What the Lloyd District Is
Just east of downtown Portland across the Willamette River, the Lloyd District is an urban neighborhood combining business, entertainment, culture, shopping, and dining. Its attractions include the Lloyd Center Mall, the Oregon Convention Center with its distinctive twin glass spires, and the Moda Center, home of the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers and a venue for concerts and events.
The district is served by multiple MAX Light Rail lines, the Portland Streetcar, and buses. It is accessible by car and bicycle, too. Its boundaries are Broadway to the north, Lloyd Blvd to the south, the Willamette River to the west, and NE 16th Ave to the east (Portland Creative Realtors).
History
Developer Ralph Lloyd envisioned the district in the early 20th century. His plans in 1908, inspired by the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition, transformed a modest neighborhood into a commercial and civic center. Major developments included the Lloyd Center Mall, which opened in 1960, and later the Oregon Convention Center and Moda Center. Over time, the area developed into a mixed-use neighborhood with a focus on sustainability through the Lloyd EcoDistrict initiative (Missoula Current).
Opened as the Rose Garden Arena in 1995, the Moda Center is now home to the Portland Trail Blazers (Moda Center). The Oregon Convention Center opened in 1990 (Oregon Convention Center).
What to See
Lloyd Center Mall
Once the Pacific Northwest’s largest shopping mall, Lloyd Center opened in 1960 as the largest shopping mall in the US and a symbol of economic optimism (Missoula Current). After retail decline in the 2010s, it reinvented itself as an incubator for independent businesses, including vintage shops, specialty retailers, a pinball museum, Floating World Comics, and Brickdiculous (Missoula Current).
The mall’s iconic ice rink remains a popular attraction; Olympian Tonya Harding once trained there. Long-standing favorites such as Joe Brown’s Carmel Corn continue to operate. Affordable rents and supportive management have helped foster a community for small businesses (Missoula Current).
Other independent businesses include ZRE Music Studio, which offers music lessons and showcases high-end equipment, and Keia and Martyn’s Coffee (Missoula Current).
Oregon Convention Center
The Oregon Convention Center is the largest convention facility in the Pacific Northwest and a regional venue for major events and conferences. Its architecture includes twin spires, and it was the first convention center in the US to receive platinum LEED certification. It hosts international and local events and is known for sustainable design (Oregon Convention Center).
The center is a focal point for events including the Portland Rose Festival and Pedalpalooza. Its plaza and spires are popular photography spots, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Moda Center and Rose Quarter
The Moda Center hosts NBA games, concerts, conventions, and other events (Moda Center). The adjacent Rose Quarter includes Veterans Memorial Coliseum and hosts concerts, sporting events, and conventions, with nearby shopping and dining (Portland Creative Realtors).
Parks, Public Art, and Sustainability
Holladay Park is a green space for relaxation and community gatherings. The neighborhood also features public art, including the “Constellation” bronze sculptures (Missoula Current).
The Lloyd EcoDistrict is recognized nationally for sustainable urban development. Its initiatives include green roofs, advanced stormwater management, and energy-efficient building practices. Informational signage and occasional tours offer information about urban sustainability.
Events and Photography
Walking and biking tours are available, with a focus on the district’s history and sustainable design. The Eastbank Esplanade offers riverfront views and photo opportunities, along with the Oregon Convention Center’s architecture and the activity at Lloyd Center Mall.
Practical Visiting Information
District Access and Transportation
The Lloyd District is a public urban area open year-round, 24/7. General exploration is free; tickets are needed for venue-specific events or attractions.
- MAX Light Rail The Blue, Red, and Green lines serve the Lloyd Center/NE 11th Ave station.
- Portland Streetcar Connects the district to downtown and other neighborhoods.
- Buses TriMet buses serve the area.
- By car The district is accessible via I-5 and I-84. Lloyd Center has parking garages and is described as having ample free parking.
- By bike or on foot The Eastbank Esplanade provides scenic riverfront access. Biketown bike-sharing and ride-sharing services also serve the Moda Center.
For transit schedules and parking information, consult TriMet.
Lloyd Center Mall
- Hours Typically Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–9:00 PM; Sunday, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM. Hours may vary and change seasonally.
- Admission Free. Attractions such as the ice rink charge a fee; skate rental and admission cost about $10.
- Accessibility The mall has elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms and is served by public transit (Portland Creative Realtors).
Oregon Convention Center
- Hours Open during scheduled events; check the Oregon Convention Center website for details.
- Tickets Many events require advance purchase or registration; some community events are free to the public.
- Accessibility and transportation The center is ADA-compliant, with accessible entrances and restrooms, and ample parking. It is served by all MAX Light Rail lines, the Portland Streetcar, and several bus routes.
Nearby restaurants include Milo’s City Cafe, Cadillac Café, Spirit of 77, Eem, Laurelhurst Market, and Ox Restaurant. Nearby shopping includes Lloyd Center Mall and independent businesses such as Broadway Books and Kitchen Kaboodle.
Moda Center
- Hours Open for scheduled events; doors typically open 90 minutes before an event.
- Tickets Purchase through the official website or authorized vendors. Advance purchase is recommended.
- Accessibility The venue provides accessible entrances, seating, restrooms, and parking for wheelchair users. Assistive listening devices and service animal accommodations are available.
- Transportation and parking Reach the arena by MAX Light Rail, Portland Streetcar, TriMet buses, Biketown, and ride-sharing services. Parking is limited during major events, when public transit is recommended.
- Events listed for 2025 and 2026
- Bloc Party & Metric: June 16, 2025
- Wu-Tang Clan: July 1, 2025
- Barry Manilow: July 16, 2025
- Hozier: August 12, 2025
- NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament: March 19 & 21, 2026
For a complete schedule, visit the Moda Center events page.
Tips
Check the Oregon Convention Center and Moda Center calendars for sports, concerts, and festivals. Walking and biking tours focus on district history and sustainable design; local companies offer guided tours, too. For photos, consider the Eastbank Esplanade, the Convention Center plaza and spires, or Lloyd Center Mall.
The Lloyd Center remains open during redevelopment. Plans envision transforming it into a mixed-use “five-minute neighborhood” with expanded housing, retail, green space, and cultural amenities. Future redevelopment plans also envision more open-air plazas and green areas, with potential venues for sports and music (Missoula Current).
Nearby Places
The Broadway-Weidler Corridor has a mix of shops, eateries, breweries, and cafes. Across the area, dining options range from local cafes and pubs to specialty eateries (Portland Creative Realtors). Nightlife centers around Rose Quarter events, while smaller venues host live music and community gatherings.
The Alberta Arts District is another nearby neighborhood with cultural and culinary experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Lloyd District visiting hours?
The district is open 24/7. Individual venues have their own operating hours.
Are tickets required?
No tickets are needed to explore the district, but tickets are required for events at venues such as the Moda Center and Oregon Convention Center. Some attractions, including the Lloyd Center ice rink, charge a fee.
How do I access the Lloyd District by transit?
Use the MAX Light Rail Blue, Red, or Green lines, Portland Streetcar, or TriMet buses.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Walking and biking tours focus on the district’s history and sustainability.
Is the area accessible?
Major venues provide ADA-compliant facilities. The Lloyd Center has elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms; the Oregon Convention Center and Moda Center also provide accessible facilities.
