Frequently Asked Questions

• Project Fact Sheet - Winter 2009-2010 ^{(pdf, 485 kb)}

What is the Rose Quarter Development project going to accomplish?

1. Determination on the future of the Memorial Coliseum building. The City of Portland will lead the process to determine the future of the building beginning in fall 2009 and concluding in late spring 2010. 
2. A community-supported Development Strategy for the Rose Quarter study area that, among other things, defines the types of land uses (such as entertainment, office, retail, etc.) and urban design. Portland Arena Management will lead the planning process that is expected to begin in late spring 2010 and conclude in late fall 2010.

What is the Rose Quarter Development project area?

The Rose Quarter project area is bound by N. Broadway, the Willamette River, the I-5 corridor and the east-west light rail corridor. It includes City-owned and privately-owned land-owned by a PAM affiliate-totaling approximately 40 acres (including built areas). Discussion is underway to expand the study area to include the north side of N. Broadway. Additional planning in the area by the City's Bureau of Planning and Sustainability will begin in 2010 and will include a more expansive study area.

Who will make decisions for the Rose Quarter Development project?

The Portland City Council is the ultimate decision-maker for the future of the Memorial Coliseum. City Council will be officially advised by the Rose Quarter Stakeholder Advisory Committee, the Portland Development Commission Board, and the City's Planning and Historic Landmarks Commissions. The general public is invited to participate in Rose Quarter community forums and hearings to advise decision-makers.

The Portland City Council is also the ultimate decision-maker for the Rose Quarter Development Strategy based on input by the City's Planning and Landmarks Commissions, the Rose Quarter Stakeholder Advisory Committee, and the Portland Development Commission Board; the general public is invited to participate in Rose Quarter community forums and hearings to advise decision-makers.

The Portland Development Commission Board of Commissioners will make the final determination on the amount of public funding allocated to the project from the Oregon Convention Center Urban Renewal Area.

Who is on the Rose Quarter Stakeholder Advisory Committee?

The Rose Quarter Stakeholder Advisory Committee has been engaged to represent a broad cross-section of community interests including, but not limited to; architectural preservation, urban design, veterans, and surrounding business and neighborhood interests. Click here for a listing of the 32-committee participants. Mayor Sam Adams is the Chair of the committee.

How and when can I submit my concept for the Memorial Coliseum?

Concepts for the Memorial Coliseum can be submitted through an on-line application from November 1st through January 8th. You can access the application here.

What happens with those Concepts?

The Rose Quarter Stakeholder Advisory Committee will make a recommendation to the Portland City Council in early spring 2009. The Portland City Council will determine which concepts advance to the Proposal stage of the process. The Rose Quarter Stakeholder Advisory Committee will make a second recommendation to the Portland City Council based on full proposals.

When will a final decision be made on the future of the Memorial Coliseum?

The Portland City Council will select a proposal for the Memorial Coliseum in late spring 2010. To learn more about the process to determine the future of Memorial Coliseum, please review the Coliseum Future process.

When can I weigh in on the Rose Quarter Development Strategy?

The community process to provide feedback on the Rose Quarter Development Strategy will begin in early summer 2010 and conclude in late fall 2010. Please visit the process page for more information on the project process and to learn about opportunities for public involvement.

What public funding resources are currently available for the Rose Quarter Development project?

$5.4 million in Tax Increment Financing from the Oregon Convention Center Urban Renewal Area is allocated in future fiscal years (Fiscal Year 2011-12 and Fiscal Year 2012-13).

Up to $19 million in remaining maximum indebtedness from the Oregon Convention Center Urban Renewal Area could be accessed through private placement of deferred interest bonds.

A study is also underway, called the N/NE Economic Development Initiative, to determine whether a portion of the Rose Quarter Development area should be moved into the Interstate Corridor Urban Renewal Area for funding purposes. The Rose Quarter is currently located within the Oregon Convention Center Urban Renewal Area, which sunsets in 2013 thereby limiting the availability of public funding in terms of amount and duration.

For a listing of potential funding resources for a renovated Memorial Coliseum, please review the report in the project library.

What is the role of Portland Arena Management (PAM) in the Rose Quarter Development project?

• PAM currently holds development rights to certain portions of City-owned property at the Rose Quarter which expire in November 2010. PAM is also the operator of the Memorial Coliseum building.
• A non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between PAM, the City of Portland and the Portland Development Commission was executed in August 2009. The MOU memorializes a framework for making decisions with regards to the possible future redevelopment of the Memorial Coliseum and the development strategy for the Rose Quarter as a whole. To learn more about existing agreements with PAM, please visit the project library.

PAM will fund and lead preparation of a Development Strategy for the Rose Quarter area in coordination with the community. This process is expected to begin in late spring 2010 and conclude in late fall 2010.

What does renovation or adaptive reuse mean?

This process is about looking for creative ways to retain the Memorial Coliseum building while improving its financial viability and contributions to the Rose Quarter. Renovation or adaptive reuse may include changes to some structural features, although the City is not considering options which would demolish the building at this time.