The goal of the Master Plan will be to provide a market-driven strategy that outlines the best economic and environmental uses of OMSI’s physical property while highlighting the museum’s work as a cultural touchstone, science education resource, and trailhead to connect the community to learning and skill-building opportunities that equip them for 21st century jobs. Multiple firms, including many local entities, will be part of the planning team led by Snøhetta and will play important roles in the comprehensive development of the OMSI District Master Plan:
– ECONorthwest who will study the economic conditions and develop a market-driven planning evaluation,
– Buro Happold to develop new, innovative ideas for environmental sustainability and infrastructure,
-Spencer Consultants to lead on local planning approaches,
– DKS to consult on traffic and parking strategies,
-KPFF for their civil engineering expertise, and
– Mayer/Reed who will consult on landscape architecture.
Work on the OMSI Master Plan will begin this month and is expected to continue into the spring of 2017. In addition to the fully integrated team, the project will feature opportunities to gather feedback from diverse communities including OMSI members, neighbors, partners, and other area stakeholders, including city and state agencies, in order to create a holistic plan that takes into account future opportunities and needs in the area. “As this project moves forward, one of our top priorities is making sure the local community is thoughtfully considered and involved in the process,” said Stueber.
In addition to creating a center of excellence and sustainability for the region, the wider district will also serve as an anchor to the city’s “Innovation Quadrant,” and feature a mix of uses and jobs, including growing creative industries, education facilities, and research opportunities, as well as visitor attractions, open space, and improved access to the river. The plan will also leverage the major investment in mass transportation by TriMet through the OMSI/SE Water Ave station and Tilikum Crossing Bridge, which have connected the district to the greater Portland Metro Area like never before. Source and images Courtesy of Snøhetta.