The Dalles Urban Renewal meets Sept. 15 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss Federal Street Plaza
The Columbia Gateway Urban Renewal Agency will discuss the future of Tony’s Lot, including ideas for markets, food vendors, entertainment and flexible community space near the Federal Street Plaza.
File Photo - Looking down on Federal Street and the now-graveled site where Tony’s Town & Country was located. Urban Renewal will discuss possibilities for the site on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
The Dalles, Ore., Sept. 9, 2026 — The Columbia Gateway Urban Renewal Agency Board will meet Tuesday, Sept. 15, with the future of the former Tony’s Town & Country property — commonly known as Tony’s Lot — expected to be the primary discussion.
The board will review recommendations developed by University of Oregon students through the Sustainable City Year Program. Six student teams studied Tony’s Lot and proposed ideas ranging from permanent commercial development to a flexible public space for markets, food vendors, entertainment and community gatherings. Staff is asking the board whether the property should remain primarily positioned for eventual redevelopment or whether the agency should pursue interim improvements and programming that could complement the nearly completed Federal Street Plaza.
The student report generally favors keeping Tony’s Lot flexible. Among the concepts is a community pavilion with rotating vendors and year-round programming, designed to draw people downtown without locking the property into a permanent use or competing directly with existing restaurants and businesses. No formal action is scheduled, and the discussion carries no immediate budget impact; any future improvements or redevelopment would return to the board for consideration.
The board will also receive staff updates on the Exterior Pilot Refresh and Urban Renewal Incentive programs. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at The Dalles City Hall Council Chambers, 313 Court St., with a Zoom option available.
Kiwanis Events for May 2024
Kiwanis programs for May 2024
By Karl Vercouteren
Kiwanis meetings are held every Thursday at noon at Spooky’s and visitors are welcome. This month’s Kiwanis events include:
— May 2 Sarah Kellems from Mid-Columbia Community Action Council addresses the opening of the Gloria Center.
— May 9 Wildlife specialist Bill Weiler speaks passionately about fauna in the Gorge.
— May 16 The Col. Wright Elementary School marimba band brings music to Kiwanians.
— May 23 the club dedicates the Dick Rife memorial bench at Pioneer Cemetery on Scenic Drive.
— May 25 (Saturday) club holds work party at Kiwanis Pocket Park.
— May 30 (no noontime meeting) late afternoon club social.
For more information go to www.thedalleskiwanis.org/ or The-Dalles-Kiwanis-Club on Facebook.
Death Notice: Edward G. Hart
Edward G. Hart
Edward G. Hart, age 53, resident of Dallesport, Washington passed away January 13, 2021. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
