Walnut Park Redevelopment Feasibility Analysis

Multnomah County, OR | 2022

In 2017, Cascadia Partners was hired by Multnomah County to conduct redevelopment analysis of a full city block property. The Walnut Park property is home to a variety of the County’s health and family services in older, inadequate buildings. The site is also on a significant corner at the heart of the historic African-American community in North Portland.

Cascadia evaluated a mixed-use redevelopment of the site that could meet the needs of both County service providers and community-focused uses such as a market hall intended to support a variety of African-American businesses.

The analysis began with a series of detailed interviews with County department staff and community-based organizations to understand the range of County needs and community objectives that could be considered in the redevelopment of the site. Cascadia then prepared “test fit” development scenarios of proposed uses, planning-level cost estimates, and a set of funding and financing strategies to consider for each use.

The redevelopment strategy received enthusiastic support from County Commission leadership.