Three teams shortlisted for redesign of Portland’s Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park

# What happened Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) announced the three teams advancing to the second stage of the open design competition for Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park. The first stage was a Request for Qualifications where teams were evaluated on experience, project approach, and team composition rather than design work.

# Who made the shortlist The three shortlisted teams, listed by lead firm, each include local partners and technical specialists:

• BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group (US) with Jennifer Bonner / MALL (US). Team roles include PLACE as landscape architect and delivery lead, Jacobs for structural engineering, and Atelier Ten for sustainability consulting among others.
• Studio Egret West (UK) with West of West (US). The team includes Knot Studio for landscape and environmental justice, Sherwood Design Engineers for ecological systems engineering, and Broadwick for cultural planning and operations.

# The design brief and scope Teams will create concept designs for the entire 30-acre Waterfront Park, with focus on the Bowl area. The brief asks them to:

• Improve river access and restore ecological systems.
• Create an inclusive, activated public space that functions year-round for events and everyday use.
• Preserve and enhance features that currently work well, such as the Japanese American Historical Plaza, mature cherry trees, and the Salmon Street Springs Fountain.
• Reimagine underutilized areas so they better serve Portland residents and visitors.

PP&R frames the project as a strengthened civic anchor expected to contribute to downtown recovery by supporting housing, local businesses, and tourism.

# Process, timeline, and community engagement

Each shortlisted team will receive a $50,000 fee for their concept work. Concepts will be displayed in a public exhibition in Portland and online in early 2027. The public will have an opportunity to comment. The winning team will be announced in Spring 2027 after the Jury evaluates submissions and holds final clarification interviews.

# Who's on the Jury The Jury combines community members, local stakeholders, and national subject-matter experts in architecture, landscape architecture, and economic development. Named members include:

• Prof. Maurice D. Cox (Co-Chair), Emma Bloomberg Professor in Residence, Harvard GSD
• Carol Coletta (Co-Chair), Bloomberg Public Innovation Fellow, Johns Hopkins
• Robin Ganser, Managing Partner, Coen+Partners
• Kimberly Branan, Chief Trade and Economic Development Officer, Port of Portland
• Gabe Sheoships, Executive Director, Friends of the Columbia Gorge
• Amanda Lowthian, Senior Director of Destination, Industry & Public Affairs, Travel Portland
• Zari Santner, Former Director, Portland Parks & Recreation
• Willie Levenson, President, Ringleader Navigation and Founder, Human Access Project

The Jury evaluated qualifications in the first stage and will evaluate concept submissions and conduct interviews in early 2027.

# What to expect next Expect public exhibitions of concept designs in early 2027, an open comment period for Portlanders, and the winner announcement in Spring 2027. The competition fee and public review indicate the city intends a transparent selection process that balances design ambition, local context, and technical delivery considerations.