News Release: PBOT upgrades Pride Plaza starting this week, with colorful artwork, furnishings and a new promenade

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Portland Bureau of Transportation crews repaved SW Harvey Milk Street last year to put new, smooth pavement in place before permanent installation of street art, furniture and other elements. Photo by PBOT.

(Aug. 10, 2026) The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) will start construction this week on two projects that will create and upgrade street space for walking, gathering and celebrating Darcelle XV and the LGBTQ+ community.

The bureau will upgrade the Pride Plaza -- a section of SW Harvey Milk Street, between 12th and 13th avenues. This car-free space emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic as a vibrant place for outdoor dining from many local restaurants and a community gathering space celebrating the area's rich history. PBOT repaved the street and built new corner ramps last year, in preparation for upgrades set for this summer.

PBOT will also build a new pedestrian-oriented space next to the new Darcelle XV Plaza. Called Darcelle XV Promenade, this section of SW Ninth Avenue will be redesigned with artwork and lighting in tribute to the legendary Portland performer. During construction this summer, SW Ninth Avenue will be closed from SW Harvey Milk to SW Washington streets.

Darcelle XV Promenade will create a visual connection between SW Harvey Milk Street area, the Flock Food Hall at SW Ninth Avenue and Alder Street. It makes a portion of the future Green Loop, a linear park and multi-use path that will connect the Central City. When the project is finished, motor vehicle travel will be limited to one lane southbound, surrounded by furnishings and other pedestrian space, lining up with the section of SW Ninth Avenue to the south, between Washington and Alder streets.

VIDEO: PBOT's project manager shows you the plans for these plaza upgrades in this short video available here on Instagram

Pride Plaza is on SW Harvey Milk between 12th and 13th avenues and Darcelle XV Promenade is on SW Ninth Avenue between Harvey Milk and Washington streets. Darcelle XV Promenade on SW 9th Avenue will be next to the Darcelle XV Plaza, a recently renovated public park. The promenade builds a portion of the future Green Loop, a linear park and multiuse path that will connect the Central City. Map by PBOT.

Minimal traffic impacts during construction

Construction by PBOT's contractor will have minimal traffic impacts, though the public should follow directions from signage and crews in the area.

The plaza section of SW Harvey Milk is already car-free, and SW Ninth Avenue will be closed to motor vehicles during construction.

People biking should travel slowly or avoid traveling through the streets while work is underway and follow instructions from signs and flaggers.

Sidewalks will generally remain open at both sites during construction.

The project is funded by a $1.2 million grant from the federal Economic Development Administration matched with $600,000 in local transportation system development charges and general transportation revenue.

Construction at both sites will be complete this year.

Check the project website for updates on construction

A conceptual rendering shows the overhead artwork and lighting planned for Darcelle XV Promenade on SW Ninth Avenue. The lighting on overhead wires is designed to look like Darcelle's jewelry, in tribute to the Portland icon.

Investing in downtown's public spaces

PBOT worked with community members on the specific features of both plazas.

The upgraded plazas will include artwork celebrating pride and Darcelle XV, durable street furniture, space for outdoor dining or events, and extra-large landscaping containers.

Darcelle XV Promenade on SW Ninth Avenue will extend the overhead lighting that starts one block south next to the Flock Food Hall. Silvery, reflective artwork will drape overhead to evoke the spirit and vitality of Darcelle XV.

Last year, PBOT repaved Pride Plaza and rebuilt curb ramps in preparation for this summer's work. The new pavement reduces tripping hazards and will result in a sharper-looking, longer-lasting public space.

Once complete, ongoing maintenance at both sites will be provided through a combination of city services and plaza partners.

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The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the city's transportation system and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage, and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility