Downtown History
Main Street's identity as Tigard's center dates from the construction of an electric commuter train line in 1910. Rapid growth occurred around Main Street in Tigardville (as it was then known). Many commercial buildings were constructed which housed such businesses as restaurants, grocery stores, a dance hall, a blacksmith and a livery stable. Several historical photos show the way things used to look on Main Street.

In 1940, an overpass for the Pacific Highway (99W) was built just north of Main Street. Much of Tigard's new development moved away from Main Street and towards commercial strips along Pacific Highway and elsewhere.

In September 2005 the volunteer Downtown Task Force, made up of residents, property and business owners, completed the Downtown Improvement Plan (13 MB). This plan will guide the development of a Town Center for Tigard.