The Portland Trail Blazers and Winterhawks released their official concept for the redevelopment of the Rose Quarter and Memorial Coliseum on Friday.
The Trail Blazers have been pushing the concept for "Jumptown" – a 365 days a year entertainment, shopping and cultural district in the Rose Quarter – for months now. The final concept includes a plan for a renovated Coliseum; a community athletic center; a meeting space designated specifically for veterans' groups; and a mixed-use development that would include restaurants, office, retail, housing and more.
It is unclear how much the Trail Blazer proposal will cost the team or city. According to spokesperson Bill Evans, the next phase of the project will include financial considerations, once the Rose Quarter stakeholder advisors committee has heard all proposals for the district.
In addition, sketches of the proposal include long term plans to turn the property currently occupied by the Portland Public Schools' administrative building into residential housing.
The Trail Blazers have joined with the Cordish Companies to help design the concept. Cordish are responsible for bringing mixed use development to at least 7 similar sports arena districts.
The Coliseum proposal includes a modified bowl to create a more intimate viewing experience and allow more natural light; a new NHL regulation ice rink; the aforementioned athletic facility that will be open to accommodate low-income people; and other upgrades.
Project developers propose using existing LEED environmental building standards, electrical vehicle charging stations, transit oriented design and a potential farmer's market.
