BIG, SWA Group, Studio Egret West among finalists in Portland waterfront park design competition

The design competition to reenvision Portland’s Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park is moving into the design phase, with three teams shortlisted from an international field of 50 submissions: 

• BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group with Jennifer Bonner / MALL
• Studio Egret West with West of West
• SWA Group with PLACE and Thomas Phifer and Partners

The finalists, each led by an architect or landscape architect and paired with a local studio, will now develop concepts for the 30-acre downtown park.

The competition brief puts river access, ecological restoration, and inclusive public space at the center, with particular attention to the underused Bowl area. The teams will also be asked to build on established favorites, including the Japanese American Historical Plaza, cherry trees, and Salmon Street Springs, while imagining a more active year-round civic destination. 

Their proposals will go on public display in early 2027, with the winning team expected to be announced in spring.