A Place to Pause: Community Partners Celebrate New Vancouver Riverfront Space
April, 2026
Community members and project partners gathered recently to celebrate the completion of an overlooked riverfront destination transformed through community-driven effort. The Renaissance Pointe improvements at the eastern terminus of the Columbia River Renaissance Trail were led by a coalition of community supporters including Otak, who donated professional time and expertise to help reimagine the space. The goal: to create a safe, attractive place for people to enjoy the Columbia River.
“Renaissance Pointe is a powerful example of how thoughtful design can honor both place and people. The aim was to create a space that feels calm and meaningful—one where the community can connect with the river and with each other.”
– David Sacamano, Practice Area Leader of Planning & Landscape Architecture
Otak helped advance the project by providing concept design, civil and landscape design, permitting support and agency coordination, and technical review services, including stormwater documentation. Construction dollars for the improvements were raised through the generosity of local businesses and foundations. Beyond beautification, Renaissance Pointe carries deep meaning for the community.
Honoring Commitment to Community
The effort was driven by Jill Brown, who was inspired by the life and service of her husband Clark County Sheriff Sgt. Jeremy Brown, who died in the line of duty. Otak worked directly with Jill throughout the process to ensure the space would serve as a place of reflection and remembrance. “It will be a space that honors a life well lived,” Jill Brown said in a previous interview with The Columbian. Project partners echoed that sentiment, noting that the improvements honor “the spirit of Jeremy’s commitment to our community.” The completed terminus reflects a shared vision for inclusive, people-centered public spaces, one shaped by community voices, volunteer effort, and collaboration across public, nonprofit, and private partners.
Otak’s involvement in the Columbia River Renaissance Trail continues beyond this milestone. Current projects include active work on two additional sections along the trail and Vancouver Waterfront in partnership with the Port of Vancouver. These include the State Route 501 Trail, Segment 5B, providing civil engineering services, and the Terminal 1 Project, where Otak is preparing to begin civil and landscape architecture work. With ongoing investment in the region’s waterfront, Otak is honored to play a role in strengthening meaningful connections between people, place, and the river through thoughtful design and community partnership.
