Adaptive Reuse.

The community-driven “Alternative Plan” is  proposed by a coalition of mall tenants and concerned citizens and calls for keeping the integral core of Lloyd Center intact, including the ice rink, three level food court, and walkable wings. 

Portland’s Opportunity.

Here in Portland, we have the opportunity to do something transformative with Lloyd Center.

The current plan of ownership is 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, it will overwrite part of Portland’s history completely, and be a missed opportunity to reinvent a historic shopping center.

Urban Renaissance Group’s Conceptual Site Plan

The plan outlines 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 large 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 beginning in 2026.

The URG Plan shows new developments in yellow and open spaces/green spaces in green. It envisions two new throughways stemming from 11th and 13th Ave.--the two streets on either side of Holladay Park. This continuation of the street grid is one of the distinct selling points of the URG Plan, according to some, as it will make navigating the planned redevelopment easier.

Community-Led Alternative Plan

Prioritize adaptive reuse. Avoid wasteful demolition.

The community-led Alternative Plan takes strengths from URG’s Plan and prioritizes adaptive reuse of present day Lloyd Center, minus the big box stores and excess parking garages.

The alternative plan avoids wasteful demolition and environmental impact, and preserves substantial parts of Lloyd Center that many citizens and patrons know and love.

  • “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.”

  • “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 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 an integral portion of Lloyd Center intact, the Alternative Plan embodies Portland values of creativity, cultural innovation, historic preservation, and environmental leadership, while still aligning with critical aspects of URG’s Conceptual Site Plan.

#savelloyd

Both plans signal the demolition of surrounding big box stores and excess parking structures to make way for new mixed income housing developments, green space, and new throughways.

Preserve Lloyd Center as a destination into the future, respecting the mall as a fixture in 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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