Lots of eye candy today, as the Portland Diamond Project announced an agreement in principle with the Port of Portland to develop the Port’s 45-acre Terminal 2 property, as well as a slew of renderings.
“We believe this has the potential to be a transformative landmark project for this city,” said Founder and President Craig Cheek in a press statement. “Building an iconic, state-of-the-art ballpark along the Willamette River will catalyze economic development and capture great views of both the urban scale of the city and regional character of the Pacific Northwest.”
Terminal 2, which for decades handled commodities such as steel rail, bulk ores, and other oversized international cargo, offers approximately 45 acres of riverfront property with more than 2,000 linear feet of waterfront. The site is located on N.W. Front Ave., just north of the Pearl District and rapidly evolving Slabtown.
This was not the first choice for the ballpark site. Originally the organization focused on the Portland Public Schools’ headquarters location–located near the Moda Center–and the Esco Industrial site, which was once was home to a former pro baseball ballpark in the city, Vaughn Street Park. But with the school headquarters site taken off the market earlier this month, the riverfront site came to the forefront.
The design is certainly striking, designed to fit the Portlandia ethos. Local food and drink options will be stressed, and the open design mean there are plenty of opportunities to lounge at a ballgame without spending nine innings in a grandstand seat. And, in keeping with the Pacific Northwest vibe, there will be alternative transportation tools in play, including a gondola system.
The next step is negotiations with the city, the Port and the potential ownership group over the parameters of the project. This is seen more than just a ballpark, but rather the centerpiece of a mixed-use development that will including housing, retail, office space and more.
“We’re committed to building a sustainable, equitable, and accessible ballpark that reflects what makes Portland such a special place to live,” Cheek said. “That means outstanding locally sourced food and beverage amenities, environmentally sustainable construction and operations, opportunities for makers and small businesses, and an atmosphere that celebrates diversity and inclusion and is welcoming to all Portlanders.”
Click on any rendering for a larger version.
Renderings courtesy Portland Diamond Project.
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