This summer, Woodlawn volunteers in conjunction with Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has launched the first phase of creating a Street Plaza for the Woodlawn neighborhood between NE Dekum and NE Madrona on NE Durham.

Christened Woodlawn Yards—the historic name of the train depot here in Woodlawn—was chosen as the name for this new plaza  the name of the the new pedestrian plaza has been approved as a pilot project for Summer 2026 here in the Woodlawn neighborhood. and after that it likely will become permanent.

The area was closed by PBOT on July 28th. Tables, chairs, planters, and signs arrived soon after. Streeet ainting happened on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

Here are some photos:

Street Plazas have been popping up all over Portland.

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) partners with business districts, local businesses, non-profit organizations, and community organizations to support Public Street Plazas in neighborhoods throughout Portland. Originally developed in response to COVID-19, this effort builds on PBOT’s Healthy Businesses Permit Program where PBOT and community partners worked together to repurpose streets for public space to benefit both businesses and the community.

Most street plazas feature simple design elements and temporary, movable amenities. These plazas have become popular outdoor spaces for socializing, enjoying coffee or meals, community events, or just relaxing. Find out more about our plazas below!

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) developed the Portland Public Street Plazas as community-oriented public spaces where business and community activities are clustered. The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is developing a permanent program for public street plazas. Plazas bring vibrancy to city streets, returning space to pedestrians and offering areas for outdoor seating, events, and community activities open to all.