TIGARD, Ore. — People in downtown Tigard will soon have a new place to eat and gather outside. The city is preparing for the grand opening of Universal Plaza this Saturday.
The plaza features two food carts, lawn and shelter space for vendors, swings, and a water fountain and splash pad for kids. It's located on Southwest Burnham Street between Main Street and Ash Avenue. The plaza is scheduled to open at 11 a.m. on April 15 and there will be music, food and entertainment.
"Universal Plaza is a place for everyone — a community gathering spot in the heart of downtown Tigard that celebrates our shared humanity and our one shared planet," according to the city of Tigard's website.
The new outdoor space is also home to the city's Launch Pod Business Accelerator, a program that supports first-time entrepreneurs with low start-up costs and coaching. The West Coast Torta Company and Harvest Moon Experience were selected as the first participants.
"This is an amazing opportunity to grow my business," said Juliana Moseley, the owner of Harvest Moon Experience. Moseley's business specializes in seasonal comfort foods and charcuterie.
"We’re really happy to be able to start our business right here in our own community of Tigard," said Joshua Carreon with the West Coast Torta Company.
The West Coast Torta Company and Harvest Moon Experience will operate out of the two food carts over the next 16-24 months before moving out. After that, two new entrepreneurs will be selected for the program to start their own food carts at the plaza.
"We’re thrilled to be able to support these two ambitious start-ups," said Lloyd Purdy, the city of Tigard’s economic development manager. "This program is ideal for new businesses as they test their business model, grow their business, and build a customer base."
The $8 million plaza is funded through the city's tax increment financing program aimed at improving downtown and the Tigard Triangle, an area bordered by Interstate 5, Highway 217 and Pacific Highway.
During Phase 2 of the project, the city plans to build an outdoor canopy and a community room. A construction date for that hasn't been set yet.
