Downtown Milwaukie provides a multi-faceted location for studying historic development, examining current dynamics and projecting future possibilities. In January to March 2015, a University of Oregon architectural design studio brought Oregon students and visiting Shanghai architects together to learn about Milwaukie and propose ways to create a more livable, ecological future with the opening of a new light-rail station. Thoughtful Milwaukie planners, architects, stakeholders and consultants introduced the history and challenges of the area, along with emerging opportunities. Hearing about the piecewise progress from passionate advocates provided compelling motivation for the class. The group enjoyed digging through many years of planning studies carefully documented by the City and neighborhood stakeholders.

The area’s bucolic natural beauty and Main Street’s pedestrian-friendly small-town character are immediately evident on first encounter. The creeks and riverbanks and lush green trees provide a graceful setting very different from urban centers dominated by buildings. But the challenges of an automobile-centric society are just as present in the form of McLaughlin Boulevard, parking lots and under-developed plots.

The moment of our site visit revealed a city in transition. Investment in the Riverfront Park, Adams Street Connector, North Main housing and the TriMet MAX light-rail station were catalyzing a long-awaited moment of change. Outside of new upscale Main Street developments and the leafy residential neighborhoods, neglected spots looked ripe for development. The studio’s purpose was to identify ways to build on Milwaukie’s existing strengths, such as the character of Main Street, through small urban interventions and buildings.