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Main Street at Commercial looking north (Circa 1940)
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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.
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