Oregon Public Broadcasting

On a sunny field in downtown Gresham Thursday, city officials and developers broke ground on the site of a new arts plaza. An hour later, the City held a similar celebration at the future location of the Gradin Sports Park. Katie Arrants was there.

Gresham isn’t usually thought of as an artistic hub. Sure, it hosts the Mount Hood Jazz Festival -- but the city’s often been overlooked, seen simply as the place you drive through to get to the mountains.

But, recently Oregon's fourth-largest city has started to remake itself. The new art center and sports park are part of an effort to make the city friendlier to families and young professionals.

City Commissioner Carol Nielsen-Hood says the art center will also encourage new business development.

Carol Nielsen-Hood: "It's a great economic indicator that things are going to happen in Gresham. This is going to be a great deal like Pioneer Square in Portland."

The $2.5 million project will include a public plaza, an event center, and a theater. The City hopes to have the plaza finished in time for Christmas.

As for the sports park, Mayor Shane Bemis says kids will be playing on soccer and baseball fields there within a year.