PROJECT: St. Helens Riverwalk, phase 1

LOCATION: St. Helens

SIZE: one half mile

START DATES: March 2021 (design), April 2024 (construction)

COMPLETION DATE: June 2025 (phase 1)

COST: $3 million (construction)

OWNER/DEVELOPER: city of St. Helens

PROJECT MANAGER/PRIME CONSULTANT: Mayer/Reed

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Advanced Excavating Specialists

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Mayer/Reed

ENGINEERS: Otak, PAE, NV5

OTHER ASSOCIATES/CONSULTANTS: Archaeological Investigations Northwest, Architectural Cost Consultants, Naughton Communications, Pacific Habitat Services

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The grand opening of a linear park on Thursday marked a major milestone in the city of St. Helens’ mission to transform 24 acres of former industrial land into a vibrant mixed-use River District.

A half-mile stretch of former industrial land along the Columbia River has become a public amenity. The design emphasizes sustainability, habitat restoration and integration with the city’s broader trail and open space networks. Mayer/Reed designed the entire corridor up to 30 percent before shifting its focus to final design and implementation of phase 1, which was built by Advanced Excavating Specialists.

Key features of phase 1 include improvements to Columbia View Park, approximately 300 feet of riverwalk, interpretive signage, stepped seawalls, scenic overlooks, improved riparian and shallow water habitat for fish and wildlife, and links to Columbia County’s waterfront trail system and the new Columbia View Circle.

Funding is needed to complete phase 2, which will include construction of an amphitheater stage and playground in Columbia View Park. Central and southern riverwalk sections will feature beach access, a plaza, an accessible gangway to a launch and dock for light watercraft, a picnic area, and a large, cantilevered overlook.

The riverwalk is a key component of St. Helens’ broader Waterfront Redevelopment Project, which includes the simultaneous design and construction of the Streets and Utilities Extension Project, led by Otak. This project will provide multimodal connectivity between downtown, the Columbia River and the future River District.

“Building Blocks” spotlights noteworthy projects either under construction or approaching the start of construction. To submit a project for consideration, please visit: djcoregon.com/building-blocks.

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