Last week, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde held a groundbreaking ceremony for tumwata village at Willamette Falls.

Winterbrook’s Ben Schonberger and Grace Coffey attended the event, which included a ceremonial first turn of soil, speeches from Tribal leaders and elected officials, and recognition of the many partners contributing to the project. Ben also had the opportunity to speak with Tina Kotek during the ceremony!

Tina Kotek and Ben

Supporting Redevelopment in Grand Ronde’s Ancestral Homelands

Winterbrook worked with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde to secure local land use approvals for buildings and infrastructure at the site. The 23-acre property, part of the Tribe’s ancestral homelands, was acquired in 2019 and is being transformed through a long-term vision centered around restoration and a renewed public connection to Willamette Falls. The plan for development includes a mix of commercial, service, entertainment, residential, open space, and retail uses.

Image credit: Oregon Live

Winterbrook assisted the Confederated Tribes of the Grande Ronde to amend a master plan for the site. Tasks included writing sections of the land use application, advising the team on permitting and communication strategy, and guiding the process through to approval.

The project will combine cultural, environmental, and economic goals while reconnecting the site to its longstanding significance for Tribal communities and the region.

Winterbrook is honored to support a project of such cultural, historical, and regional importance as it moves from planning into implementation.