Thimble Creek  Industrial Land Readiness Strategic Plan

 Why is Thimble Creek Important?

The Thimble Creek Concept Plan was re-adopted and updated from the Beavercreek Road Concept Plan in July 2020. The visioning work began in 2006, and the Thimble Creek (formerly called Beavercreek Road) Concept Plan was adopted in 2008 and readopted in 2016. Since then, several properties have been annexed to the City. The Thimble Creek Concept Plan envisioned a complete community with diverse uses woven together by open space, trails, and sustainable development practices. The area has zoning for employment campus mixed-use districts. There are recently developed sites for multifamily residential and some employment uses. 

The study area map includes employement areas in and near the Thimble Creek Concept Plan area.

study area land rediness map

Project Goals

The Community Development and Economic Development Departments of the City of Oregon City are working together to better understand the barriers to commercial and industrial development in and adjacent to the Thimble Creek area of Oregon City. There is strong interest in developing more of the residentially zoned land. However, there has been little interest in developing the employment campus land or previously zoned industrial land on the west side of Beavercreek Road, including Clackamas Community College, which could present partnership opportunities for regionally significant industries.

On July 5, 2023, our City Commission approved an application for grant funding for the purpose of connecting with Oregon City residents in the area and determining the potential for nonresidential projects that will support employment and other opportunities. 

This project aims to identify why employment land along Beavercreek Road has not developed, what barriers to development exist, and what opportunities exist to increase the potential for the development of regionally significant industry clusters.

As our region continues to grow, the Thimble Creek area may be able to provide the community with opportunities to house employment centers, bringing economic benefit to Oregon City and the entire county. Oregon City staff are working with a consultant team to explore potential opportunities and locations in the Thimble Creek area to attract new employers.  Lessons learned from this study can also help other employment areas within the city. The report will be shared with the City Commission and will include a list of recommended actions that the Commission could pursue to further reduce barriers.

We will also meet with property owners in the area who may be exploring alternative uses for their land. We will share information with the community as we learn more.

Contact Ann Griffin,  Economic Development Coordinator, agriffin@orcity.org  or 503-974-5517 for more information.

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