Revitalization of Downtown Vancouver WA | Esther Short Park

Old town Vancouver has come a long way from the days of the World War I shipyards, and the economic boom fueled by World War II. The present housing developments of Fruit Valley, Fourth Plain Village, Bagley Downs, Hough, Arnada, Carter Park, Esther Short, and Ogden Meadows were created at that time. Due to the 2005-2006 appreciation of home prices, and the revitalization of the downtown area of Vancouver, this area of older homes is now in great demand. Interstate 5 splits downtown Vancouver into an east side and a west side. The west side is home to Lincoln Area, Carter Park, Shumway, Hough, Arnada, Fruit Valley and Esther Short Park. The east side is home to the communities of Rose Village, Fourth Plain Village, Harney Heights, Bagley Downs, Central Park, and Hudson Bay.

The Vancouver Downtown Association is busy planning and implementing the revitalization of the west side of downtown Vancouver. Their plans are to incorporate the historical parts of the city with high-density mixed-use developments. Future plans include a total redevelopment along the Columbia River where the old Boise Cascade mill was located. There is even talk of a new I-5 bridge with a MAX light rail train commuting to and from Portland. The first phase of the 15-20 year plan has been implemented in the “Heart District” with construction of many new condominiums, The new Hilton Hotel around Esther Short Park and also renovation of the Uptown Village neighborhood. The goal of the downtown revitalization is to create a vibrant downtown that blends government, business, recreation, and culture into a safe and desirable place to work and live. For a more detail description of Vancouver Downtown Association’s vision, visit www.vdausa.org .

At the heart of downtown is Esther Short Park, the state’s oldest Public Square, which is arguably the best known area of Vancouver. The Salmon Run Tower is located at the south east corner of the park and features a 5-foot bronze salmon “leaping” off the tower as jets of water spray down the sides. The park is home to summer concerts, and the Farmer’s market which runs from April through October and is now in its 17^th season.