Residents, families, civic organizations, and local businesses in Grants Pass are approaching the final opportunity to become a permanent part of the city’s developing Owl Plaza project, with the deadline to purchase commemorative paving bricks now set for 5 p.m. on June 1, 2026.
The City of Grants Pass announced this week that orders and payments for engraved bricks must be submitted before the deadline in order to be included in the installation phase of the downtown plaza project. The engraved pavers will become part of the patio foundation surrounding Owl Plaza near the sidewalks at 5th and H streets, an area expected to become a visible public gathering space in the heart of downtown.
City officials say approximately 470 paving bricks are expected to be available through the campaign. Each brick costs $250 and includes a brass plaque engraved with up to three lines of text. The engravings are limited strictly to names, with the city prohibiting slogans, quotations, business taglines, or personal phrases as part of the project guidelines.
The brick campaign is being presented as a way for community members to leave a lasting personal connection to a public space that is intended to serve future generations. Families are already reserving bricks featuring household names, couples, children, and multigenerational family listings that will eventually become part of the permanent walkway structure surrounding the plaza.
Josephine County-based businesses and civic groups are also eligible to participate, allowing organizations with local roots to secure a visible place within the downtown project. City officials say the restrictions on wording are designed to keep the installation visually consistent while maintaining a community-focused appearance throughout the plaza.
The city has established character limits of 18 characters per line, including spaces, across three total lines of text. Examples provided by the city include simple family names, couples’ names, or small group listings. Submitted text remains subject to city approval, and officials reserve the right to reject wording they determine to be inappropriate. In those situations, participants will be contacted and offered an opportunity to revise their submission before installation. Refunds will be issued if a compromise on acceptable wording cannot be reached.
Payments may be made by check through the mail or in person using cash, check, or credit card at City Hall. Residents can also complete the application online or visit Suite 202 at City Hall at 101 NW A Street to submit paperwork directly.
With the June 1 deadline now less than three weeks away, city officials are encouraging anyone interested in participating to complete their applications promptly to avoid missing the cutoff. Once the order window closes, the city is expected to move forward with final production and installation planning for the engraved pavers.
Questions regarding the Owl Plaza brick program can be directed to Heather Smith through the City of Grants Pass.