One concept calls for creating a five-block open space from Taylor Street to Stark Street. This plan would encompass O'Bryant Square and a surface parking lot behind Fox Tower, which is being donated to the city, and the three blocks in between, which contain offices, shops and housing. The other concept would remove some buildings on one block between Yamhill and Morrison streets, but would leave buildings between Morrison and Washington streets intact.

Former Mayor Neil Goldschmidt had proposed building a pedestrian promenade in the district that would have demolishing office buildings and shops, including some historic buildings, to widen streets and make way for new retail construction. This plan brought an outcry of disapproval from both the general public and merchants now located Downtown. The advisory panel agreed. Laurie Olin, a panel member, says the Goldschmidt plan would create a five-block boulevard that "went from nowhere to nowhere."