OMSI Seeks Design Teams for New Portland District

The museum and CRITFC are inviting firms to bid on two major redevelopment projects along the Willamette River.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Remote Work

Isometric editorial illustration of a conceptual riverfront park with a wooden pier and green park space in Portland. — The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and CRITFC are inviting design teams to submit proposals for the new Portland waterfront education park. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should city development projects prioritize local community needs over broader district expansion goals?

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission are seeking design teams for the District Identity Plan and Waterfront Education Park. These initiatives are part of a larger effort to reshape the OMSI District in Portland.

Why it matters

The Waterfront Education Park aims to boost science education and river access while highlighting tribal presence in the region. The District Identity Plan is a formal requirement mandated by the city's Central City Master Plan.

The Waterfront Education Park project carries an estimated cost between $30 million and $50 million. To date, OMSI has secured $11 million in internal fundraising alongside a $7 million grant from Metro.

The players

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

Located in Portland, this museum is a central institution for science education and community programming.

Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission

This coordinating body manages fishery resources for the Umatilla, Warm Springs, Yakama, and Nez Perce tribes.

Metro

Metro is the regional government for the Portland metropolitan area, responsible for land use and regional planning.

The details

Interested firms must submit a one-page registration and statement of interest to receive the request for qualifications materials. The selected team will manage the development of the district's visual identity and the construction of a new park space along the Willamette River.

October 26, 2026: Deadline for submitting letters of interest.
November 20, 2026: Responses to the request for qualifications are due.
December 11, 2026: Announcement of the project short list.
February 2027: Deadline for requests for proposals (RFP) responses.
Mid-March 2027: Final selection of the design team.

Market Landscape

This redevelopment effort capitalizes on the ongoing transformation of the Portland central city core as outlined in the Central City Master Plan. It positions the OMSI District as a key cultural hub, differentiating the site from other commercial waterfront developments.

Portland residents and local business stakeholders should expect increased activity and construction planning around the Willamette River site over the next few years. The project aims to provide enhanced river access and new public educational programming for the local community.

The takeaway

The development represents a significant shift toward integrating tribal heritage into urban waterfront planning. Firms interested in the project should note the strict submission deadlines beginning in late 2026.