Roundtable + Tour Gets First Look at the Glenwood Riverfront Project
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce kicked off their first Roundtable + Tour of the year with a highly anticipated update on the redevelopment of the Glenwood Riverfront area. Led by City of Springfield‘s Economic Development Manager, Allie Camp, attendees got a behind-the-scenes look at the recently annexed 21.2-acre property.
Background
Glenwood Riverfront Development
The Springfield Economic Development Agency (SEDA) and the Springfield City Council have shaped the vision for Glenwood through decades of significant work, leadership, and partnership with community members. The vision for development in the Glenwood area of Springfield has been guided by foundational planning efforts such as the Glenwood Refinement Plan, which was later improved and refined through an extensive community engagement process that led to the formation of the voter-approved Glenwood Urban Renewal District and the development of the Glenwood Riverfront Plan.
Project Goal
The community’s vision for the Glenwood includes development of a vibrant riverfront neighborhood that promotes density and a mix of housing, a focus on access to the riverfront and open spaces, and incorporation of commercial and hospitality opportunities.
Learn more and view project updates on the Springfield Economic Development Agency (SEDA) webpage.
“Flexibility is the name of the game,” Camp mentioned throughout the tour. Coincidentally, the City of Springfield’s annexation became official the day following the tour, though the maps that were given out only showed a conceptual outline for now – a few roads, blocks of buildable areas, and potential green space.
Camp, who has an extensive background in urban planning projects and bringing communities together over shared development goals, said the two major priorities of the project will continue to be:
- To connect the community to the Willamette River; and
- To bring in tax revenue for economic vitality.
“This is a special project. The river is only a three minute walk from Franklin Boulevard, and many people don’t even realize as they drive by that it’s so close,” explained Camp. With buildings marked unsafe for occupancy and un-developed gravel roads, it’s difficult to imagine a thriving, bustling economic area from the street. But take a few steps into the property (with City Staff supervision only please, at this point!) and the possibilities begin to become endless.
Nothing is set in stone for development, and that is where there are still years of work ahead to fully realize the exact types of projects that will take place for the area. As seen in the Ownership Map, multiple participating owners make up the parcel of 32 properties, including SEDA/City of Springfield, Lane County, Homes for Good, and Roth & Roth LLC, a real estate firm. From multi-family housing, commercial businesses, to parks and open space, the area may go in a few different directions depending on the needs and desires of the community, as well as the development goals of the property owners.
The tour, which filled up within weeks of being announced, was attended by Springfield City Councilors Steve Moe (Ward 2) and Michelle Webber (Ward 1), a variety of industry sector representatives, and community members, showing just how much interest there is in seeing Glenwood be revitalized.
Camp led the group with the help of a loaned mobile microphone/headset system from Sierra Pacific Industries through the property, starting at the building off of Franklin Boulevard and North Brooklyn Street which formerly housed an auto body shop. Then, walking towards the river, attendees learned about the rustic red Brombaugh building which historically manufactured pipe organs, but now houses a collection of artists and businesses. Next, the group visited the eastern side of the property near the river, taking in the view of the waterfront and the large swatch of green space behind the Homes for Good land and Trax PowerSports buildings.
Fielding questions along the way, Camp addressed many aspects of the project including concerns like environmental impact assessments, relocation of previous tenants, and community buy-in. Ultimately, it was clear that collaboration and strong partnership building have been critical throughout the years of work.
“The number one goal of this project is connecting the community to the river, and we have found it is best to do that as a group.”
– Allison Camp, Economic Development Manager, City of Springfield
To wrap things up, Camp explained that SEDA and the City are taking things one small step at a time. While this is a long-awaited project with great possibilities, SEDA is going through all necessary steps to ensure the land is safe, buildable, and fits in the larger picture of economic development of the entire Glenwood area. For now, the 21.2 acre property is looking at least a year from a Final Master Plan being approved.
The Springfield Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Allie Camp, the City of Springfield staff, and Sierra Pacific Industries for making this Roundtable + Tour possible.
For those interested in learning more, check out the Springfield Economic Development Agency (SEDA) Projects page for regular updates, or reach out directly to Allie Camp, acamp@springfield-or.gov or call 541-726-3688.
About the City of Springfield
The City of Springfield is dedicated to providing high-quality services for its community members, fostering a safe and vibrant city, and preserving its rich heritage. Through innovative initiatives and strong partnerships, Springfield strives to enhance the quality of life for everyone who calls it home.
