Milwaukie, Oregon – A significant development is set to redefine downtown Milwaukie’s landscape this fall with the grand opening of the 1847 Food Park, featuring Portland’s renowned Migration Brewing as its anchor tenant and exclusive beer operator. This ambitious project, a collaboration between RMCC Development and Migration Brewing, promises to transform a prime corner into a dynamic community hub, blending diverse culinary experiences with a vibrant craft beer scene. The announcement marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing revitalization of Milwaukie’s urban core.
A Vision for Community and Culinary Excellence
The 1847 Food Park is strategically located at the intersection of SE Scott and Main Streets, occupying the former site of the Peake Funeral Chapel, which has been demolished to make way for this innovative concept. The name itself, “1847,” pays homage to the year the Luelling family first settled Milwaukie, embedding the park deeply within the city’s historical narrative.
Developers RMCC Development envisioned a central gathering place, and their partnership with Migration Brewing was born from a shared desire to create a permanent fixture for the community. Eric Saunders of RMCC Development highlighted the goal of tying into Milwaukie’s essence, “taking the old and creating something new and modern for the community.” The park will boast an impressive array of features, including space for up to 17 food carts, with 10-12 expected to open initially, offering a diverse culinary landscape. Ample indoor and outdoor seating will accommodate patrons year-round, complemented by an outdoor fireplace and shaded pergola areas.
Central to the experience will be a striking three-story structure housing the main bar and taproom. This facility is designed not only for serving beverages but also to offer breathtaking views of downtown Milwaukie and the Willamette River from its upper levels. Adding an intriguing layer of historical continuity, the quasi-basement will feature a speakeasy aptly named “Six Feet Under,” a clever nod to the site’s former use.
Migration Brewing’s Strategic Oregon Expansion
For Migration Brewing, this venture represents a significant expansion into a burgeoning Oregon market. The brewery, established in 2010 by four friends—Colin Rath, Eric Banzer-Lausberg, McKean Banzer-Lausberg, and Mike Branes—has grown from its roots in NE Portland to become one of the fastest-growing breweries in the state. Known for its community engagement and commitment to well-crafted beer, Migration Brewing sought a “ground-up build” in a dynamic neighborhood, finding the perfect synergy with RMCC Development’s vision for Milwaukie.
As the anchor tenant, Migration Brewing will manage all alcohol operations within the food park. The three-story taproom will feature 32 taps, pouring a selection of Migration’s signature beers, alongside guest beers, ciders, and wine. Notably, Migration Brewing will also craft custom-made “1847” beers specifically for the venue, further integrating the brewery into the park’s unique identity. Colin Rath, Migration’s Pubs Director & Co-Founder, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating that operating the bar allows the developers to focus on managing the food carts, creating a truly symbiotic relationship.
Migration Brewing’s commitment extends beyond just serving beer; their involvement is slated to be a permanent fixture, cementing the brewery’s presence in this evolving urban center. This move follows other strategic expansions, including their production facility in Gresham and a popular rooftop taproom in Portland, showcasing their continued growth and influence within the regional craft beer scene.
Milwaukie’s Flourishing Downtown Landscape
The 1847 Food Park’s arrival is another testament to Milwaukie’s ongoing transformation. The city has been actively working on downtown revitalization, with previous market analyses indicating a strong demand for anchors like brewpubs and specialty retail. The area around the food park is experiencing significant residential growth, with new apartment towers and a flourishing Main Street featuring diverse small businesses.
This new food park complements Milwaukie’s existing urban amenities, including another food cart pod near the MAX station, though the 1847 Food Park is a privately owned and permanent development, offering long-term stability for vendors and patrons. With other notable additions to the local scene, such as pFriem’s recent opening, the 1847 Food Park, anchored by Migration Brewing, is poised to become a vital gathering spot. It will undoubtedly enhance Milwaukie’s appeal as a destination for residents and visitors alike, further solidifying its reputation as a vibrant community within the greater Portland metropolitan area. This exciting news ensures Milwaukie continues to build on its rich history while embracing a modern, community-focused future.
