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The next step for the Central Eastside Industrial District is an expansion of at Southeast Seventh Avenue and Washington Street.

The existing 7,000-square-foot facility, which occupies one half of a former car dealership, will gain 11,500 square feet of space designed by . The property will receive significant improvements, including new paint and landscaping.

鈥淚nner southeast has got a lot of great potential; its longtime dynamic is changing right now,鈥� said Brian Emerick, principal at the firm. 鈥淲hat was basically just an automotive repair garage is becoming more compatible with a lot of the changes happening in the neighborhood.鈥�

Those changes involve the transformation of old industrial warehouses into attractive spaces for large-scale technology and retail companies. The Portland Development Commission, which is involved in this project through its Storefront Improvement Program, is encouraging creative industries to help the district return to prominence through development.

For the Paddle Sports Center project, a 100-foot-long wall will be knocked down so that the center can expand into the building’s other half. The new half will become the main entrance, so a new door will be cut and a wood and steel canopy will be built.

鈥淓xisting buildings are always challenging because what’s there is what’s there and you’re trying to make it compatible with the program and goals of the business,鈥� Emerick said.

The new half will hold a 1,000-square-foot classroom where customers can take classes on various outdoor sports. A large portion of the space will be devoted to Rack Attack, a company which will operate a store within the store, Emerick said. Additionally, depending on funding, a 50-foot-by-70-foot 鈥減addle pool鈥� may be built for customers to test products and receive instruction.

Bidding is expected to open late this summer, and be followed by the start of construction shortly thereafter.

鈥淥n the Boards鈥� is a weekly feature that spotlights local firms’ best design work. Submissions from architectural and engineering firms are encouraged. Please call 503-802-7240 or email [email protected].