The City of Tillamook’s new Town Square Transit and Visitor Center officially opened for business Friday, Oct. 31, 2008, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event also included the dedication of Mildred Davy Plaza at the front of the building, named in honor of beloved long-time local radio personality Mildred Berkey Davy.
The new building at Second Street and Laurel Avenue next to City Hall is a joint project of the City and the Tillamook County Transportation District. Owned by the City, it now serves as the central point for all Transportation District bus routes in Tillamook County.
City Manager Mark Gervasi noted that the city and the Tillamook County Transportation District received strong support from the Northwest Area Commission on Transportation in applying for a ConnectOregon grant. The $550,000 grant was approved and the funds – along with $79,000 provided by the City and $105,000 from the Transportation District – were used to build the facility.
The 946-square-foot building houses restrooms, an indoor waiting area with vending machines, seating for about a dozen people and office space for the Tillamook Area Chambers of Commerce. Outside, there is a covered waiting area adjoining a driveway for buses that runs north from Third Street to Second Street.
The project began in 2003 as an effort by to get public restrooms and an indoor waiting area for buses in the downtown area, spearheaded by the Partners for Tillamook Progress, and ad hoc group of public officials, members of the business community and private citizens.
Speakers at the Oct. 31 ceremony included State Sen. Betsy Johnson, who played a key role in securing the ConnectOregon grant; State Rep. Deborah Boone; Iris Hamm, who was a member of the original technical advisory committee for the project; Bob Kenny, Tillamook County Transportation District board chairman; Tillamook City Council President Joe Martin and Tillamook County Commissioner Mark Labhart. Transportation District General Manager Matt Mumford served as master of ceremonies.
