There are not many opportunities in a lifetime to leave something behind that will outlast you. In downtown Grants Pass, one of those opportunities is now taking shape—literally—brick by brick.
Construction of the new Owl Plaza is underway near the intersection of 5th and H streets, and alongside the physical progress of the site, the City has launched a community-centered initiative that gives residents a chance to become part of the project itself. Through the “Buy-a-Brick” campaign, individuals, families, civic organizations, and local businesses can purchase engraved brick pavers that will be permanently installed as part of the plaza’s foundation.
The concept is straightforward, but the long-term impact is anything but ordinary. Each brick, priced at $250, will include a brass plaque engraved with up to three lines of text. Those bricks will form part of the patio base, meaning every person who walks through Owl Plaza in the years ahead will be walking across a physical record of the community that helped bring it to life.
The City estimates that approximately 470 bricks will be available for purchase. That number provides a wide opportunity for participation while still maintaining a sense of exclusivity for those who choose to take part.
To preserve the tone and purpose of the plaza, the City has established clear guidelines for engraving. Each brick is limited to three lines of text, with no more than 18 characters per line, including spaces. Submissions are restricted to names only. Slogans, quotes, promotional language, or messages of any kind are not permitted.
Examples provided by the City reflect the intended simplicity and personal nature of the project. Submissions such as “The Smith Family” or “Bob and Mary Smith” are encouraged, while longer name groupings may also be accommodated within the character limits. The focus remains on identity, recognition, and legacy rather than messaging.
The City retains final approval over all submissions. If a proposed engraving is deemed inappropriate, the applicant will be notified and given the opportunity to revise the text. If a suitable revision cannot be agreed upon, a full refund will be issued. This process ensures consistency across the plaza while maintaining fairness for participants.
Beyond the technical details, the Owl Plaza project represents something larger for Grants Pass. Public spaces often serve as gathering points, but only a few become meaningful landmarks tied directly to the people who live there. By incorporating engraved bricks into the plaza’s design, the City is intentionally creating a space that reflects the community in a lasting and visible way.
Owl Plaza is expected to become a central destination within downtown, a place where residents and visitors can gather, pause, and connect. The addition of personalized bricks transforms the space from a simple public project into something more enduring—an archive of names that represent families, businesses, and organizations that chose to invest in the city’s future.
For those interested in participating, the process has been made accessible. Residents may complete the purchase online or visit City Hall, located at 101 NW A Street, Suite 202, to fill out a form and submit payment in person. Payment options include cash, check, or credit card.
As construction continues and Owl Plaza begins to take its final shape, the opportunity to participate remains open, but not indefinitely. Once the available bricks are claimed, the foundation will be set, both physically and symbolically.
In a city built on community and connection, this project offers something rare: a chance to become part of the ground people will stand on for generations to come.