Downtown Hillsboro and Southwest Industrial District

Downtown Hillsboro is an active district and the historic center of the City, with buildings dating to the late 1800s. The Civic Center (city hall) is located here, along with the Washington County courthouse and administrative offices situated right across the street. Downtown is also home to the local community hospital Oregon Health & Science University partner, Hillsboro Medical Center, and Pacific University's College of Health Professions.

Situated at the end of the MAX light rail Blue Line, Downtown Hillsboro is an easy commute for the thousands of people who come to the district for work and school. There are also dozens of shops and restaurants, as well as the Glenn and Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center, and two live theater companies. Numerous outdoor events also take place on the streets of the district, including the seasonal Saturday Farmers’ Market and Tuesday Night Market, and the annual La Strada Dei Pastelli.

In addition to the historic residential neighborhoods surrounding the Downtown district, new vertical housing developments offer urban living alternatives right in the heart of the commercial district. Walk-able streets, easy access to public transit, and an increasing variety of amenities make Downtown living an attractive option.

The City partners with Hillsboro Downtown Partnership, our local Main Street program, to cultivate a business district that is enticing and profitable for micro-enterprises, small businesses, and investors. Hillsboro Downtown Partnership is affiliated with the Main Street America program and a participating community within the Oregon Main Street Network, a state program geared toward revitalizing Downtown districts through intentional beautification and placemaking activities, business support and recruitment, and collective marketing efforts. 

Community Conversations: Downtown Hillsboro

In June 2024, Mayor Steve Callaway gathered local experts to discuss Downtown Hillsboro's three unique hubs: Main Street and the Avenues, Calle Diez/10th Avenue, and M&M Marketplace! Featuring:

• Nik Whitcomb, Producing Artistic Director of Bag&Baggage
• EJ Payne, Executive Director of the Hillsboro Downtown Partnership
• Jaime Miranda, Owner of M&M Marketplace

Oak/Baseline/10th Avenue Corridor Study Underway

A study is being conducted on the Downtown Hillsboro portion of Oregon Route 8 (OR8) to inform future corridor improvements and redevelopment activity. Community members are invited to learn more and engage.

Visit the Oak/Baseline/10th Avenue Corridor Study page.

Downtown Hillsboro offers:

• An urban renewal district encompassing approximately 1,100 acres
• Two Enterprise Zone Overview (Downtown and Southwest Industrial Districts
• Vertical housing incentives
• The adjacent Southwest Industrial District, home to existing industrial users, and seeking additional light- and cottage - manufacturing industries
• Competitive rates for retail, office and industrial space

 Related Links

Questions? 

For additional information on Downtown Hillsboro or the Southwest Industrial District, contact Karla Antonini via e-mail or by phone, 503-681-6181.