October 23, 2000

Millennium Plaza Park

A new major downtown park is forming on the waterfront of Lake Oswego, Ore. The park is designed to improve access to the lake, provide a gathering place for events and integrate a property divided by two major grade changes.

Photos by Terry Reckord

The first of three phases of the park's development was completed last year, and the second phase is expected to be finished late next month. The city paid about $2.5 million for the land and is spending another $7.5 million for the new park.

A major element of the first phase is a 5,200-square-foot pergola featuring an open stone fireplace, kitchen, restrooms and maintenance space. The pergola was designed by Seattle's ARC Architects to include high-end finishes such as stone columns and a copper roof.

Part of ARC's design includes stone columns with recessed sections where rain water flows from the roof's gutters, creating a water feature that is lit at night. The columns include copper elements that are slowing turning a blue patina.

The park's first phase also includes a large plaza that was designed by MacLeod Reckord Landscape Architects of Seattle, the project's primary design consultant. The plaza features a long reflecting pool with bronze and granite elements, teak benches and stone walls.

About $150,000 worth of art has been installed in the park, including a statue by noted Los Angeles artist Simon Toparovsky called "Fortuna." The life-size bronze statue is located in the middle of a new traffic circle that was built in phase one.

The first two phases are being built by Drake Construction of Portland. The second phase includes a grand staircase that connects the park's two different grade elevations.

The third phase hasn't bid yet, but includes a second grand staircase and a long processional ramp, a parking garage for 30 cars, and additional art work and water features. It is scheduled to begin next spring and be finished in late fall 2001.

Other consultants on the project include KPFF Consulting Engineers of Portland, Glumac Lighting Design of Portland and urban design consultant Robert Beckley of the University of Michigan.

Do you have photos of recent projects? Share them with DJC readers. Send high-resolution images and information to lisa.lannigan@djc.com.

Previous columns:

• A look at the Spokane Valley YMCA, 10-16-2000
• SHS.com, 10-09-2000
• A look at the Belltown Lofts, 10-02-2000
• From drab to fab: CNA transforms office suite, 09-25-2000
• A look at the Bainbridge Island City Hall, 09-18-2000
• A look at the Orcas Island church and school, 09-12-2000
• A look at the Immersant corporate offices, 09-04-2000
• A look at the Pinnacle Sonata Apartments, 08-28-2000