November 17, 2010
Today Portland City Council approved, by a 4-0 vote, a six-month extension of Portland Arena Management’s Rose Quarter development rights, now set to expire May 24, 2011.
“We have a six-month window to make significant progress with the Trailblazers, the Winterhawks, the community and key business partners to build a structure – both physical and economic – that will attract jobs and generate business development,” said Mayor Sam Adams. “Today’s action allows us to harness the energy of the Rose Quarter as an amateur and professional athletic destination to create a living, breathing forum for ideas and innovation anchored by a signature Portland industry, the athletic and outdoor cluster.”
Council’s action marks the first time a district plan will be based on advancing a regional industry already recognized for its capacity to drive economic growth.
“We are eager to see this project move forward with community members continuing to play a vital role in shaping a district that benefits all Portlanders,” said Portland Development Commissioner Charles Wilhoite.
The vision to capitalize on one of the city’s documented industry strengths – the athletic and outdoor brand – and develop the Rose Quarter district as an employment hub is buoyed by the recent launch of an athletic and outdoor action plan, which was unveiled at a November 16 event marked by the unprecedented collaboration of Portland’s “big three” industry players: Nike, Adidas, and Columbia Sportswear.
The envisioned Rose Quarter would generate unique marketing and showcase opportunities for athletic and outdoor companies, and support a community of like-minded creative people.
“Our work over the next six months will represent a convergence of energy and interest to connect the district’s natural ability to brand sports and entertainment with Portland’s strength as a center for the design and sale of outdoor lifestyle merchandise,” said Adams.
