next steps
• Reopen coordination on culvert and crossing concepts with partner
agencies to explore alternatives that better integrate trail and ecological
objectives
Conclusion
The Stampher Road HOA meeting provided important place-based input from
residents living closest to the potential access and infrastructure changes
associated with the Foothills District Plan Update. Participants expressed
significant concern about traffic, speeding, parking, safety, and the possible loss of
park space, while also acknowledging the importance of improving access and
planning for the district's long-term future. Overall, the discussion underscores the
need for future Foothills planning to balance district-wide connectivity goals with
neighborhood livability, public safety, environmental considerations, and continued
trust-building with adjacent residents.
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update I Community Workshop No. 1 Summary page 5 of 5
ATTACHMENT 2/PAGE 5 OF 5
ATTACHMENT 3
FIRST April 30, 2026
FORTY
FEET Architecture Foothills District Plan Update
Urban Design
Planning
City Council Study Session #2
812SW Washington St Foothills District Plan Update
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205 Vision and Guiding Principles Direction
t:503-764-9692
www.firsffortyfeet.com
Purpose
This memorandum summarizes City Council feedback from the recent study session
on the draft Foothills District Plan Update Vision Statement and Guiding
Principles, developed by the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC). The purpose of the
session was to confirm alignment and gather direction in coordination with
advancing into the concept planning phase.
Background
The draft Vision Statement and Guiding Principles were developed through a two-
part CAC visioning process and informed by:
• The 2012 Foothills District Plan vision and principles
• Current City Council goals and objectives
• Community and stakeholder engagement conducted to date
• Input from advisory groups and community conversations
During the study session, City staff and the consultant team presented the draft
materials and facilitated Council feedback using Mentimeter, allowing individual
responses to targeted questions.
Summary of City Council Feedback
City Council expressed strong overall support for both the Vision Statement and
the six Guiding Principles. No Council members opposed any of the materials
presented.
• Vision Statement:
O 3 Councilors: Yes
O 3 Councilors: Yes, with conditions
O 0: No
• Guiding Principles 1-2:
O 3 Yes/ 3 Yes with conditions /0 No
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/Community Workshop No. 1 Summary page 1 of 4
ATTACHMENT 3/PAGE 1 OF 4
FIRST • Guiding Principles 3-4:
FORTY o 6 Yes/0 conditions/ 0 No
FEET • Guiding Principles 5-6:
Architecture o 6 Yes/0 conditions/ 0 No
Urban Design
Planning Overall, Council direction is to proceed with the current framework, incorporating
targeted refinements focused on clarity, connectivity, and alignment with broader
812 SW Washington St
Suite 250 City priorities.
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692
www.firstfortyfeet.corr, Vision Statement Feedback
Council members broadly supported the vision and its direction. Feedback focused
on strengthening clarity, emphasis, and tone.
Key Themes
• Connectivity and Access
o Emphasize pedestrian connections between Downtown and
Foothills Park
o Reinforce Foothills' role as a link to the Willamette River
• Clarity of Terminology
o The term "neighborhood" may imply primarily residential use,
potentially conflicting with mixed-use intent
o "Multimodal access" should be more clearly defined
• Aspirational Tone
o The Vision Statement could be more compelling and aspirational
while maintaining clarity
• Design and Character
o Strong interest in high-quality design and visual experience,
including views into the district
Guiding Principles Feedback
Guiding Principles 1-2
Create a Walkable Mixed-Use Waterfront District
Balance Development with the Natural River Environment
Council generally supported these principles but identified areas for refinement:
• Define "small-town character" to avoid ambiguity or unintended
constraints
• Emphasize Foothills as complementary to—not competitive with—
Downtown
• Strengthen language around:
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/City Council study Session No. 2 Summary page 2 of 4
ATTACHMENT 3/PAGE 2 OF 4
FIRST o Pedestrian connectivity
FORTY o Downtown-to-waterfront access
FEET • Reinforce design quality and sustainability considerations
Architecture
Urban Design Guiding Principles 3-4
Planning
Reconnect Lake Oswego to the Willamette River and Waterfront
Suite812 W Washington St Support an Inclusive and EconomicallyVital Community
250 pp
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692
www.firstfortyfeet.com • Received unanimous support with no conditions
• Council strongly aligned with:
o Improved public access to the river
o Inclusive community development
o Long-term economic vitality
Guiding Principles 5-6
Integrate Sustainability, Ecology, and Climate Resilience
Plan for Adaptability Over Time
• Received unanimous support with no conditions
• Council affirmed the importance of:
o Climate-responsive design
o Long-term flexibility and phased development
Key Themes
Across all feedback, several consistent priorities emerged:
• Strengthen Connectivity
o Prioritize pedestrian-first design and seamless connections to
Downtown and the river
• Clarify Relationship to Downtown
o Ensure Foothills enhances and complements Downtown, rather than
competing with it
• Refine Language for Clarity
o Provide clear definitions for key terms to guide future
implementation
• Elevate Design Quality
o Emphasize aesthetics, identity, and overall user experience
• Balance Vision and Implementation
o Maintain an aspirational vision grounded in realistic, implementable
outcomes
Next Steps
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/City Council study Session No. 2 Summary page 3 of 4
ATTACHMENT 3/PAGE 3 OF 4
FIRST Based on City Council direction,the project team will:
FORTY
FEET • Refine the Vision Statement and Guiding Principles to address Council
Architecture feedback
Urban Design • Continue coordination with the Planning Commission and CAC
Planning • Advance into development of Concept Plan Alternatives informed by the
refined framework
812 SW Washington St
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205 Upcoming milestones include:
t:503-764-9692
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• Planning Commission Work Session
• CAC Meeting
• Future City Council Study Session
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/City Council study Session No. 2 Summary page 4 of 4
ATTACHMENT 3/PAGE 4 OF 4
ATTACHMENT 4
FIRST April 30, 2026
FORTY
FEET Architecture Foothills District Plan Update
Urban Design
Planning
Planning Commission Work Session #2
812SW Washington St Foothills District Plan Update
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205 Vision and Guiding Principles Review
t:503-764-9692
www.firsffortyfeet.com
Purpose
This memorandum summarizes Planning Commission feedback from the recent
work session on the draft Foothills District Plan Update Vision Statement and
Guiding Principles, developed by the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC). The
purpose of the session was to review the materials and gather feedback to inform
refinement of the vision and principles as the project advances into the concept
planning phase.
Background
The Planning Commission work session focused on reviewing and providing
feedback on the draft Foothills Vision Statement and Guiding Principles, building
on:
• 0 Community Advisory Committee (CAC) visioning outcomes
• I] Ongoing public and stakeholder engagement
• L l Previous input from the City Council
The discussion centered on confirming overall support, identifying refinements,
and ensuring clarity and effectiveness of the vision and principles.
Summary of Planning Commission Feedback
The Planning Commission expressed strong overall support for both the Vision
Statement and the six Guiding Principles. Much of the support was "with
conditions," reflecting a desire to refine language and emphasis rather than
change direction. No Commissioners opposed the materials presented.
0 Vision Statement:
• 3 Yes
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/Community Workshop No. 1 Summary page 1 of 4
ATTACHMENT 4/PAGE 1 OF 4
FIRST • 1 Yes, with conditions
FORTY • 0 No
FEET
Architecture I, Guiding Principles 1-2:
Urban Design
Planning • 1 Yes/3 Yes with conditions/0 No
812 SW Washington St 0 Guiding Principles 3-4:
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692 • 2 Yes/2 Yes with conditions/0 No
www.firstfortyfeet.com
I] Guiding Principles 5-6:
• 2 Yes/ 1 Yes with conditions/0 No
Overall, the Planning Commission supports proceeding with the current
framework, with targeted refinements focused on clarity, connectivity, and
implementation detail.
Vision Statement Feedback
Commissioners broadly supported the vision and its overall direction. Feedback
supported City Council direction for strengthening clarity, emphasis, and tone.
Key Themes
• Connectivity and Access
o Emphasize strong pedestrian connections between Downtown and
Foothills Park
o Reinforce Foothills' role as a connection to the Willamette River
• I] Clarity of Terminology
o Clarify terms such as "neighborhood"to better reflect mixed-use intent
o Provide clearer definition of"multimodal access"
• II Aspirational Tone
o Strengthen the vision to be more compelling and forward-looking while
maintaining clarity
• II Design and Character
o Emphasize high-quality design and visual experience
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/City Council study Session No. 2 Summary page 2 of 4
ATTACHMENT 4/PAGE 2 OF 4
FIRST • m Equity and Inclusion
FORTY
FEETo Incorporate more explicit DEIA-related language
Architecture
Urban Design Guiding Principles Feedback
Planning
812 SW Washington St Guiding Principles 1-2
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692 Create a Walkable Mixed-Use Waterfront District
www.firstfortyfeet.com Balance Development with the Natural River Environment
Commissioners generally supported these principles and supported City Council
direction with a few identified areas for refinement:
• Clarify or reconsider using "small-town character" terminology to avoid
ambiguity or unintended constraints
• Better define what it means for Foothills to be complementary to—not
competitive with—Downtown
• Support for strengthening language around:
o Pedestrian connectivity
o Downtown-to-waterfront access
• Consider multimodal connections, including potential transit service
• Support for reinforcing design quality and sustainability considerations
Guiding Principles 3-4
Reconnect Lake Oswego to the Willamette River and Waterfront
Support an Inclusive and Economically Vital Community
General support with identified areas for refinement:
• Strengthen emphasis on affordable housing
• Clarify intent and strength of connections between Downtown and
Foothills
Guiding Principles 5-6
Integrate Sustainability, Ecology, and Climate Resilience
Plan for Adaptability Over Time
General support with limited conditions:
• 0 Ensure infrastructure planning (e.g., wastewater treatment) does not
preclude future sustainability innovations
• I] Expand consideration of floodplain management
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/City Council study Session No. 2 Summary page 3 of 4
ATTACHMENT 4/PAGE 3 OF 4
FIRST Key Themes
FORTY
FEETThe Planning Commission overall supports the CAC draft vision statement and
Architecture guiding principles, and share some of the conditions and priorities expressed by City
Urban Design
Planning Council and offer some additions to inform further refinement:
812 SW Washington St Shared Priorities
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692 • Connectivity (especially Downtown to river)
www.firstfortyfeet.com • Clear and actionable language
• High-quality design
• Long-term sustainability
Planning Commission Additions
• Greater focus on implementation detail and feasibility
• Stronger emphasis on equity and affordability(DEIA + housing)
• More scrutiny of terminology and clarity of plan purpose especially as it
relates to the district's role as a complement and grand connection to the
riverfront and Foothills Park
• Expanded transportation discussion (including transit)
Next Steps
Based on Planning Commission feedback, the project team will:
• Refine the Vision Statement and Guiding Principles to address comments
• Continue coordination with the Planning Commission and CAC
• Advance into development of Concept Plan Alternatives informed by the
refined framework
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/City Council study Session No. 2 Summary page 4 of 4
ATTACHMENT 4/PAGE 4 OF 4
ATTACHMENT 5
FIRST May 1, 2026
FORTY
FEET Architecture Foothills District Plan Update
Urban Design
Planning Oswego Pointe Village Condominiums
Foothills District Plan Update
812 SW Washington St
Suite 250 Oswego Pointe Condominium Resident Meeting Summary
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692 March 16, 2026 I 5:30-6:30 PM
www.firstfortyfeet.com Oswego Pointe Village Condominiums Clubhouse
Purpose
The Foothills District Plan Update team met with residents of the Oswego Pointe
Village Condominiums to introduce the project, review the planning context and
timeline, share engagement tools and findings to date, and gather resident
perspectives on existing conditions, concerns, and future priorities for the district.
This summary highlights key themes and feedback shared during the discussion.
The meeting was hosted by Condo Association Chair Mary Beth Coffey and
attended by approximately 30 residents. The session was facilitated by Jason Graff
(First Forty Feet) and Erik Olson (City of Lake Oswego).
Participants represented a highly engaged group of residents with strong familiarity
with the Foothills District and a vested interest in preserving neighborhood
character, livability, and access to nearby amenities.
Meeting Overview
The meeting began with introductions,followed by a presentation outlining:
• The project boundary and purpose
• The Foothills District Story Map (interactive existing conditions and
feedback tool)
• A summary of engagement conducted to date
Mary Beth Coffey noted that many residents had reviewed the Story Map and
affirmed its general accuracy, while also raising key concerns about how the
condominium community is represented.
Summary of Key Themes
1. Strong desire to recognize Oswego Pointe as an established neighborhood
A central issue raised by residents was the classification of Oswego Pointe
Village Condominiums within the project area. Participants emphasized that
the community should be recognized as an existing, stable neighborhood
and long-term steward of the district—not as a redevelopment opportunity.
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/Community Workshop No. 1 Summary page 1 of 4
ATTACHMENT 5/PAGE 1 OF 4
FIRST The consultant team and City staff acknowledged this concern and agreed
FORTY that references suggesting redevelopment of the condominium property
FEETwould be removed from project materials.
Architecture
Urban Design 2. Clarification of redevelopment focus and timeline
Planning
Residents sought clarity on where and when redevelopment is anticipated.
812 SW Washington St The project team confirmed that:
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205 • Redevelopment is primarily focused on the existing light industrial
t:503-764-9692 areas and land associated with the future relocation of the
www.fi rstfo stfort rtyfeet.com
wastewater treatment plant
• Reconstruction of the plant is anticipated around 2029
• Significant changes to housing or street networks are not expected in
the near term (generally five years or more)
This helped clarify that major changes are longer-term and geographically
concentrated away from the condominium site.
3. Future land uses: housing and mixed-use development
Residents inquired about anticipated land uses in the district. The project
team indicated that:
• Multi-family housing is a primary component of future development
• Some level of commercial or mixed-use development is also
expected
There was general concern about how increased density could affect
neighborhood character, traffic, and overall livability.
4. Floodplain constraints and development feasibility
The consultant team noted that much of the Foothills area lies within the
floodplain, requiring significant fill to enable development.
Residents discussed the history of the 1996 flood and acknowledged that
the Oswego Pointe Condominiums were constructed on raised ground
(former foundry site) to address similar conditions. This was understood as a
precedent for future redevelopment but also a reminder of environmental
constraints.
5. Desire to maintain a quiet and peaceful neighborhood character
Residents consistently emphasized the importance of preserving the calm,
quiet nature of the area.
Concerns included:
• Potential increases in noise, activity, and congestion from new
development
• Impacts of greater park access and visitor use
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/Oswego Point Village Condos Resident Meeting Summary page 2
of 4
ATTACHMENT 5/PAGE 2 OF 4
FIRST Some participants noted that additional residents could improve safety
FORTY through "eyes on the street," though this was balanced with concern about
FEETover-activation.
Architecture 6. Ongoing concerns about park behavior and enforcement
Urban Design
Planning A significant portion of the discussion focused on current challenges related
to Foothills Park, particularly:
812 SW Washington St
Suite250 • Youth activity and behavioral issues
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692 • Conflicts between park users and condominium residents
www.fi rstfo rtyfeet.com
Residents expressed a strong desire for increased enforcement both now
and as the area grows.
7. Parking and accessibility needs
Residents highlighted the need for improved parking management,
including:
• Additional parking capacity for park users
• Increased ADA-accessible parking
These needs were identified as important both today and in the context of
future growth.
8. Importance of trails and senior accessibility
Participants affirmed the value of the Willamette River (Curlicue) Trail as a
key amenity for both residents and visitors.
Residents noted that:
• Seniors represent a significant user group
• Accessibility and ease of movement are critical considerations for
future improvements
Key Considerations / Planning Implications
The Oswego Pointe resident meeting suggests several important considerations for
the Foothills District Plan Update:
• Clearly distinguish established residential areas from redevelopment
opportunity sites
• Maintain and reinforce the quiet, livable character of existing
neighborhoods
• Address current and future park management and enforcement needs
• Plan for adequate parking, including ADA-accessible spaces
• Balance increased activity and access with neighborhood compatibility
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/Oswego Point Village Condos Resident Meeting Summary page 3
of 4
ATTACHMENT 5/PAGE 3 OF 4
FIRST • Consider floodplain constraints as a defining factor in redevelopment
FORTY feasibility
FEET • Ensure that future development supports safety, accessibility, and quality of
Architecture life for existing residents
Urban Design
Planning
Conclusion
812 SW Washington St The Oswego Pointe Condominium residents provided thoughtful and highly place-
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon97205 based feedback grounded in lived experience within the Foothills District.
t:503-764-9692
www.firstfortyfeet.com Participants expressed strong interest in ensuring that future planning efforts
respect the established residential character of their community while thoughtfully
managing growth, access, and activity in surrounding areas. Key priorities include
maintaining neighborhood livability, improving park management, and ensuring
that future development is carefully integrated with existing conditions.
Overall,the discussion reinforces the importance of balancing long-term
redevelopment goals with the immediate needs and concerns of current residents.
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/Oswego Point Village Condos Resident Meeting Summary page 4
of 4
ATTACHMENT 5/PAGE 4 OF 4
ATTACHMENT 6
FIRST April 30, 2026
FORTY
FEET Architecture Foothills Technical AdvisoryMeeting Committee #2
Urban Design
Planning Summary
812 SW Washington St
Suite 250 Topic: North Portal Preliminary Access Concepts
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692 Date/Time: April 1, 2026, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
www.firstfortyfeet.com Format: Zoom
Focus: Foothills District Plan Update — North Portal access alternatives, rail
crossing process, Highway 43/Terwilliger intersection feasibility,Tryon Creek
culvert coordination, agency roles, and next steps.
Meeting Purpose
The purpose of this Technical Advisory Committee meeting was to review
preliminary access alternatives for the Foothills District "North Portal," understand
ODOT and ODOT Rail processes, requirements, and constraints, identify
coordination needs related to transportation, rail, and environmental systems, and
clarify roles, responsibilities, and next steps for advancing preferred alternatives.
The agenda framed the meeting as an early coordination discussion focused on
understanding process, feasibility, constraints, and interagency roles rather than
reaching final decisions.
Meeting Objectives
The City and project team sought to:
1. Understand the process and requirements for a potential rail crossing at
Terwilliger Boulevard and State Street/ Highway 43.
2. Clarify the feasibility and approval process for converting the Terwilliger
Boulevard intersection into a four-legged intersection.
3. Identify environmental constraints and coordination needs related to Tryon
Creek and the Highway 43 Culvert Project.
4. Identify roles and next steps for the City of Lake Oswego as Portland BES
transitions out of a leadership role.
5. Identify key agency contacts, including Tribal coordination with the
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.
Attendees/ Participants
The meeting included representatives from the City of Lake Oswego, First Forty
Feet, APEX, ODOT, ODOT Rail, Metro,TriMet, Portland Bureau of Environmental
Services, Tryon Creek Watershed Council, PGE, Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation,
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/CAC No. 4 Meeting Summary page 1 of 7
ATTACHMENT 6/PAGE 1 OF 7
FIRST Lake Oswego Fire, Arts Council of Lake Oswego, property owners, and other partner
FORTY agencies and stakeholders. Introductions included Erik Olson as the City's Foothills
FEETDistrict Plan project manager,Jason Graf and Will Grimm with First Forty Feet,
Architecture Megan Braunsten in an economic development/ redevelopment role for the City,
Urban Design Scott Shumaker and Jeff Whitman with APEX, Amy Chomowicz with Portland BES,
Planning Alexis Barton Castro with Tryon Creek Watershed Council, Alex Page with TriMet,
Elizabeth Mros-O'Hara representing the Willamette Shoreline Consortium, ODOT
812 SW Washington St
Suite 250 representatives, and others.
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692 Project Context
www.firsffortyfeet.com
The Foothills District Plan is evaluating preliminary access alternatives for a
potential North Portal connection to State Street/ Highway 43. The North Portal is
critical because the district currently has limited access, and a second major point
of access is important to support redevelopment, emergency access, circulation,
public park access, and long-term district functionality. The project team described
this as one of the most complicated aspects of the Foothills planning effort because
it involves Highway 43, an active rail corridor, existing and potential rail crossings,
Tryon Creek,the Highway 43 fish culvert, the wastewater treatment plant
relocation, and potential future redevelopment areas.
The agenda identified two preliminary access alternatives for discussion:
Alternative A — Existing Crossing/Public Storage Site
This alternative would use the existing at-grade rail crossing near the Public Storage
site along State Street. This crossing was identified in the 2012 Foothills District
Plan as the primary north portal access, but the alignment would need to be
reconsidered due to the future wastewater treatment plant location and current
ODOT access expectations.
Alternative B — Terwilliger Boulevard Crossing
This alternative would create a new potential rail crossing at or near the existing
State Street/Terwilliger Boulevard signalized intersection, converting the current
three-legged intersection into a four-legged intersection. This concept would better
align with the existing street network and may create a stronger front door into the
district, but it also introduces significant constraints related to rail alignment, grade,
the rail trestle, Tryon Creek, and environmental permitting.
Meeting Framing
The project team framed the meeting around three primary coordination areas:
ODOT Transportation, because the alternatives would modify access to Highway 43;
ODOT Rail, because both alternatives involve either a new, modified, or converted
rail crossing; and Tryon Creek/ Highway 43 culvert coordination, because the
access alternatives are located near the existing non-fish-friendly culvert and the
broader fish passage improvement effort. The meeting was also described as an
opportunity to begin building a coalition of partners around the overlapping
transportation, rail, environmental, and redevelopment issues in the Terwilliger
Boulevard/Tryon Creek/ Highway 43 area.
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/CAC No. 4 Meeting Summary page 2 of 7
ATTACHMENT 6/PAGE 2 OF 7
FIRST North Portal Access Alternatives
FORTY The project team explained that the existing crossing near the Public Storage site
FEETremains an opportunity because the rail and highway grades are already aligned in
Architecture that location. However,the previous 2012 concept assumed a right-in/ right-out
Urban Design
Planning connection, while the current planning discussion is considering a more complete
signalized access that would allow northbound and southbound movements into
812 SW Washington St and out of the district. This would likely require changes to nearby street
Suite250 operations, including possible turn restrictions and modifications to Avenue D or
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692 Avenue E.
www.fi rstfo rtyfeet.com
The Terwilliger Boulevard alternative was discussed as potentially stronger from a
circulation and urban design perspective because it could create a normalized four-
legged intersection and a clearer northern gateway into the Foothills District.
However, the team noted that the rail line is several feet above the highway in this
area, meaning that any new crossing would need to resolve grade issues. The
alternative would also need to address Tryon Creek, environmental impacts, the rail
trestle, and possible coordination with future fish passage improvements.
ODOT Transportation / Highway 43 Feasibility
ODOT Transportation representatives noted that they could not provide a definitive
recommendation during the meeting without additional technical analysis and
input from traffic engineering staff. ODOT indicated that further data, traffic
analysis, and review would be required before determining the feasibility of either
access alternative. APEX confirmed that an intersection control evaluation is not
currently included in the present scope of work and would likely be part of a future
phase, once the preferred access direction is better defined.
ODOT also provided preliminary feedback that there was no clear preference
between the two access alternatives at this stage. For the existing Public Storage
crossing option, ODOT noted that it would be preferable to align the access more
directly with Avenue D rather than creating an offset T-intersection condition.
ODOT also acknowledged that the Terwilliger option would likely be expensive and
time-intensive, but potentially doable, with rail issues representing one of the more
significant constraints.
Rail Crossing Process and Requirements
ODOT Rail clarified that if the existing Public Storage crossing is intended to serve
public access into the Foothills District, it would need to become a public crossing.
The current crossing is understood to function as a private crossing serving private
property. If the City intends to invite the public through that location, the crossing
would need to be converted to a public crossing, which would require a formal
application process.
The first steps toward creating a new crossing or modifying an existing crossing
would include the following sequence:
1. The public road authority, assumed to be the City of Lake Oswego, would
need to secure a pre-engineering agreement with UPRR.
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/CAC No. 4 Meeting Summary page 3 of 7
ATTACHMENT 6/PAGE 3 OF 7
FIRST 2. A rail crossing diagnostic would be held to determine the civil design
FORTY requirements for the crossing.
FEET3. A consulting firm would prepare the civil design drawings based on the
Architecture diagnostic meeting.
Urban Design
Planning 4. The road authority would submit a Rail Crossing Application to ODOT Rail,
including stamped engineering drawings.
812 SW Washington St
Suite 250 5. ODOT Rail would prepare a Proposed Order, which would be sent to the
Portland,Oregon 97205
t.503-764-9692 parties to the order for a 60-day review period.
www.fi rstfo rtyfeet.com
6. If no objections are made, ODOT Rail would issue a Final Order, after which
construction could begin.
ODOT Rail also noted that a rail crossing diagnostic would determine the type of
crossing design and safety devices needed, including whether the crossing would be
signalized or passive, and whether pedestrian facilities would be included. The
diagnostic would include the railroad,the road authority, ODOT Rail, and other
relevant parties.
ODOT Rail also flagged grade as a key design consideration. For a crossing, the
grade generally needs to remain very flat near the rail with no more than a three-
inch drop within 30 feet from the nearest rail, unless a design exception is needed.
Rail Flexibility
TriMet and METRO representatives to the Willamette Shoreline Consortium
encouraged the project team to protect the long-term flexibility of the rail right-of-
way.The rail corridor is currently used by Portland & Western freight service and
the Willamette Shoreline Trolley, and TriMet noted its interest in preserving the
possibility of future passenger service to Lake Oswego along the same right-of-way.
The meeting discussion emphasized that the Foothills District Plan should not
preclude future recreational, heritage trolley, freight, or potential public
transportation uses of the rail corridor. The project team confirmed that the intent
is to maintain the rail alignment and right-of-way as fully as possible and not
interrupt existing or future rail-related opportunities. Future North Portal designs
should therefore protect the Willamette Trolley alignment, maintain rail
operational flexibility, and ensure that roadway, trail, redevelopment, and
intersection concepts do not foreclose future rail service.
Tryon Creek, Culvert, and Environmental Coordination
A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Highway 43 culvert and Tryon
Creek fish passage. Portland BES explained that the City of Portland and the Army
Corps of Engineers had worked for approximately 15 years on a project to replace
the undersized culvert that blocks fish passage between the Willamette River and
the upper reaches of Tryon Creek. The project advanced through feasibility and
federal processes, but the preferred alternative became significantly more
expensive than the Army Corps' congressionally authorized funding limit. As a
result, the project is currently at a standstill,though not necessarily dead.
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/CAC No. 4 Meeting Summary page 4 of 7
ATTACHMENT 6/PAGE 4 OF 7
FIRST Portland BES clarified that it is no longer the lead for the culvert replacement
FORTY project. The project remains one of several authorized under the Water Resources
FEETDevelopment Act, and it could continue if another local non-federal sponsor steps
Architecture forward. Potential future sponsors discussed included the City of Lake Oswego and
Urban Design ODOT, given the project's location, Highway 43 ownership, and the City's growing
Planning role in the area. Portland BES indicated it would remain available to support the
project but would not resume leadership.
812 SW Washington St
Suite250 The discussion also noted that the existing rail trestle constrains fish passage design
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692 options on both sides of the creek. Participants discussed that replacing or
www.firstfortyfeet.com modifying the rail trestle with a larger span could potentially unlock other fish
passage solutions, while the Army Corps process has tended to drive the project
toward a culvert-based solution. A bridge or span solution may be less costly or
more flexible, but it had not been fully evaluated under the prior Army Corps-led
process.
ODOT noted that, while the culvert is connected to ODOT because it passes under
Highway 43, ODOT's culvert program currently does not have available additional
funds for the project. Participants also acknowledged that large federal funding
sources may be needed because the local match or non-federal share would likely
be too large for one local agency to carry alone.
Tribal Coordination
The agenda identified the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde as an important
coordination partner. During the meeting, participants discussed that the Tribe has
not historically been deeply involved in the Highway 43 culvert project through
formal government-to-government coordination, although there are existing
relationships connected to Tryon Creek and related natural resource work.
Participants noted that previously lamprey and salmon have been found in the
lower part of Tryon Creek and that the watershed provides important habitat value,
including cutthroat trout habitat.This ecological context suggests that Tribal
coordination could be important as the City considers how to move forward with
watershed, fish passage, and cultural resource discussions.The project team
requested that Tryon Creek Watershed Council share potential Grand Ronde
contacts so the City can initiate appropriate coordination.
Fire and Life Safety
Lake Oswego Fire provided preliminary input on the implications of relying on a
single access point into the district. Fire noted that there is not necessarily a hard
limit on development from a fire code perspective, but a single-access condition
could limit building height and trigger fire protection requirements. Specifically,
structures requiring aerial apparatus access would need two points of access, and
new residential structures in the area would be required to include fire sprinkler
systems regardless of size. Fire also indicated that a single-access condition could
limit height to approximately 36 feet, or 30 feet to the eaves/ lowest point,
measured from the fire department access point.
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/CAC No. 4 Meeting Summary page 5 of 7
ATTACHMENT 6/PAGE 5 OF 7
FIRST This feedback reinforces the importance of a second access point for the Foothills
FORTY District if the City intends to support more intensive redevelopment and taller
FEET buildings.
Architecture Key Takeaways
Urban Design
Planning The meeting confirmed that the North Portal access decision is not simply a
roadway alignment choice. It is tied to a larger set of transportation, rail,
812 SW Washington St environmental, redevelopment, emergency access, and interagency coordination
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205 issues.
t:503-764-9692
www.firstfortyfeet.com Key takeaways include:
• A second northern access point is critical to support the long-term
redevelopment potential of the Foothills District.
• The existing Public Storage crossing has the advantage of existing grade
compatibility but would require conversion from a private to public crossing
and likely a more robust intersection solution than the 2012 right-in/ right-
out concept.
• The Terwilliger Boulevard option may provide a stronger gateway and better
connection to the existing street network, but it introduces significant rail,
grade,trestle, Tryon Creek, and cost constraints.
• ODOT Transportation will need additional data,traffic analysis, and likely
future intersection control evaluation before making a recommendation.
• ODOT Rail will require a formal process involving UPRR, a diagnostic
meeting, civil design drawings, a rail crossing application, proposed order,
60-day review period, and final order.
• TriMet and the Willamette Shoreline Consortium emphasized the need to
preserve future rail flexibility for freight, trolley, recreational, and possible
passenger service.
• The Tryon Creek/ Highway 43 culvert project is currently stalled due to cost
and sponsorship issues, but it remains a potentially important project that
could be revived with a new non-federal sponsor or broader partnership.
• The City of Lake Oswego may need to assume a larger leadership or
coordination role as Portland BES steps back.
• Tribal coordination with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde should be
initiated as the project advances.
• Fire access considerations strengthen the need for a second access point if
the district is expected to accommodate more significant redevelopment.
Potential Next Steps/Action Items
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/CAC No. 4 Meeting Summary page 6 of 7
ATTACHMENT 6/PAGE 6 OF 7
FIRST 1. Coordinate with ODOT Rail and UPRR to confirm the specific process for a
FORTY new crossing, conversion of the existing private crossing to a public crossing,
FEETor closure of one crossing and replacement with another.
Architecture 2. Confirm the City's role as public road authority for any future crossing
Urban Design
Planning application and identify when a pre-engineering agreement with UPRR
would be needed.
812 SW Washington St 3. Schedule or plan for a future rail crossing diagnostic once the preferred
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205 access concept is more clearly defined.
t:503-764-9692
www.firstfortyfeet.com 4. Coordinate with ODOT Transportation/ Region 1 traffic staff to identify
required studies, including future traffic analysis and potential intersection
control evaluation.
5. Further evaluate Alternative A/ Public Storage crossing, including public
right-of-way needs, D Avenue alignment potential, signalization, grade, and
impacts to adjacent access.
6. Further evaluate Alternative B/Terwilliger crossing, including rail grade
constraints,trestle implications, Tryon Creek crossing needs, Highway 43
intersection modifications, and cost.
7. Protect rail corridor flexibility by ensuring that all access, trail, and
redevelopment concepts maintain the Willamette Trolley alignment and do
not preclude future freight, trolley, recreational, or passenger rail service.
8. Clarify the status of the Tryon Creek/ Highway 43 culvert project, including
prior Army Corps work, remaining authorization, cost assumptions, and
potential alternative design approaches.
9. Identify a future non-federal sponsor or partnership structure for the culvert
/fish passage project, recognizing that Portland BES will not continue as
lead.
10. Request Tribal coordination contacts from Tryon Creek Watershed Council
and initiate appropriate outreach to the Confederated Tribes of Grand
Ronde.
11. Document fire access implications of a single-access versus two-access
district scenario and incorporate these findings into the alternatives
evaluation.
12. Use the TAC feedback to refine the North Portal alternatives and identify
which issues require additional technical analysis in a future phase.
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/CAC No. 4 Meeting Summary page 7 of 7
ATTACHMENT 6/PAGE 7 OF 7
ATTACHMENT 7
FIRST April 30, 2026
FORTY
FEET Architecture Foothills District Plan Update
Urban Design
Planning
Refined Vision and Guiding Principles
812SW Washington St Foothills District Plan Update
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon97205 Summary of vision and guiding principles process and refinement.
t:503-764-9692
www.firsffortyfeet.com
Purpose
This memorandum summarizes the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) visioning
process and presents the refined Vision Statement and Guiding Principles,
incorporating direction from the City Council and Planning Commission. It highlights
how the CAC draft was refined to improve clarity, alignment, and implementation.
Background
The Foothills Vision Statement and Guiding Principles were developed through an
iterative CAC-led process focused on long-term outcomes for the district. The CAC's
work was informed by community values, stakeholder input, and discussion of key
opportunities and tradeoffs.
The CAC process resulted in:
• A draft Vision Statement
• Six Guiding Principles
Key themes from CAC discussions included:
• A public-facing waterfront with strong access to the river
• A walkable, active neighborhood
• A balance between livability and economic vitality
• A district that is distinctly Lake Oswego
• Emphasis on public access, connection to nature, design quality, and
community benefit
Following CAC adoption, the Vision and Guiding Principles were reviewed by the
City Council and Planning Commission, whose feedback focused on confirming
overall direction and identifying targeted refinements.
Summary of City Council and Planning Commission
Feedback
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/Community Workshop No. 1 Summary page 1 of 9
ATTACHMENT 7/PAGE 1 OF 9
FIRST Both the City Council and Planning Commission expressed strong overall support
FORTY for the CAC Vision Statement and Guiding Principles, with no opposition recorded.
FEET
Architecture Feedback generally supported proceeding with the CAC framework, with
Urban Design refinements focused on clarity, emphasis, and implementation.
Planning
Vision Statement
812 SW Washington St
Suite250 • Broad support for overall direction
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692 • Feedback focused on strengthening:
www.firsffortyfeet.com
o Clarity of mixed-use intent
o Relationship to Downtown
o Connectivity to the river
o Design language and character
o Equity, inclusion, and access
Guiding Principles
• Strong support across all six principles
• Conditions focused on:
o Connectivity and access (especially Downtown to riverfront)
o Complementary relationship to Downtown
o Affordable housing and inclusivity
o Sustainability and resilience
o Long-term flexibility and implementation
Key Themes from Council and Commission Direction
Connectivity and Access
• Strengthen direct, visible, and multimodal connections between Downtown,
Foothills, and the river
• Emphasize pedestrian-oriented design and public access
District Role and Identity
• Clarify Foothills as a mixed-use district
• Reinforce its role as complementary to and extending Downtown
• Highlight Foothills Park as a key organizing feature
Design and Character
• Elevate design quality and placemaking
• Incorporate language around buildings framing streets and public spaces
• Integrate urban form with natural systems
Equity and Housing
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/City Council study Session No. 2 Summary page 2 of 9
ATTACHMENT 7/PAGE 2 OF 9
FIRST • Expand emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and access
FORTY Strengthen commitment to a mix of housing, including affordability
FEET •
Architecture Sustainability and Resilience
Urban Design
Planning • Affirm Foothills as a model sustainable district
812 SW Washington St • Integrate climate-responsive design and ecological restoration
Suite 250 • Ensure infrastructure supports future innovation and resilience
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692
www.firsffortyfeet.com Adaptability and Implementation
• Support a flexible, phased development framework
• Plan for long-term change and evolving community needs
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/City Council study Session No. 2 Summary page 3 of 9
ATTACHMENT 7/PAGE 3 OF 9
FIRST Refined Vision Statement and Guiding Principles
FORTY
FEETBased on City Council and Planning Commission direction, the CAC draft Vision
Architecture Statement and Guiding Principles were refined to improve clarity, strengthen
Urban Design
Planning alignment with project goals, and incorporate key policy direction.
812 SW Washington St The refined language is presented below, along with the original CAC draft and a
Suite 250 summary of what changed.
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692
www.firstfortyfeet.corr Vision Statement
Refined Vision Statement
The Foothills District is Lake Oswego's greatest opportunity to provide the
community with a meaningful riverfront presence. Building upon the success of
Downtown Lake Oswego, the District will redevelop in a manner that knits together
Tryon Creek, Old Town, the Willamette River, and Oswego Lake—creating a vibrant
mixed-use district that extends Downtown with enhanced river access and reflects
Lake Oswego's identity and values.
Future development will build on the existing community and deepen Lake
Oswego's connection to the Willamette River through direct access, multimodal
connections, inclusive public spaces, and restored natural systems. Development
will balance urban form with the natural environment, integrating the river,Tryon
Creek, and surrounding landscape into the district's design. A mix of uses will
provide diverse housing options, including opportunities for affordability, alongside
retail and commercial uses that complement Downtown.
Buildings and public spaces will be designed to create an active, pedestrian-
oriented district. Guided by the site's topography and a commitment to long-term
adaptability, development in Foothills will emphasize sustainability—honoring the
land, history, and cultural narratives while welcoming future generations.
Original CAC Vision Statement
The Foothills District is Lake Oswego's greatest opportunity to provide the
community with a significant riverfront presence. Building upon the recent success
of Downtown Lake Oswego,the District will redevelop in a manner that knits
downtown, Tryon Creek, Old Town,the Willamette River, and Oswego Lake
together, and in the process will establish Lake Oswego's next great residential
neighborhood.
The Foothills District will become a welcoming, inclusive neighborhood that
strengthens the existing community and deepens Lake Oswego's connection to the
Willamette River through clear multimodal access, vibrant public spaces, restored
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/City Council study Session No. 2 Summary page 4 of 9
ATTACHMENT 7/PAGE 4 OF 9
FIRST natural systems, and a diverse range of housing options that support community
FORTY life for all.
FEET
Architecture Guided by the site's topography, its downtown context, and a commitment to long-
Urban Design term adaptability,future development in Foothills will be rooted in sustainability—
Planning honoring the land, history, and stories of Lake Oswego while embracing new
residents, cultures, and futures.
812 SW Washington St
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692
www.fi rstfo rtyfeet.com
What Changed
• Clarified district identity as a mixed-use district rather than solely a
residential neighborhood
• Strengthened Foothills' role as complementary to and extending
Downtown
• Enhanced emphasis on direct, multimodal connectivity to the river
• Introduced design language (buildings framing streets and public spaces)
• Expanded housing diversity and affordability language
• Improved clarity, tone, and overall readability
Guiding Principles
These guiding principles translate the vision into actionable priorities to inform
future planning and development.
Guiding Principle 1- Create a Walkable, Mixed-Use Waterfront District:
Refined
Create a Walkable, Mixed-Use Waterfront District:
Design Foothills as a walkable, mixed-use district that complements Downtown and
provides views and accessible connections to Foothills Park. Streets and public
spaces will prioritize pedestrians while supporting multiple travel options, with
buildings framing streets and spaces to create a cohesive, active district.
Original
Create a Walkable, Mixed-Use Waterfront District:
Design Foothills as a vibrant, human-scaled neighborhood where housing, civic
spaces, recreation, and local businesses create an active waterfront environment.
What Changed
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/City Council study Session No. 2 Summary page 5 of 9
ATTACHMENT 7/PAGE 5 OF 9
FIRST • Reinforced relationship to Downtown (complementary, not competing)
FORTY • Added Foothills Park connections and views
FEET • Strengthened pedestrian and multimodal emphasis
Architecture • Introduced design language (buildings framing streets)
Urban Design
Planning • Shifted from "neighborhood" to district-scale framing
812 SW Washington St
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692 Guiding Principle 2- Balance Development with the Natural River Environment:
www.fi rstfo rtyfeet.com
Refined
Balance Development with the Natural River Environment:
Ensure development respects and enhances the Willamette River, Tryon Creek, tree
canopy, and surrounding landscape by integrating natural systems into the district's
design and supporting long-term environmental performance, resilience, and
stewardship.
Original
Balance Development with the Natural River Environment:
Ensure new development respects and enhances the Willamette River,Tryon Creek,
tree canopy, and surrounding landscape while maintaining Lake Oswego's small-
town character.
What Changed
• Removed "small-town character" to avoid ambiguity
• Added integration of natural systems into design
• Strengthened resilience and long-term performance language
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/City Council study Session No. 2 Summary page 6 of 9
ATTACHMENT 7/PAGE 6 OF 9
FIRST Guiding Principle 3- Reconnect Lake Oswego to the Willamette River and
FORTY Waterfront:
FEET
Architecture Refined
Urban Design
Planning Reconnect Lake Oswego to the Willamette River and Waterfront:
Create safe, welcoming, and visible multimodal connections between Downtown,
812SW Washington St Foothills Park, and the river through well-designed streets, trails, and public spaces.
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205 Original
t:503-764-9692
www.firstfortyfeet.corr Reconnect Lake Oswego to the Willamette River and Waterfront
Create safe, welcoming, and visible connections between downtown, Foothills Park,
and the river through trails, streets, and public spaces.
What Changed
• Added "multimodal" to clarify intent
• Strengthened design emphasis
• Reinforced Downtown-to-river connection clarity
Guiding Principle 4-Support an Inclusive and Economically Vital Community:
Refined
Support an Inclusive and Economically Vital Community:
Provide a mix of housing—including affordable options—jobs, civic amenities, and
local businesses that support long-term economic vitality and ensure accessibility
for people of different ages, incomes, and backgrounds.
Original
Support an Inclusive and Economically Vital Community: Provide a mix
of housing, jobs, civic amenities, and local businesses that support long-term
economic vitality and make Foothills accessible to people of different ages,
incomes, and backgrounds.
What Changed
• Added explicit reference to affordable housing
• Strengthened equity and inclusion language
Guiding Principle 5- Integrate Sustainability, Ecology, and Climate Resilience:
Refined
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/City Council study Session No. 2 Summary page 7 of 9
ATTACHMENT 7/PAGE 7 OF 9
FIRST Integrate Sustainability, Ecology, and Climate Resilience:
FORTY Design Foothills as a model sustainable district that restores and integrates natural
FEETsystems, protects habitat, reduces emissions, and incorporates clean energy and
Architecture resilient infrastructure to support long-term environmental performance.
Urban Design
Planning Original
Integrate Sustainability, Ecology, and Climate Resilience Design
812 SW Washington St Foothills as a model sustainable district that restores natural systems, protects
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205 habitat, reduces carbon emissions, and incorporates clean energy and resilient
t.503-764-9692
www.firstfortyfeet.com infrastructure.
What Changed
• Added integration of natural systems
• Strengthened long-term performance and resilience framing
Guiding Principle 6- Plan for Adaptability Over Time
Refined
Plan for Adaptability Over Time:
Create a flexible framework that allows Foothills to evolve over time while
maintaining core values of community, nature, and public access, and responding
to changing needs and conditions.
Original
Plan for Adaptability Over Time:
Create a flexible framework that allows Foothills to evolve over decades while
maintaining its core values of community, nature, and public access.
What Changed
• Added emphasis on changing community needs
• Strengthened adaptability and resilience language
Next Steps
• Finalize Vision Statement and Guiding Principles
• Continue coordination with CAC, Planning Commission, and City Council
• Advance into development of Concept Plan Alternatives
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/City Council study Session No. 2 Summary page 8 of 9
ATTACHMENT 7/PAGE 8 OF 9
FIRST
FORTY
FEET
Architecture
Urban Design
Planning
812 SW Washington St
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692
www.firsffortyfeet.com
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/City Council study Session No. 2 Summary page 9 of 9
ATTACHMENT 7/PAGE 9 OF 9
ATTACHMENT 8
FIRST April 30, 2026
FORTY
FEET Architecture Foothills District Plan Update
Urban Design
Planning
Preliminary Development Concepts
812 SW Washington St April 30, 2026
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692
www.firstfortyfeet.com
Overview
The following preliminary development concepts are organized around a shared set of
guiding principles and project objectives for the Foothills District Plan Update. Each
concept explores a different way to reconnect downtown Lake Oswego to the Willamette
River, create a walkable mixed-use waterfront district, balance development with the
natural river environment, support diverse housing and economic vitality,and establish a
flexible framework for long-term implementation.
While all three concepts assume the wastewater treatment facility remains fully
operational and is integrated as a service-oriented infrastructure use, each alternative
differs in how it structures the district's public spaces, street network, development
parcels, State Street edge, and riverfront experience.
The concepts are intended to test different organizing ideas — a civic plaza, a downtown-
to-park public space sequence, and a tree-lined promenade —so the City and community
can compare tradeoffs related to access, development feasibility, public realm character,
housing opportunities, infrastructure investment, and the long-term identity of Foothills.
Preliminary Development Concepts explained below include:
• Park Plaza
• Downtown Plaza to Park
• Park Promenade
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/Draft Preliminary Development Concepts Memo page 1
of 18
ATTACHMENT 8/PAGE 1 OF 18
FIRST Park Plaza Concept
FORTY
FEET Big Idea
Architecture
Urban Design
Planning Park Plaza is organized around a strong east-west Grand Connection that links a new State
Street Retail Landing to an active Park Plaza at Foothills Park.This concept creates a clear
812 SW Washington St visual, physical, and civic connection between downtown Lake Oswego and the Willamette
Suite 2 River, using a new street and view corridor as the primary organizing element for
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692 development, public space, access, and district identity.
www.fi rstfo rtyfeet.corr,
The name Park Plaza reflects the two anchors of the concept: a new park-like arrival and
retail landing at State Street on the west, and a flexible hardscape plaza at the edge of
Foothills Park on the east. Between these anchors, the Grand Connection becomes the
district's main street — a walkable, mixed-use spine lined with active frontages, housing
entries, small retail, public gathering spaces, and views toward the waterfront.
This concept positions Foothills as a new mixed-use waterfront district where public life is
concentrated along a memorable downtown-to-river corridor.
l
,-,
Park Plaza
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Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/Draft Preliminary Development Concepts Memo page 2 of 18
ATTACHMENT 8/PAGE 2 OF 18
FIRST
FORTY
FEETConcept Description
Architecture The Park Plaza concept establishes a new signature street through the Foothills District,
Urban Design
Planning connecting downtown Lake Oswego to the Foothills Park through a sequence of public
spaces, active edges, and new development.At State Street, a new Retail Landing creates a
812 SW Washington St visible district entry, introduces new retail across from existing storefronts, and frames a
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205 view corridor toward the river. From this landing, the Grand Connection crosses the rail
t:503-764-9692 corridor and extends east through the heart of the district, arriving at a new Park Plaza
www.firsffortyfeet.com
along the edge of Foothills Park.
The Park Plaza serves as the primary public gathering space for the district. It is envisioned
as a flexible hardscape plaza that can support daily activity, outdoor dining, small events,
markets, pavilion uses, business incubator spaces, and seasonal programming. Located
adjacent to Foothills Park,the plaza creates a more urban and active complement to the
existing park landscape, allowing the district to balance open space, river access, and
mixed-use development.
New mixed-use and residential buildings are organized to frame the Grand Connection and
activate the Park Plaza. Ground-floor retail, community-serving uses, residential lobbies,
stoops, patios, and pedestrian entries create an active public realm along the corridor.
Multi-story residential development is oriented toward new streets, accessways,and the
waterfront, creating a walkable neighborhood structure while supporting the district's
housing and economic vitality goals.
A key feature of the concept is the way development responds to the future wastewater
treatment facility.The WWTF's operational needs, circulation, service access,and footprint
are respected, but the concept treats Foothills Road primarily as a service-oriented back-of-
house condition for the WWTF and future development Major pedestrian and vehicular
circulation is instead focused along the Grand Connection and internal street network. New
development helps screen the WWTF from the district's most active public spaces, allowing
the treatment facility to function while reducing its visual and experiential impact on the
waterfront district.
Relationship to Guiding Principles
Create a Walkable, Mixed-Use Waterfront District
Park Plaza concentrates the district's most active uses along the Grand Connection,
creating a walkable signature street between State Street and Foothills Park. Mixed-use
development, ground-floor activation, and residential entries help create a pedestrian-
oriented and active street environment rather than a collection of isolated development
sites.
Balance Development with the Natural River Environment
By concentrating higher-intensity public life around the Park Plaza and Grand Connection,
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/Draft Preliminary Development Concepts Memo page 3 of 18
ATTACHMENT 8/PAGE 3 OF 18
FIRST the concept allows the riverfront edge and Foothills Park to remain central organizing
FORTY features. The plaza becomes a transition between urban development and the natural river
FEETsetting, supporting access to the waterfront while respecting the importance of open
Architecture space, tree canopy, habitat, and river ecology.
Urban Design
Planning Reconnect Lake Oswego to the Willamette River and Waterfront
The Grand Connection is the primary reconnecting move. This tree-lined multimodal street
812 SW Washington St creates a direct visual and pedestrian-oriented link from State Street to the riverfront,
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205 helping overcome the current physical and perceptual separation between downtown and
t:503-764-9692
www.firstfortyfeet.com the Willamette River.
Support an Inclusive and Economically Vital Community
The concept supports a range of housing types and scales, including affordable housing,
townhouses, mid-rise residential, and waterfront residential. Small retail spaces, pavilion
uses, business incubator opportunities, and flexible plaza programming create
opportunities for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community-serving activities.
Integrate Sustainability, Ecology, and Climate Resilience
Park Plaza can integrate green infrastructure,shade, stormwater features, climate-adapted
planting, and habitat-sensitive design along the Grand Connection and riverfront edge. The
public space network provides opportunities to connect urban development with
ecological systems and climate resilience strategies.
Plan for Adaptability Over Time
The concept creates a clear framework of streets, accessways, public spaces, and
development parcels that can be implemented in phases. The Grand Connection, Retail
Landing,and Park Plaza establish a durable structure,while individual development sites
and public realm improvements can evolve over time as infrastructure, funding,and
market conditions change.
Relationship to Overall Project Objectives
Remove Barriers to Development
Park Plaza organizes development around a clear public realm and access framework,
helping clarify how new parcels, streets, open spaces, and infrastructure can work
together. By addressing the WWTF as a service-oriented edge condition and focusing
development activity elsewhere, the concept helps reduce one of the district's major
perceived barriers.
Improve Access and Connectivity
The Grand Connection creates a new east-west connection from State Street to Foothills
Park and the waterfront. Internal streets, accessways, pedestrian paths, trail connections,
and rail crossings further improve movement through the district and create a more
connected development pattern.
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/Draft Preliminary Development Concepts Memo page 4 of 18
ATTACHMENT 8/PAGE 4 OF 18
FIRST Support Affordable and Diverse Housing
FORTY The concept allows for a range of housing types, including affordable housing, mid-rise
FEETresidential buildings, and multi-story residential development oriented to new streets and
Architecture the waterfront. This diversity supports a more inclusive district and provides flexibility for
Urban Design different development models.
Planning
Encourage High-Quality Design and Public Spaces
812 SW Washington St Park Plaza places public space at the center of the concept. The State Street Retail Landing,
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon97205 Grand Connection, Festival Street, and Park Plaza create a sequence of memorable public
t:503-764-9692
www.firstfortyfeet.corr, spaces that can be shaped by high-quality architecture, landscape design, active ground
floors, and strong pedestrian-oriented design standards.
Fund Critical Infrastructure Through Urban Renewal
By creating a clear development framework and concentrating value around new public
spaces and streets, Park Plaza supports the use of urban renewal to help fund critical
infrastructure. The concept links private development potential with public investments in
streets, crossings, utilities, open space, and waterfront access.
Key Design Moves
1.WWTF Design Approach
The Park Plaza concept respects the operational requirements of the future wastewater
treatment facility, including its footprint, service circulation, and access needs. Rather than
allowing the WWTF to define the character of the district, the concept organizes public life
away from the facility and focuses activity along the Grand Connection, internal streets,
and Park Plaza.
Foothills Road is treated as a more service-oriented edge, supporting facility access and
back-of-house functions of future development. New development helps screen the WWTF
and reduce its visual prominence from the district's most important pedestrian areas. This
approach allows essential infrastructure to remain functional while enabling Foothills to
become a welcoming mixed-use waterfront district.
2. Downtown to River Connection
The Grand Connection is the central organizing move of the concept. It creates a new
street, pedestrian corridor, and view corridor from the State Street Retail Landing to the
Park Plaza at Foothills Park. This connection gives the district a clear civic structure and
establishes a direct relationship between downtown Lake Oswego and the waterfront.
At the west end, the State Street Retail Landing creates a new arrival point, with small-
scale retail and pedestrian access across the rail corridor. At the east end, the Park Plaza
becomes the active riverfront destination. Together, these spaces create a sequence of
arrival, movement, activity, and gathering.
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/Draft Preliminary Development Concepts Memo page 5 of 18
ATTACHMENT 8/PAGE 5 OF 18
FIRST 3. Internal Streets and Future Connections
FORTY
FEET The concept includes a network of internal streets and accessways that support parking,
service access, pedestrian movement, trail connections, and future development phases.
Architecture
Urban Design These streets break down large parcels into a more walkable block structure and provide
Planning flexibility for future implementation.
812 SW Washington St The internal circulation network also supports multiple ways to move through the district,
Suite 250 reducing reliance on a single access point and improving long-term adaptability.
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692
www.firstfortyfeet.com 4. North Portal Options
The north portal area remains an important opportunity for future access, connectivity,
and district identity. Park Plaza allows for flexibility in how the north end of the district
connects to adjacent streets, trails, and development parcels. Future portal options could
support additional pedestrian and bicycle access, development opportunities, or a more
defined northern gateway into the Foothills District. There may also be the opportunity for
direct access to the WWTF, allowing sewage trucks direct access to this connection north
out of the district.
5.State Street Edge Conditions and Land Use
The State Street edge is treated as a critical threshold between downtown and Foothills.
Rather than creating a passive edge, the concept introduces a new Retail Landing that
helps mark the entrance into the district and invites people toward the river.
New structures along State Street frame the view corridor while supporting active uses,
small retail, and pedestrian-oriented frontage.This creates a stronger downtown presence
and helps the district feel connected to the existing city fabric.
6. Riverfront Edge Conditions and Public Space Network
The riverfront edge is organized as a connected public space network that includes
Foothills Park, the new Park Plaza, pedestrian paths,trail connections, and active
development frontages. The Park Plaza provides a more urban gathering space adjacent to
the park, creating a flexible place for events, markets, outdoor dining, and everyday public
life.
This concept strengthens the riverfront experience by creating a sequence of open spaces
rather than relying on one single destination.
7. District Heart, Land Uses, Building Typologies, and Character
The heart of the district is located where the Grand Connection meets the Park Plaza.This
is where the concept concentrates mixed-use activity, ground-floor activation, public
gathering, and district identity.
The development character includes a range of residential scales and building types,
including affordable missing middle housing, mid-rise buildings,and multi-story residential
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/Draft Preliminary Development Concepts Memo page 6 of 18
ATTACHMENT 8/PAGE 6 OF 18
FIRST development oriented to new streets and the waterfront.These buildings create active
FORTY edges, residential stoops, balconies, entries, and ground-floor uses that support a lively
FEETpublic realm.
Architecture
Urban Design The overall character should feel urban, walkable, and connected to the river — a district
Planning that is active enough to support economic vitality, but carefully scaled to respect Foothills
Park,the riverfront, and Lake Oswego's broader community character.
812 SW Washington St
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692
www.firsffortyfeet.com
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/Draft Preliminary Development Concepts Memo page 7 of 18
ATTACHMENT 8/PAGE 7 OF 18
FIRST Downtown Plaza to Park Concept
FORTY
FEET Big Idea
Architecture
Urban Design Downtown Plaza to Park creates a powerful civic connection between State Street, a new
Planning
Downtown Retail Plaza, Foothills Park, and the Willamette River.While all concepts
812 SW Washington St establish a Grand Connection, this concept places the greatest emphasis on creating a
Suite 250 major downtown-facing public plaza as the district's primary arrival point and social
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692 anchor.
www.firstfortyfeet.com
The concept uses the Downtown Plaza to create broad views and vistas toward the
waterfront, making the river visible and understandable from State Street. From there, the
Grand Connection extends across the rail corridor and into Foothills, forming a clear
pedestrian-oriented link to Foothills Park and the riverfront. At the heart of the district, a
new mixed-use center with active retail fronts onto a major waterfront gathering space,
creating a strong destination for residents, visitors, businesses, and the broader Lake
Oswego community.
Downto n Plaza
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Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/Draft Preliminary Development Concepts Memo page 8 of 18
ATTACHMENT 8/PAGE 8 OF 18
FIRST This concept is less about a single street-lined corridor and more about a sequence of
FORTY public rooms — a Downtown Plaza, a rail crossing, an internal district heart, and a
FEETgenerous public space connection to the waterfront.
Architecture
Urban Design Concept Description
Planning
The Downtown Plaza to Park concept organizes the Foothills District around a major new
812 SW Washington St public plaza along State Street. This Downtown Retail Plaza acts as a visible gateway into
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205 the district, a new civic destination for downtown Lake Oswego, and a viewing platform
t:503-764-9692 toward the Willamette River.The plaza creates a strong arrival experience and opens up
www.firsffortyfeet.com
major visual connections from downtown down into the waterfront district.
From the Downtown Plaza, the Grand Connection is a pedestrian and bike crossing of the
rail corridor and continues east into Foothills where it a new tree-lined street, linking
downtown to Foothills Park. Compared to the Park Plaza concept, this alternative allows for
greater flexibility in the scale and character of residential development along the Grand
Connection.The concept concentrates the strongest public life and some limited retail uses
to key nodes: the Downtown Plaza at State Street and the waterfront-oriented mixed-use
plaza at the district heart. Street oriented residential uses would be the activating feature
between the key nodes.
At the center of the concept,the street network creates a T-intersection that becomes the
heart of the downtown waterfront.This intersection functions as a "100%corner" — the
place where movement,visibility, active uses, public space, and development intensity
come together. From this corner, a long public space extends east toward the waterfront,
creating a direct civic gesture between the district heart and the river.
A defining difference of this concept is that there is no roadway along the waterfront.
Instead, the riverfront edge is reserved for public space, pedestrian movement, ecological
enhancement, and park-oriented uses. This allows the waterfront to feel more like an
extension of Foothills Park and less like a street edge, strengthening the experience of
arriving at the river.
The wastewater treatment facility is treated as a fully operational piece of civic
infrastructure, but not as the defining experience of the district. As in the other concepts,
its service needs, access, circulation, and footprint are respected. New development,
streets, and public spaces are arranged so that residents and visitors experience the Grand
Connection, plazas, park, and riverfront rather than the operational facility.
Relationship to Guiding Principles
Create a Walkable, Mixed-Use Waterfront District
Downtown Plaza to Park creates a walkable district organized around a sequence of
connected public spaces.The Downtown Plaza, Grand Connection, internal streets, mixed-
use district heart, and waterfront public space create a clear framework for movement,
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/Draft Preliminary Development Concepts Memo page 9 of 18
ATTACHMENT 8/PAGE 9 OF 18
FIRST gathering, and development.Active ground-floor uses and new housing support a mixed-
FORTY use waterfront environment.
FEETBalance Development with the Natural River Environment
Architecture
Urban Design By removing a roadway from the waterfront edge,this concept allows the riverfront to
Planning function more strongly as public open space, park edge, and ecological transition zone.
Development is concentrated around the Downtown Plaza, internal streets, and district
812 SW Washington St heart, while the riverfront is treated as a public and environmental asset.
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692 Reconnect Lake Oswego to the Willamette River and Waterfront
www.firstfortyfeet.com This concept makes the river visually present from State Street through the creation of a
major Downtown Retail Plaza and long view corridor. The Grand Connection, rail crossing,
and public space sequence help overcome the current separation between downtown and
the riverfront.
Support an Inclusive and Economically Vital Community
The Downtown Plaza creates a visible place for local retail, small businesses, food and
beverage uses, public events, and community gathering.The concept also supports a range
of housing types and scales, with greater flexibility in residential development along the
Grand Connection and more active mixed-use development concentrated at key public
spaces.
Integrate Sustainability, Ecology, and Climate Resilience
The waterfront edge can be designed as a resilient public landscape rather than a vehicular
street. This creates opportunities for stormwater management, tree canopy, habitat
restoration, floodplain awareness, shaded pedestrian routes, and climate-adapted planting.
Plan for Adaptability Over Time
The concept creates a flexible framework of plazas, internal streets, rail crossings,
accessways, development parcels,and waterfront public spaces. The Downtown Plaza and
Grand Connection establish the civic structure, while residential scale, building typologies,
and individual development parcels can adapt over time.
Relationship to Overall Project Objectives
Remove Barriers to Development
Downtown Plaza to Park clarifies how the district can be organized around public space,
access, and development parcels while minimizing the public-facing impact of the WWTF.
The concept uses a strong State Street gateway and internal circulation framework to make
development more legible and marketable.
Improve Access and Connectivity
The concept improves access by creating a visible and direct connection from State Street
to Foothills Park and the river.The Downtown Plaza, rail crossing, Grand Connection,
internal streets, accessways, and pedestrian-oriented waterfront space create multiple
layers of connectivity.
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/Draft Preliminary Development Concepts Memo page 10 of 18
ATTACHMENT 8/PAGE 10 OF 18
FIRST Support Affordable and Diverse Housing
FORTY This concept provides flexibility in the scale and character of housing along the Grand
FEETConnection. Residential development can include mid-rise housing, mixed-use residential,
Architecture missing middle forms, and potentially affordable housing integrated into the district fabric.
Urban Design The concept's flexibility allows housing to respond to market feasibility, public goals, and
Planning
desired neighborhood character.
812 SW Washington St Encourage High-Quality Design and Public Spaces
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205 Public space is the primary identity of this concept.The Downtown Plaza, 100%corner,
t:503-764-9692
www.firstfortyfeet.com long public space to the waterfront, and riverfront park edge create a strong public
amenity, preserving community access and attractive for private development that can
support high-quality design, active ground floors, landscape design, and memorable
buildings .
Fund Critical Infrastructure Through Urban Renewal
The concept creates clear value around major public investments, including the Downtown
Plaza, rail crossing, Grand Connection, internal streets, and waterfront public space. These
improvements can support private development potential while helping justify urban
renewal investment in infrastructure, access, utilities, and public realm improvements.
Key Design Moves
1.WWTP Design Approach
The Downtown Plaza to Park concept treats the wastewater treatment facility as a
necessary and fully operational civic infrastructure element. Its footprint, service access,
circulation, and operational requirements are respected, but the district is organized so the
facility does not define the public experience of Foothills.
New development screens the WWTF from the district's most active public spaces.
Foothills Road continues to function as a service-oriented edge, while public movement,
visibility, and development activity are focused along the Downtown Plaza,Grand
Connection, internal streets, and waterfront public spaces.The intent is for residents and
visitors to experience Foothills as a mixed-use waterfront district, with the WWTF largely
hidden from view and integrated into the background of the plan.
2. Downtown to River Connection
The Grand Connection begins at a new Downtown Retail Plaza on State Street.This plaza
creates a major public arrival point and opens views down toward the waterfront. It is both
a gateway and a destination — a place where downtown activity can extend toward
Foothills.
From the plaza,the pedestrian and bicycle connection crosses the rail corridor and
continues east through the district toward Foothills Park.The alignment transitions east of
the rail line into new tree-lined street creating a strong visual and physical link between
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/Draft Preliminary Development Concepts Memo page 11 of 18
ATTACHMENT 8/PAGE 11 OF 18
FIRST downtown and the river, while supporting pedestrian movement, retail activity, and
FORTY development access.
FEETThe Downtown Plaza, rail crossing,district heart,and waterfront public space each carry
Architecture
Urban Design part of the public realm experience.
Planning
3. Internal Streets and Future Connections
812 SW Washington St Internal streets and creataccessways
e te a flexible block structure that supports new
Suite 250 pp
Portland,Oregon 97205 development, service access, parking, pedestrian movement,and future connections.
t:503-764-9692
www.firstfortyfeet.com These streets allow development parcels to evolve over time while maintaining a
connected and walkable district framework.
The T-intersection at the heart of the plan becomes the primary organizing point for
internal circulation. This intersection supports access from multiple directions and
concentrates visibility, movement, and development activity at the center of the district.
4. North Portal Options
The north portal remains an important opportunity for additional access and future district
connections. In this concept, the north portal can provide flexibility for future vehicular,
pedestrian, bicycle, or development access without competing with the primary Downtown
Plaza-to-Park connection.
This allows the north end of the district to evolve as conditions change, while the main
identity of the concept remains focused on the State Street plaza, Grand Connection, and
riverfront public space.
5.State Street Edge Conditions and Land Use
The State Street edge is one of the most important features of this concept. Rather than
treating State Street as a boundary,the plan creates a new Downtown Retail Plaza that
opens the district to downtown Lake Oswego and creates a visible invitation toward the
river.
New retail and mixed-use structures frame the plaza while preserving a broad view corridor
to the waterfront.This creates a stronger civic presence on State Street and helps make
Foothills feel like a natural extension of downtown rather than a separated district below
the hill.
6. Riverfront Edge Conditions and Public Space Network
The riverfront edge is designed without a roadway, allowing the waterfront to become a
more continuous public landscape. This is a major distinction of the Downtown Plaza to
Park concept.
The absence of a riverfront road allows the district to prioritize pedestrian movement, park
connections, ecological enhancement, and flexible public gathering. The long public space
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/Draft Preliminary Development Concepts Memo page 12 of 18
ATTACHMENT 8/PAGE 12 OF 18
FIRST extending from the 100%corner to the waterfront creates a clear civic relationship
FORTY between the district heart and the river.
FEETThe public space network includes the Downtown Plaza,Grand Connection, Foothills Park,
Architecture
Urban Design waterfront gathering areas, internal accessways, and trail connections. Together,these
Planning spaces create a layered and memorable waterfront experience.
812 SW Washington St 7. District Heart, Core Land Uses, Building Typologies, and Character
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205 The district heart is located at the T-intersection where the Grand Connection meets the
t:503-764-9692
www.firstfortyfeet.com internal north-south street system and the long public space to the waterfront. This
location functions as the "100%corner" of Foothills —the place with the greatest
concentration of visibility, access, public life, and mixed-use activity.
Core land uses include mixed-use buildings with active ground-floor retail, residential
development above, flexible commercial spaces, and community-serving uses. Residential
buildings along the Grand Connection can vary in scale, allowing the concept to respond to
different housing goals, market conditions, and urban design objectives.
The overall character of Downtown Plaza to Park should feel like a downtown waterfront
extension: civic, active, visible, and highly connected. It creates a strong public-facing
address on State Street, a memorable crossing into Foothills, and a public space sequence
that culminates at the river.
Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/Draft Preliminary Development Concepts Memo page 13 of 18
ATTACHMENT 8/PAGE 13 OF 18
FIRST Park Promenade Concept
FORTY
FEET Big Idea
Architecture
Urban Design Park Promenade organizes the Foothills District around a new tree-lined promenade street
Planning and view corridor that connects State Street to Foothills Park. The big move is to create
new State Street retail frontage and improved crossings at A Avenue and B Avenue, which
812 SW Washington St together form a clearer downtown gatewayinto the district and establish a continuous
Suite 250 g
Portland,Oregon 97205 Grand Connection to the waterfront.
t:503-764-9692
www.fi rstfo rtyfeet.com
Compared to the other concepts, Park Promenade allows for larger parcels and
development blocks, creating more flexibility for future redevelopment, phasing, and
building typologies. The Grand Connection is expressed as a strong linear public space
along one side of the promenade, with the potential for future development to the south
to complete the opposite edge over time. This creates an adaptable framework that can
begin with a clear public realm investment and mature into a more complete mixed-use
waterfront street as development occurs.
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Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update/Draft Preliminary Development Concepts Memo page 14 of 18
ATTACHMENT 8/PAGE 14 OF 18
FIRST Concept Description
FORTY
FEETThe Park Promenade concept creates a new east-west promenade street that links State
Architecture Street to Foothills Park through the heart of the district. This promenade functions as both
Urban Design a movement corridor and a public space— a green, tree-lined street that provides a visual
Planning
connection to the waterfront, supports pedestrian and bicycle movement, and organizes
new development around a clear civic spine.
812 SW Washington St
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205 At State Street, the concept introduces new retail frontage and improved crossings at A
t:503-764-9692 Avenue and B Avenue, strengthening the relationship between downtown and Foothills.
www.firsffortyfeet.com
These crossings create multiple points of entry into the district, rather than relying on a
single gateway. Together, they help extend downtown activity eastward and make the
transition into Foothills more visible, accessible, and inviting.
The Grand Connection continues from State Street into the district as a promenade street,
with a generous public realm along one side. This one-sided public space condition allows
the district to begin with a strong, implementable open space and streetscape framework
while preserving flexibility for larger development parcels. As future development occurs to
the south, the opposite edge of the promenade can be completed with active frontages,
building entries, stoops, patios, and additional landscape improvements.
The development pattern in this concept is organized around larger blocks and parcels. This
may support more efficient development, structured parking, larger residential buildings,
mixed-use projects, and phased implementation. New multi-story residential and mixed-
use buildings are oriented toward the promenade, Foothills Park, new internal streets, and
the waterfront. These buildings create active edges along the promenade and support a
more urban district character over time.
As in the other concepts, the wastewater treatment facility is treated as a fully operational
facility whose service needs, access, circulation, and footprint are respected. New
development is used to screen the WWTF,while the district's most public-facing activity is
focused along the promenade, internal streets, Foothills Park, and the waterfront.Visitors
and residents experience the district as a walkable, mixed-use waterfront neighborhood,
while the WWTF remains functional and visually secondary.
Relationship to Guiding Principles
Create a Walkable, Mixed-Use Waterfront District
Park Promenade creates a walkable district structure centered on a tree-lined promenade
street on two streets. Each promenade provides a clear pedestrian-oriented connection
between State Street and Foothills Park, while larger development blocks support a limited
amount of mixed-use and mostly multi-story residential development over time.
Balance Development with the Natural River Environment
The promenade creates a green transition between downtown development and the
riverfront park setting. By emphasizing trees, landscape, views, and pedestrian movement,
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FIRST the concept allows development to be organized around a public realm that supports both
FORTY urban life and the natural character of the waterfront.
FEETReconnect Lake Oswego to the Willamette River and Waterfront
Architecture
Urban Design This concept reconnects Lake Oswego to the river through multiple State Street crossings
Planning and a continuous Grand Connection to Foothills Park. The promenade street creates a
strong visual and physical link that makes the waterfront easier to find, reach, and
812 SW Washington St
Suite 250 experience from downtown.
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692 Support an Inclusive and Economically Vital Community
www.firstfortyfeet.com The concept supports a range of housing and mixed-use opportunities within larger,
flexible development parcels. Retail at State Street, active uses along the promenade, and
mixed-use development near Foothills Park can support local business activity, community-
serving uses,and a more economically resilient district.
Integrate Sustainability, Ecology, and Climate Resilience
The tree-lined promenade provides opportunities for shade, stormwater management,
climate-adapted planting, habitat-supportive landscape design, and green infrastructure.
The concept can use the promenade as a visible sustainability feature that connects
downtown, development, park space, and the waterfront.
Plan for Adaptability Over Time
Park Promenade is especially adaptable because it can begin with a strong one-sided public
space and street framework while allowing future development to complete the corridor
over time. Larger parcels and blocks provide flexibility for phasing,changing market
conditions, infrastructure timing, and multiple housing or mixed-use development models.
Relationship to Overall Project Objectives
Remove Barriers to Development
The larger parcel and block structure may simplify development feasibility by allowing
more efficient site planning, parking strategies, and phased redevelopment.The concept
also reduces the public-facing impact of the WWTF by screening it with new development
and focusing activity along the promenade and waterfront.
Improve Access and Connectivity
The concept improves connectivity through new State Street retail frontage, crossings at A
Avenue and B Avenue, the promenade street, internal streets, accessways, and links to
Foothills Park.The result is a more legible district with multiple points of entry and a clear
downtown-to-river connection.
Support Affordable and Diverse Housing
Larger parcels can support a variety of housing types, including multi-story residential,
mixed-use residential, and potentially affordable or mixed-income housing projects.The
flexible block structure allows housing strategies to adapt to funding, partnerships, and
implementation opportunities.
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FIRST Encourage High-Quality Design and Public Spaces
FORTY The promenade is the signature public space of this concept. Its success depends on high-
FEETquality streetscape design,generous sidewalks,trees, seating, lighting, active ground-floor
Architecture edges, and strong building orientation.As development occurs, the promenade can evolve
Urban Design into one of the district's most memorable public spaces.
Planning
Fund Critical Infrastructure Through Urban Renewal
812 SW Washington St Park Promenade creates a clear infrastructure investment strategy focused on crossings,
Suite 250
Portland,Oregon 97205 streets, utilities, public realm improvements, and the promenade itself.The concept's
t:503-764-9692
www.firstfortyfeet.com larger development parcels can help support private investment while urban renewal funds
critical connections and streetscape improvements that unlock development potential.
Key Design Moves
1.WWTP Design Approach
Park Promenade respects the wastewater treatment facility as a fully operational
infrastructure use, including its footprint, service access, circulation, and operational
needs.The concept does not rely on the WWTF as a visible civic feature; instead, it
organizes the district so that the treatment facility is screened by new development and
experienced primarily as a service-oriented back-of-house condition.
Public activity is focused along the promenade street, internal streets, Foothills Park, and
the waterfront. This allows the WWTF to function effectively while reducing its visual and
experiential impact on residents, visitors, and public spaces.
2. Downtown to River Connection
The Grand Connection is expressed as a new tree-lined promenade street and view
corridor connecting State Street to Foothills Park. Rather than concentrating the
connection at a single plaza or landing, this concept strengthens multiple downtown entry
points through new retail frontage and improved crossings at A Avenue and B Avenue.
The promenade becomes the primary civic spine of the district. It provides a clear route to
the waterfront, frames long views toward Foothills Park, and establishes a public realm
identity that can grow more complete as future development occurs.
3. Internal Streets and Future Connections
The internal street and accessway network supports larger development blocks while
maintaining pedestrian connectivity through the district. These internal connections
provide access for parking, service, circulation, trail links, and future development phases.
Because the concept allows larger parcels, internal streets and accessways become
especially important in ensuring that the district remains walkable and porous.They help
balance development efficiency with public access and neighborhood connectivity.
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FIRST 4. North Portal Options
FORTY
FEET The north portal continues to provide flexibility for future access and district connectivity.
In the Park Promenade concept,the north portal can support additional circulation options,
Architecture
Urban Design trail connections, development access, or a secondary gateway into the district.
Planning
This flexibility is important because the promenade establishes the primary east-west
812 SW Washington St connection, while the north portal can evolve as additional infrastructure, redevelopment,
Suite 250 or connectivity opportunities emerge.
Portland,Oregon 97205
t:503-764-9692
www.firstfortyfeet.com 5.State Street Edge Conditions and Land Use
The State Street edge is activated through new retail frontage and improved pedestrian
crossings at A Avenue and B Avenue. Rather than creating one major State Street plaza, this
concept creates a more distributed edge condition, with multiple downtown-facing entries
into Foothills.
This approach can help stitch the district into the existing downtown fabric and create a
more continuous relationship between State Street businesses, new retail spaces, and the
emerging waterfront district.
6. Riverfront Edge Conditions and Public Space Network
The riverfront public space network is organized around the promenade's arrival at
Foothills Park and the waterfront.The promenade connects directly into park-oriented
public spaces, creating a clear transition from downtown street to waterfront landscape.
New mixed-use development is oriented toward the promenade and Foothills Park, helping
activate the riverfront edge while maintaining public access and open space.The public
space network includes the promenade, Foothills Park, waterfront paths, internal
accessways, and potential future open spaces created through development.
7. District Heart, Core Land Uses, Building Typologies, and Character
The district heart is defined by the promenade itself and its relationship to Foothills Park.
Rather than focusing public life at one single plaza, Park Promenade creates a linear district
heart — a street-like public space that supports movement, gathering, views,and
development frontage.
Core land uses include mixed-use buildings, multi-story residential, State Street retail, and
residential development oriented to new streets, the promenade, and the waterfront.
Building typologies may be larger and more development-efficient than in the other
concepts, with opportunities for structured parking, courtyard housing, mixed-use blocks,
and mid-rise residential.
The overall character should feel like a green urban waterfront street:walkable,shaded,
visually connected to the river, and capable of supporting active mixed-use development
over time.
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