Imagining Alternatives

A better vision for redevelopment of Lloyd Center would retain history and culture while allowing for phased redevelopment of the site. Our community-driven “Hybrid Plan” calls for keeping an integral part of Lloyd Center, including the historic ice rink intact. 

Portland’s Opportunity.

Portland has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something transformative with Lloyd Center that respects our shared history and celebrates what makes Portland distinct and human.

The current ownership plans to demolish the entire mall to make way for a mixture of housing, commercial developments, “green space” and new throughways. While this sounds pleasing enough, there are no committed buyers or developers to do the building, and even if there were, it would completely overwrite Portland’s history, authentic present-day culture, and useful infrastructure—as well as be a missed opportunity to show environmental leadership and ingenuity in reinventing a historic shopping center.

Our “Hybrid Plan” Concept

Pictured: “hybrid plan” showing a preserved portion of Lloyd Center, amidst new housing and new music venue—the perfect combination for a revitalized Lloyd District.

Prioritize adaptive reuse. Avoid wasteful demolition.

The “hybrid plan” is community-led and prioritizes adaptive reuse of present day Lloyd Center.

It avoids wasteful demolition and environmental impacts, invests in Portland’s distinctly creative culture, and preserves the integral part of Lloyd Center that is actively in use today, preserving it for current and future generations to enjoy.

Urban Renaissance Group’s Conceptual Site Plan

The conceptual site plan put forth by Urban Renaissance Group (URG) shows intent to build up to 15 new developments on the 29 acre site where Lloyd Center currently sits.

One of the fifteen developments is a concert venue already being constructed in place of the recently demolished Nordstrom building.

It’s important to note that URG’s plan calls for the closure and complete demolition of Lloyd Center. We feel it is a heavy-handed, wasteful, and culturally insensitive approach to revitalizing the Lloyd District.

The URG Plan shows new developments in yellow and “hardscaped” open spaces in green. It envisions two new throughways stemming from 11th and 13th Avenue—the two streets on either side of Holladay Park. This continuation of the street grid is one of the selling points of the URG Plan, according to some, as it will make navigating the planned redevelopment easier, and somehow make it less car-centric?

  • “Portland lacks indoor spaces for kids and families to hang out in the long rainy season. I have envisioned Lloyd Center as a kid friendly third space- children's theaters, play spaces, etc, full of life and a place to wander around on a rainy day and find endless things to do. I would love to see the food court turned into a Portland food hall with local restaurants. Since we lack covered parks and play spaces, there is a huge need for something like this and the location is very central.”

  • “We own the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and would love to expand our business as a second, themed, interactive space in Lloyd Center. We've had our eye on Lloyd since emerging from the pandemic. I personally know and work with several creative people & groups who have viable small businesses, but not enough centralized, affordable space to execute their vision.”

  • “We should be nourishing what makes Lloyd successful, not tearing it down and starting from scratch.” -Melina

  • "Invest in turning this space into a haven for community instead of tearing it down for more cheaply made high rises people cannot afford to live in.” -Vik

  • “All you need do is protect, incubate, and continue to invest in it to reap incredible benefit on literally all fronts. Preserving the Lloyd Center's current iteration makes long-term fiscal, cultural, social, and infrastructural sense.” -J

  • “Our Lloyd Center is a shining example of a novel way to revitalize mall culture. By prioritizing small and local businesses, our community has the unique opportunity to operate in a space that we already know and love. Save the Lloyd!” -Victoria

The Alternative Plan benefits all.

Avoids wasteful demolition and environmental impact

Prioritizes adaptive reuse of historic architecture

Respects Lloyd Center as a fixture in Portland’s urban landscape and collective memory

Demonstrates Portland’s creativity and spirit of innovation

Creates an energetic hub of activity to help revitalize Lloyd District, and Portland at large

Sees Portland living its values, setting an example for other cities

Provides a place of refuge during inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances

Draws tourists, positive press, and promotes an affirming image of Portland

Gives Portlanders a climate-controlled place to shop, gather, build community

In advocating for keeping the integral core of Lloyd Center intact, the alternative plan embodies Portland values of creativity, cultural innovation, historic preservation, and environmental leadership, while still allowing for new housing, green space, and throughways.

#savelloyd

Preserve Lloyd Center as a destination into the future! Respect the mall as a fixture of Portland’s urban landscape and collective memory.

“In a place being discarded for its perceived lack of value, the community that makes up the Lloyd Center today sees the potential and opportunity to create what we want to see in the world.”

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