South Park Blocks
Montgomery Blocks/Block 153 Redevelopment Project

Project Overview

In February 2006, the Portland Development Commission (“PDC”) issued a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) seeking proposals from qualified developers for the purchase and redevelopment of two parcels on Block 153, a 35,000 square foot site situated in downtown Portland and the University District.

The block is bounded by SW 5th Avenue on the west, SW 4th Avenue on the east, SW Harrison Street on the south, and SW Montgomery Street on the north. The Portland Streetcar and future Portland Transit Mall light rail extension are adjacent to the site.

• Original Request for Proposals (RFP); closed 3-31-06

Block 153 properties owned by PDC are the Jasmine Tree property and the PSU carpool lot. The Jasmine Tree property is located at the northwest corner of SW Harrison and 4th Avenue. The PSU carpool parking lot is located on the northern half of the block. (See an aerial photo of the block with site marked; PDF file.)

Gerding/Edlen Development Company LLC responded to the RFP, which closed March 31, 2006. On April 6, 2006, the Citizen Advisory Committee reviewed and evaluated the Gerding/Edlen Proposal; they voted unanimously to recommend that PDC select the Gerding/Edlen proposal. Support was also received from the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) and the public at large via an open house held at Portland State University on April 19, 2006.

On May 10, 2006, the Portland Development Commission Board voted to approve the PDC Executive Director’s recommendation to select Gerding/Edlen for redevelopment of the properties.

• Gerding/Edlen proposal received for Block 153; 3-31-06, (PDF file, 28,275 kb)
  

	The Jasmine Tree restaurant NW corner of SW Harrison and 4th Avenue
	Portland State University (PSU) carpool parking lot on the northern half of the block

Resources and Publications

• Development Flyer
• Fact Sheet
• Gerding/Eden proposal for Block 153; 3-31-06 (PDF file, 28,275 kb)

Background Materials

This project is guided by several planning and policy documents. The following plans and related goals establish the context of the project and its relationship to adopted public policy.

• South Park Blocks Urban Renewal Plan (1985)
  • Encourage opportunities for housing and jobs, giving a high priority to increasing the number of residential accommodations in the downtown area.
  • Support activities to provide residents new employment opportunities, encouraging downtown living in close proximity to places of work.
• University District Plan (1995)
  • Create a vibrant mixed-use district blending the university with the City.
• Downtown Target Area Housing Implementation Strategy (2001).
  • Leverage PDC funds to preserve existing low-income housing and stimulate new housing development in downtown.
  • Develop mixed- and middle-income rental housing and condominiums.
• Montgomery Blocks Development Strategy (2003, updated 2005)
  • Create a multi-block catalyst project.
  • Provide open market housing.
  • Accommodate light rail and streetcar within new development design.
  • Ensure excellent urban design.
  • Increase tax-generating uses.
  • Assist adjacent property owners realize their properties’ development potential.

Project Schedule

Public Participation

• Citizen Advisory Committee Members. A Citizen Advisory Committee has been convened to serve as an advisory group to the PDC Executive Director and Project Manager by reviewing criteria and evaluating development proposal responses based on criteria in the Block 153 RFP.
• Citizen Advisory Committee Meeting Notes
  • January 30, 2005

Project Team

• Joleen Jensen-Classen , PDC, Public Participation Coordinator, e-mail, 503-823-3352
• Lisa Abuaf, PDC, Development Department, e-mail, 503-823-7380

South Park Blocks URA Calendar of Events

(will include information about the Block 153 Redevelopment Project)

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