Vancouver officials to present Tower Mall Redevelopment Plan

Workshop to be held Sat., Oct. 6

VANCOUVER — The city of Vancouver invites the public to a community workshop being held as part of the Heights District planning process Sat., Oct. 6.

The workshop is an opportunity for the community to review and provide feedback on three preliminary design concepts for the Tower Mall Redevelopment Area, the focal point of the Heights District Plan.

The workshop will be held in the McLoughlin Middle School cafeteria, 5802 MacArthur Blvd. in Vancouver. There will be no formal presentations, so people may arrive anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Refreshments and children’s activities will be provided.

Those unable to attend the workshop can review the concepts and provide input online during the month of October. To be notified when the online version of the workshop is available, please sign up for the Heights District Plan email list at www.cityofvancouver.us/TheHeights.

The 205-acre Heights District is roughly bounded by East Mill Plain Boulevard, MacArthur Boulevard and Andresen Road. The redevelopment plan encompasses a 63-acre area consisting of properties owned by the city of Vancouver, including the former Tower Mall site (Towne Plaza), a water facility, Vancouver Fire Station 3 and the Vanco Golf Range, as well as several privately-owned properties.

The Heights District planning process will develop a future vision for this area that reflects the needs and aspirations of the people who live, work and play there. The finished plan will address the connectivity, safety and infrastructure needs of the entire 205-acre district, and make recommendations for future housing, office, retail, transportation improvements and other amenities in the district.  

The plan’s goals include increasing mixed-income housing options, adding accessible public open space, increasing connections that allow people to walk and bike to and through the area, and integrating public transit.

Public engagement is a vital component of the development of the Heights District Plan. The city hosted the first public open house in June and expects to present a draft plan at a third public forum in March 2019. A community advisory committee for the project also continues to meet regularly.

To learn more about The Heights District Plan, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/TheHeights.