It has been over a year since the Weil’s Building burned to the ground in one of the most spectacular and crippling fires in Hillsboro history.  Historic Downtown Hillsboro will never be the same, and several buildings remain closed.  But everywhere you look between 2nd and 3rd on East Main, the premier block, signs of life are happening.  The Hillsboro Pharmacy building is getting a new coat of paint.  Well-known Hillsboro lawyer Kit Jensen and his family law firm are close to moving back into their offices. The US Bank redevelopment is moving ahead and looks to be headed for an opening in July, bringing four new food vendors to downtown.  Puppernickel, a popular doggie treat bakery, is moving from 3rd Street to the recently vacated Kove Yoga space. The former Clark’s restaurant is about to re-open as Hillsboro welcomes the Blue-Ox,  the first axe-throwing pub in the City.  So as our Summer event schedule starts to line up for a big year, Downtown looks pretty solid!

With all that activity in one block, one would think that nothing could top it.  But the Rising would not be complete, not even near complete, without the solemn empty lot where the fire happened being a part of it.  News comes to the Herald from 4th generation property owner Jay Weil that the plan for the future of the fire-ravaged property has been determined.   For the immediate future, the property will become Weil Arcade Food Park.  Timing is not right to invest Millions into a new building, and the family wants to have the lot an active part of returning vibrancy to the district.

Jay shared his thoughts about the plans for the property.

“The Park will be paved, well lit, with covered common areas, restrooms, etc. each food cart will have electric, gas, water/sewer hook ups, and seating areas.

Our plan is to have 10 of the very best food cart operators with a diversity of specialty foods from across the globe.

Nobody needs 20+ choices.. our goal is to provide 10 Great choices, clean, fast, reasonably priced, and fun.

We want Weil Arcade Food Park to be a source of pride for our City. Hopefully it will be a draw and provide a service which will be a boost to our surrounding business’s.”

The Weil Arcade Food Park is located one block from city of Hillsboro civic center and Washington county administrative buildings in historic downtown Hillsboro. With access off Main Street this makes Weil’s the best located food carts in Washington county!

Here is a downward view of the park, which has been designed by planner / designer Phil Robinson of PDR Designs.

The carts will be neatly placed in a row with a central plaza walkway down the center, connecting visitors and customers from Main Street to the North.  There they will find parking that the Weils own, which will be a real plus in an area where parking is at a premium these days. Also this connection will provide pedestrian flow between Lincoln and Main which will help the businesses like D’Anu Wine Bar, the Collective Market, Decadent Creations, and others receive a direct connection to customers.

The property will also have a beautiful black iron fence and gate system to secure the food cart park at night and set off the property as a downtown secure destination.  There are built-in bathrooms, a large covered eating area, and a back gate connecting the park to the businesses in the Weil Arcade.  Two covered gazebos will provide eating space as well.

Here is a look at the design of the covered patio.

While some people feel there are too many carts and locations, this spot is perfect for this use.  These quality carts will turn downtown into even more of a Foodies destination and is located at the very heart of downtown.  People will no doubt gather here during Tuesday Night Markets, Saturday Markets, and the long list of events that take over the Downtown district each Summer and Fall.  Music should be a frequent thing at the Park.  Beyond that, the setting is flanked by brick walls on both sides, which creates a New Orleans grotto-type feel that should really add to the vibe.

We are excited to see this happen for the Weils and the Downtown area.  The park should be open by June or July, and we look forward to seeing who all settles in to cement the area as the food location for Westside diners.  Adding to our very strong base of restaurants, events spaces, theaters, and galleries, the Weil Arcade Food Park will undoubtedly be a perfect Phoenix to rise from the Fire.

Want to get a Cart into the Weil Arcade Food Park?

Applications for food carts will be accepted

Starting April 1st. Please submit your contact information and preliminary information  via e-mail to: jaymweil@aol.com.