Main Street's identity as Tigard's center dates from the construction of an electric commuter train line in 1910. Rapid growth occurred around Main Street in Tigardville (as it was then known). Many commercial buildings were constructed which housed businesses such as restaurants, grocery stores, a dance hall, a blacksmith and a livery stable. Several historical photos show the way things used to look on Main Street. “Travel to the Past” is an interactive map showcasing historic photos of Tigard.
In 1940, an overpass for the Pacific Highway (99W) was built just north of Main Street. Much of Tigard's new development moved away from Main Street and towards commercial strips along Pacific Highway and elsewhere.
In September 2005 the volunteer Downtown Task Force, made up of residents, property and business owners, completed the Downtown Improvement Plan. This plan will guide the development of a Town Center for Tigard and laid the foundation for the 2006 Urban Renewal Plan and TIF District. The Urban Renewal Plan and associated tax increment financing have provided structure, tools, and funding for projects that are helping to revitalize downtown Tigard.
A Walk Through Time - Public Mural
In July 2019, professional artist Jeremy Nichols painted a public mural in Downtown Tigard. This project increases access to art in Tigard while also enhancing walkability and connectivity where Main Street meets the Fanno Creek Trail. The mural project was managed by the City of Tigard in conjunction with the Portland Street Art Alliance.
A Walk Through Time depicts images from Tigard’s history, including a representation of the Kalapuya tribe (the indigenous inhabitants of the area) and native flora and fauna.
Mural location, 12553 SW Main Street at the Fanno Creek Trail
Gateway Art
Downtown Tigard has two eye-catching pieces of art at either end of Main Street where it meets on Highway 99W. Two 16-foot steel sculptures that resemble flower petals were installed in 2015 alongside gateway improvements. These include stonework, a “Welcome to Downtown Tigard” sign, public seating areas, lighting and landscaping.
Artist Brian Borrello designed the artwork. He received input during a months-long public process from Tigard stakeholders, including the City Center Advisory Commission Public Art Subcommittee, composed of Tigard residents and business owners. The Public Art Subcommittee’s criteria required a project that would draw attention to the downtown area and ensure people could see it from the highway. The subcommittee’s review also called for considering the needs of the community, the installation site, businesses in the area and safety and maintenance issues.
The project was funded by tax increment financing funds. These are tax revenues raised in the City Center TIF District that are spent on projects within the district. Project costs were approximately $500,000. Of that amount, $80,000 was for the two sculptures and the remainder covered the gateway improvements.
The city and its partner, the Tigard Downtown Alliance (TDA), have identified public art as an important component to a vital downtown. The TDA has organized events like the Tigard Art Walk and sponsored the glass baskets on Main Street light poles and temporary art installations.
Art on Loan
A partnership between the City of Tigard and the Tigard Downtown Alliance (TDA), this program places art leased from local artists in locations around downtown Tigard. The program currently consists of two pieces – Mobius and One Nothing. Mobius was created from recycled post-consumer metals by artist Ben Dye and can currently be seen outside of Symposium Coffee (12345 SW Main St.). One Nothing, currently on view outside B&B Print Source (9040 SW Burnham St.), was loaned to the TDA by artist Susan Schimelfining. This sculpture was made from salvaged farm equipment and steel beams from building demolition.
TDA Board Member Mike Stevenson, Owner of B&B Print Source, has donated the space for One Nothing and paid for the base on his property. This is public art funded by downtown stakeholders and the TDA, one of our private sector partners in downtown revitalization.
Downtown Streetscape Improvements
Murals
Taste of Tigard
Held in June, the Taste of Tigard Food Festival is an opportunity to sample some of the culinary innovations and tasty treats made by local businesses. This event recognizes food and beverage entrepreneurs who are cooking up something interesting, exciting and innovating.
Downtown Street Fair
The Tigard Street Fair is a mix of entertainment, arts and crafts, community booths, fun, food and more. Free admission and family-friendly! Hosted annually by the Tigard Downtown Alliance.
Downtown Art Walk
Produced by the City of Tigard and Tigard Downtown Alliance, the Art Walk is held in the spring on Main Street and invites artists from around the region to display their work inside participating downtown businesses.
Tigard Farmers Market
At the Tigard Farmers Market, many vendors bring the fruits of the surrounding agricultural land. These weekly gatherings feature fun, food and entertainment, locally grown fresh fruit & vegetables, flowers, plants, honey, baked goods and more.
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