A stretch of city-owned land in north Grants Pass, long viewed as an underused asset, is now the focus of a renewed effort to shape its future, and local residents are being asked to take part in the conversation.
On Thursday evening, the City of Grants Pass and its Urban Renewal Agency will host a public forum to introduce the Washington–Midland Redevelopment Opportunity Plan, an initiative aimed at transforming more than eight acres into a dynamic, mixed-use destination. The event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Ember Room at the Fireside Event Center, located at 940 SE 8th Street.
City officials describe the effort as a community-driven planning process that will guide how the site evolves in the coming years. Positioned along Highway 99 near the intersection of Midland Avenue and Washington Boulevard, the property sits in a highly visible corridor with close proximity to Interstate 5 and downtown Grants Pass. With utilities already in place and zoning that allows for both commercial and high-density residential uses, the location presents what planners see as a rare opportunity for coordinated redevelopment.
The forum marks the beginning of a broader public engagement effort expected to unfold over several months. Residents, business owners, and nearby property holders will be encouraged to share ideas, priorities, and concerns as the plan takes shape. City representatives emphasize that the goal is not simply to develop the land, but to create a shared vision that reflects both market realities and community values.
At the center of the proposal is the concept of a mixed-use activity hub. Early planning discussions suggest the site could support a combination of housing, employment opportunities, retail or service-oriented businesses, and accessible public spaces. While no final decisions have been made, the project is being framed as an opportunity to bring new energy to the area while addressing broader needs such as housing availability and economic development.
To assist in the process, the City has partnered with First Forty Feet, a Portland-based urban design and planning firm, along with a team of specialists focused on market analysis and infrastructure planning. Their role will include evaluating what types of development are financially feasible, identifying necessary improvements to support growth, and helping translate community input into a practical roadmap.
The outcome of that work will be the Opportunity Plan, a document expected to be completed in fall 2026. Once adopted, it will serve as a guiding framework for future land use decisions, infrastructure investments, and outreach to potential development partners. City leaders anticipate that the plan will also help attract private investment through a structured public-private partnership, ensuring that redevelopment efforts are both sustainable and aligned with long-term goals.
For many in Grants Pass, the Washington–Midland site represents more than just a parcel of land. Its location along a major transportation route and near established neighborhoods positions it as a gateway of sorts, a place where thoughtful planning could influence how the city grows and connects in the years ahead.
Thursday’s forum offers the first formal opportunity for the public to engage with that vision. Attendees will be able to learn more about the planning process, ask questions, and provide initial feedback that could shape the direction of the project.
City officials encourage broad participation, noting that community input will play a central role in determining what the site ultimately becomes. As the planning process moves forward, additional meetings and outreach efforts are expected to follow, giving residents multiple chances to stay involved.
For now, the message from the City is straightforward: the future of this key location is still being written, and the community has a seat at the table.
