Update on Silverton's $14.6M Downtown Overhaul
- Derek Bratton
- 19 hours ago
- 2 min read
The City of Silverton is advancing its Main Street Redevelopment and Downtown Plaza Park projects, releasing a 60% design update outlining infrastructure upgrades, pedestrian improvements, and a new public gathering space.
Jason Gottgetreu, the city’s community development director, detailed the plans in a recent video presentation. The Main Street work will focus on the corridor between North Water Street and North First Street, while the plaza will be built next to the new City Hall.
“A significant part of the Main Street project is infrastructure,” Gottgetreu said. “The project will underground utilities and replace water and sewer pipes that are over 80 years old, which will improve the reliability of these systems over the long term.”
Beyond replacing aging pipes, the design incorporates wider sidewalks, enhanced crosswalks, curb extensions, updated lighting and a curbless street layout. Officials said these changes respond to community feedback and aim to make the area more accessible and safer for pedestrians while better accommodating a wider range of users.
The Downtown Plaza Park will cover just over an acre at 410 North Water Street. Plans call for flexible open spaces suitable for farmers markets, music performances and other events, along with a spray deck, natural play area and shaded seating. The site will also house a new location for the Silverton Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center.
“The space is being designed for community programming, scheduled events, and everyday use,” Gottgetreu said. “The goal is to create a space that can be used in different ways throughout the year.
”Designs remain preliminary and subject to change. Construction on Main Street is expected to begin in January 2027 and conclude by June 2027. Plaza work is projected to begin in April 2027 and finish by April 2028. Officials noted these timelines could shift.
City Council has already approved more than $2 million in cost reductions while preserving core elements, including a smaller visitor center footprint, an irrigation-friendly spray deck system and fewer site furnishings.
The total estimated cost stands at $14.6 million. $5.3 million for Main Street and $9.3 million for the plaza. Funding will be drawn from urban renewal funds, transient lodging tax, park system development charges, street funds, sewer funds, and stormwater funds. The city has also sought grants from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
Officials emphasized that taxes will not rise because of the projects.
“We’re looking forward to sharing a re-envisioned downtown with the community,” Gottgetreu said.
The city plans to continue refining the designs and providing updates as the projects approach construction.
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