(PORTLAND, OR.) — Portland City Council unanimously voted on Wed. July 8 to allow the Lloyd Center to be transformed into a new development by denying the appeal of residents and groups to save the mall.
Photo Credit: YouTube / eGov PDX
Groups hoping to save the Lloyd Center and its ice rink opposed the demolition, claiming it took away a vital part of the community. It was also pointed out that removing the building would work against Portland's long-term climate initiatives.
Matt Kelly, a volunteer organizer with the Save Lloyd Campaign, advocated for more housing and thoughtful change that prioritizes Portland's climate crisis responsibilities and sustainability innovation. He argued that the renovation plan fails to address the city's waste reduction goals and does not account for the demolition-first premise.
“The master plan fails to describe how it will meet the city’s goal of innovation in waste reduction. It also fails to explain how the applicant will account for its demolition first premise in light of Portland’s waste reduction goals,” Kelly said.
Councilor Loretta Smith released a statement on Wed. July 8 explaining her vote to approve the Lloyd Center Central City Master Plan.
It emphasized economic revitalization, new housing, infrastructure improvements, and a commitment to honoring the site's legacy while investing in Portland's future.
"Councilor Smith remains committed to working with developers, community members, and stakeholders to ensure that the redevelopment honors the spirit of community, creates welcoming public spaces, and delivers lasting benefits for Northeast Portland," the statement said.
The press release from the Urban Renaissance Group states that the Lloyd Center will permanently close to the public on August 8, 2026. Tenants were given until August 31, 2026, to relocate.
The largely vacant property will be demolished and redeveloped into a mixed-use neighborhood with housing and public parks.
“Lloyd Center ownership announced today that the mall will officially close to the public on August 8, 2026, marking a key milestone in the transition from a largely vacant retail property to a new mixed-use neighborhood in the heart of Portland. The redevelopment of Lloyd Center will include thousands of new housing units, six acres of open space, and improved connections with surrounding neighborhoods,” Urban Renaissance Group said.
Photo Credit: savelloyd.com
The closure clears the way for redevelopment of the property into a new urban neighborhood designed to meet Portland’s future needs, including increased economic activity, jobs, housing, along with more than six acres of open space for the community.
“This is a necessary step toward delivering a new future for this site and for Portland,” said Tom Kilbane, the managing director of URG. “We recognize the history of Lloyd Center and appreciate the tenants who’ve operated here over the last few years. At the same time, the reality is the mall is no longer viable in its current form. As a city, we can’t afford to get stuck in the past, Portland needs this momentum for a more vibrant future.”
Lloyd Center owners said this renovation represents more than the end of the mall, calling it an ‘opportunity to reposition a critical piece of Portland’s urban core.’
“Portland needs projects that move the city forward,” Kilbane said. “This site has the potential to become a centerpiece of the city’s next chapter, delivering housing, investment, and energy where it’s needed most.”
If you would like to add to or comment on this report, please email me at rory.h@lead4earth.org.
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