91视频

The city of Gresham is following through on its promise to do more for the Rockwood neighborhood by seeking developers to tackle a 5.5-acre site.

The Gresham Redevelopment Commission, headed by Josh Fuhrer and comprised of members of the Gresham City Council members, owns the property. Fuhrer said that a lot of work has gone into preparing the 18535 S.E. Stark St. site, the former home of a Fred Meyer store, for development.

鈥淲e’ve spent the last two years cultivating tenant relationships and putting financing together and taking the project as far as we can before bringing in a developer partner to actually execute construction,鈥� he said.

The city is requesting that developers respond to a Request for Expressions of Interest by Oct. 19. Applications can be online.

The proposed development site is largely open, with only one vacant, 8,400-square-foot building left following demolition, Fuhrer said. Including that building, the entire project is expected to be about 100,000 square feet.

The city has allocated $6.5 million for the approximately $30 million project, Fuhrer said. City officials also are anticipating getting $4 million more for the project from new market tax credits, he added.

Not just any commercial development is being sought, but rather one designed for tenants that provide training and services and can help people start new businesses. Specifically, the city is looking for a developer that will work with tenants that will provide a food marketplace, a high-tech workshop and digital innovation lab, job training and health care, a public plaza, parking spaces and small incubator places for 15 to 20 new food entrepreneurs as well other retail outlets.

To help recruit more tenants for the proposed project, the city will hold an open house on Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Sunrise Center at 18901 E. Burnside St.

鈥淲e will have tech advisers from the Small Business Development Center (of Mt. Hood Community College), community leaders and an open panel discussion,鈥� Fuhrer said.

Several businesses and agencies have either signed on or are negotiating to be part of the development, Fuhrer said. These include WorkSource Oregon, nonprofit MetroEast Community Media, MHCC’s medical assistant training program, business incubator facilitator NedSpace and ADX Makerspace.

ADX Makerspace is a tech shop where people will be able to make things themselves and learn new skills, Fuhrer said.

鈥淚f you want to make something, you can go in and design it on a CAD (computer-aided design) work station and they will also have a carpentry lab with 3-D printers and laser cutters,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he idea is that they will also have certification programs so they can get access to a number of manufacturers in Rockwood that need skilled labor.鈥�

Bringing more jobs and training to the economically depressed Rockwood area through the new development is essential for community health, Gresham City Councilor Lori Stegmann said.

鈥淕entrification has been an issue, but we want people that live and work in our community to remain in our community,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he only way to do that is if they have a job.鈥�

Stegmann said the Rockwood neighborhood has a good network of social services, but the new development will provide much needed economic development and workforce training.

鈥淲ith the Gresham industrial park (Gresham Vista Business Park) down the street, we are trying to attract new businesses and more ways to get people trained,鈥� she said.

But first, the project must be built. Once the developers’ proposals are received, Fuhrer said, city staffers will select the top three proposals and then give them to a citizens’ advisory committee for review and feedback.

鈥淪taff will then make a recommendation, I’m hoping, at the November meeting of the Rockwood Redevelopment Commission,鈥� he said.

The city will then negotiate a development agreement and begin the design and permitting process, Fuhrer said.

鈥淭he entire project (team) will work with the committed tenants, and they will have a voice as well as the rest of the community,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e hope to break ground next fall.鈥�

Construction will be done in stages.

鈥淭he goal here is that we’re trying to create an economic engine in the heart of Rockwood that really doesn’t exist today,鈥� Fuhrer said. 鈥淲hether you’re an entrepreneur or looking to get a living-wage job, the resources will be here on this site to be successful.鈥�

Gresham City Councilor Kirk French said he is excited about the possible impact that the new development will have on the Rockwood community.

鈥淲hat I see is a vision, that once it’s fully implemented, will bring services to the community, bring opportunities and also a sense of pride to the community and the city,鈥� he said. 鈥淭o me, it’s like a makeover that serves everyone.鈥�