Weil Arcade Food Park a testament to Hillsboro's resilience 3 years after devasting fire
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Three years ago, on January 2, 2022, a devastating fire at Weil Arcade in downtown Hillsboro claimed a life and destroyed multiple businesses.
The building was the historic site of the more than 100-year-old Weil's Department Store. While the structure itself is now gone, the location has transformed since the fire, rising from the ashes with a brand new flavor.
The Weil Arcade Food Park is the name of the new community hub centered on local food carts. There are also plans in the works for a pub to open at the location.
Hillsboro Historical Society President Dirk Knudsen said the transformation is a testament to the city's resilience, blending history with fresh community energy.
"A lot of us were closed for about three months to traffic from the front. It was very difficult. And then just overall in downtown — beyond the spectacle of a fire — it really did slow things down. And it was COVID. So we felt like we got a gut punch and we had to come back from that," Knudsen said.
The Weil Arcade fire leveled eight businesses and displaced 20 others. Owner Jay Weil said the "devastating" fire left them with the arduous process of demolishing the old structure and rebuilding. The site now boasts 11 tastefully curated food carts.
"It's been absolutely fantastic," Weil said.
One of those food carts is East Coast Eddie's Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks, owned by Ed Gorman.
"Everyone here does everything the right way, they're great, great chefs. I'd like to stay here for quite a long time," he said.
The food park has been open for less than a year but they're still looking for a few vendors.
The Hillsboro Historical Society is preserving pieces from the Weil Arcade fire. Photos and salvaged items are on display until permanent locations are found.
"Weil's are innovative people. I think we'll see something else down the road but right now it's been great to have it open," Knudsen said.
Last year, Rose Sunrise pleaded guilty to manslaughter, burglary, and two counts each of arson and criminal mischief. Sunrise was sentenced to 30 years in prison.