City of TD moves on plaza, approves 10th street upgrades; $6.2 million put to projects
Architectural rendering of the Federal Street Plaza from Walker-Macy. The council approved the design and next steps for a new downtown plaza on Federal Street between 2nd and 1st Streets at its meeting on Monday, April 28
The Dalles, Ore., April 28, 2025 — The Dalles City Council unanimously approved two major infrastructure projects estimated at a total $ 6.2 million Monday evening, greenlighting both the site plan for the Federal Street Plaza and a contract for significant upgrades to West 10th Street’s bike and pedestrian facilities.
The approvals mark major steps forward in the city’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the downtown core while also putting an eye toward safety by partnering with the Northern Wasco County School District and Oregon Dept. of Transportaion to create safe routes to schools in West The Dalles.
Federal Street Plaza Moves Forward
The council adopted the site design for the long-planned Federal Street Plaza between 1st and 2nd Streets, as recommended by the Federal Street Plaza Ad Hoc Committee. Designed by Walker-Macy, the plaza aims to become a vibrant public gathering space capable of hosting markets, festivals, and community events.
Looking down on Federal Street and the now-graveled site where Tony’s Town & Country was located.
Enhancements approved as part of the site plan include:
Relocation of public restrooms within the Transportation Building
Construction of a new pump room for a future water feature
An art wall or feature to highlight local creativity
Pedestrian safety improvements with sidewalk bulb-outs and signage
The project carries an estimated price tag of $4.7 million, and the city has allocated $4.9 million for it in the proposed FY 2025–26 budget. Approximately $1.435 million in grants and pledged funding are pending, including support from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Travel Oregon, Google, and others.
In addition, the council adopted a resolution to extend the Federal Street Plaza Committee’s term by six months, allowing it to continue supporting the project through construction, fundraising, and community engagement.
West 10th Street Improvements
Sidewalks will be installed along west 10the Street from Snipes to Chenowith Loop Road where they don’t already exist such as in this photo. The Dalles City Council awarded the $1.5-million contract to Crestline Construction on Monday night.
In a separate unanimous vote, the council approved a $1.5 million contract with Crestline Construction for the West 10th Street Bike and Pedestrian Facilities Project. The work, which aims to improve safe routes to school for local students is expected to start at the end of May and will finish at the end of August.
The work will focus on infilling sidewalks between Snipes Street and Chenowith Loop Road. It will also create improved crosswalks at Emerson Drive and 10th Street and at Chenowith Loop Road and 10th Street.
Crews will also widen the shoulder along Chenowith Loop and install temporary walkway with cones and sturdy posts to protect parents and students walking down the street to Chenowith Elementary.
ODOT granted $1.9 million toward the project that was originally estimated at $2.4 million. The City of The Dalles and District 21 also put up $200,000 each in matching grants. The overrun in funds could be put toward upgrades to West 7th Street in the near future. The street also lacks sidewalks.
