Downtown District
Welcome to Downtown Happy Valley!
A future downtown district, located along Scouters Mountain Road on the east side of 172nd Avenue, is envisioned as a hub for growth, economic opportunity, and community connections. To be built incrementally over time, the city is dedicated to creating a space that residents, visitors, and businesses can all enjoy, and where people can gather without venturing too far from home. Here are some of the exciting initiatives and projects aimed at bringing a future downtown experience to life:
Land Purchase + Infrastructure Planning
Having the space and necessary infrastructure plan in place is key to this vision and is the first step to laying the groundwork for a project of this magnitude.
Rather than simply putting the zoning in place and waiting for the private sector to build what our community envisions, the City Council made it a priority to purchase the land so the city could have greater influence on the design and timing. The first step was establishing the City’s Urban Renewal Plan. This plan focuses on purchasing land and revitalizing it through strategic projects that will make it more amenable to public use. Urban renewal financing helps enhance public spaces which in turn supports local businesses and improves the quality of life for residents. Through initiatives like street improvements and the creation of community gathering spaces, urban renewal ensures the City’s projected downtown area will be accessible, safe, and beneficial for everyone. Central to these efforts is land acquisition, enabling the City to secure key properties for redevelopment and transform underutilized spaces, funding further growth and development. Over the last two years, the city has successfully purchased about 35 acres for the future downtown.
Designing the Future Main Street
Nothing will be more integral than a well-designed main street. It needs to serve vehicles and pedestrians, be attractive, and create gathering spaces. Recently, the city has been working closely with staff and design consultants to explore potential options for the alignment of Scouters Mountain Road. This road will provide essential access to the future downtown district as it will be the main link to the new development, ensuring seamless connectivity and promoting economic development.
Illustration shows a rendering of the road and is not representative of the final design.
Community Spaces and Recreation
The future downtown district is set to include a new recreational area with a community center and public park.
Situated on a 40-acre site purchased by the city in 2022, this area represents the first phase of development and will serve as the cornerstone of the downtown district. From sports fields and walking trails to event areas and other recreational opportunities, the highly anticipated community center and park will aim to cater to all ages and interests. Soon, residents can expect to see considerable progress as the city finalizes designs for these spaces and narrows down financing options to bring them to fruition.
Illustrations below show a rendering of the future community center and is not representative of the final design.
Business Growth & Development
A future downtown district in Happy Valley presents exciting opportunities for businesses. By establishing a central hub for commerce that is easily accessible to the community, the downtown district will not only draw new businesses through its projected mixed-use spaces, but also help existing ones flourish. Restaurants, retail shops, and professional services all stand to benefit from the increased customers generated by the local community and visitors to the city.
This makes the city a great place for future investments and long-term growth.
Illustration shows a rendering of the future district and is not representative of the final design.
Illustration shows a rendering of the future district and is not representative of the final design.