Celebrate the Grand Opening of Darcelle XV Plaza: A New Chapter for Downtown Portland

Published

June 10, 2026 9:00 am

In this article

(Portland, Oregon) -

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R)is proud to announce the grand opening celebration of Darcelle XV Plaza in downtown Portland. This milestone marks the successful collaboration of partners dedicated to restoring and revitalizing this key public space-enhancing community connection and supporting the continued activation of the downtown core.

Darcelle XV Plaza honors the remarkable legacy of Walter Cole, known by the stage name Darcelle XV.

In fall 2023, PP&R began working with Portland State University's (PSU) Center for Public Interest Design and NNA Landscape Architecture to plan a design for the new Darcelle XV Plaza site. PP&R is excited to use the space to provide much-needed activation to the Downtown Portland core.

For over five decades, Darcelle XV enchanted audiences with dazzling performances, infectious energy, and a powerful message of acceptance and inclusivity.

"Darcelle XV Plaza is a new gem in the heart of our magnificent city," said Portland Mayor Keith Wilson. "Its design embodies Portland's long-standing dedication to inclusive, vibrant public spaces and provides a welcoming destination for the LGBTQ2SIA+ community and all Portlanders."

The plaza, formerly known as O'Bryant Square, was closed in 2018 due to structural issues with the parking garage beneath it. On July 13, 2023, the Portland City Council voted unanimously to rename the site Darcelle XV Plaza in honor of the iconic performer and community advocate as the site was reconstructed. The motion was forwarded by District 2 Councilor Dan Ryan, who was the commissioner-in-charge of PP&R at the time.

PP&R is working in partnership with Downtown Portland Clean & Safe to activate both the Darcelle XV Plaza site and nearby Director Park during a period of about three to five years. The results of the collaboration will inform the final design for the permanent, finished park space at Darcelle XV Plaza.

"My goal was to honor the profound impact of Darcelle XV," said Councilor Ryan. "Renaming this revitalized plaza after Darcelle XV is a way we can ensure the legacy of one of Portland's most welcoming ambassadors of our city."

"Darcelle XV Plaza celebrates the legacy of a beloved LGBTQ2SIA+ cultural icon while reflecting Portland's commitment to investing in vibrant public spaces," says Priya Dhanapal, Deputy City Administrator for Public Works. "The City of Portland and its community partners transformed a site that sat vacant for years into a warm, inclusive public destination that contributes to the revitalization of downtown Portland and strengthens our community for generations to come."

The City of Portland invites all neighbors, community members, partners, and supporters to join us for this special celebration.

Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026, 11am to 1pm
Location: Darcelle XV Plaza, 800 SW Harvey Milk Street (corner of SW Park), Portland, OR 97205

The event will feature a live choir, remarks from distinguished speakers, and a joyful celebration recognizing the many contributors who helped bring this project to life. Come share in this exciting moment for downtown Portland!

"Darcelle XV Plaza is not only a welcoming place for all Portlanders, it also serves as a new attraction to draw foot traffic to our central city," says District 4 Councilor Olivia Clark. "I look forward to seeing this public space filled with entertaining performers, curious visitors, and community connection."

PP&R is working in partnership with Downtown Portland Clean & Safe to activate both the Darcelle XV Plaza site and nearby Director Park during a period of about three to five years. The results of the collaboration will inform the final design for the permanent, finished park space at Darcelle XV Plaza.

"It serves as a truly versatile community space," said District 4 Councilor Mitch Green. "Darcelle XV Plaza celebrates an icon and showcases our strengths as a city to bring arts, culture, design and people power together."

This is what the gay agenda looks like," said District 4 Councilor Eric Zimmerman. "Representation. Visibility. Pride. Streets named after gay people. Parks honoring drag queens. LGBTQ+ history reflected across the city we call home. Thank you to Darcelle for being iconic, and to Councilor Dan Ryan, city staff, and everyone who helped make this possible."

Project Overview

In fall 2023, PP&R began working with Portland State University's (PSU)Center for Public Interest Design and NNA Landscape Architecture to plan a design for the new Darcelle XV Plaza site. PP&R is excited to use the space to provide much-needed activation to the Downtown Portland core.

Prior to PP&R construction of Darcelle XV Plaza beginning, the PBOT-led demolition of the parking garage located under the site, site preparation, and surrounding sidewalk construction will need to be completed. This PBOT-led work and the PP&R-led Darcelle XV Plaza construction are inter-dependent and coordinated efforts. The latest updates can be found in the Project Updates page.

History

Portland City Council unanimously voted to rename the downtown gathering space as Darcelle XV Plaza on July 13, 2023. The site, pronounced "Darcelle Fifteen Plaza," is supposedly near the clearing where W.C. Overton and Asa Lovejoy agreed to found a town in November 1843. This momentous decision pays tribute to the legendary drag performer and LGBTQ+ icon, Darcelle XV, while celebrating the vibrant LGBTQ+ history and culture that have shaped Portland.

Walter Cole, who established Darcelle XV in 1967, is an enduring symbol of strength and pride for the Portland LGBTQ+ community. As the world's oldest performing drag queen, Darcelle XV not only entertained countless audiences but also became an icon of resilience and authenticity.

The square itself was originally named for Hugh Donaldson O'Bryant, a pioneer who migrated to Oregon from Georgia in 1843. O'Bryant was a carpenter who showed his civic pride in 1850 when he founded Portland's first public library. He was elected as Portland's first mayor in the city's first election on April 7, 1851, by receiving 104 of the 222 votes cast.

More plaza history is available on the PP&R website.

# # #