Chuck Slothower//March 29, 2016//

Under Armour‘s ambitions in Portland are growing.
The Baltimore-based athletic apparel and accessories company is moving its Portland corporate office into an existing building that it plans to enlarge by 40,000 square feet, according to a news release from George Smith Partners of Los Angeles. The investment banking firm secured $19.9 million in bridge/rehab financing for the build-to-suit project that will expand the former YMCA building to 108,698 square feet.
Under Armour currently occupies space in the General Automotive Building, at 411 N.W. Park Ave. But it has signed a 15-year lease for the building at 2815 S.W. Barbur Blvd. The building, constructed in 1977, overlooks Duniway Park, south of downtown, and is owned by Run Our Dream LLC, an entity associated with Robert Brewster of Seattle’s Interurban Development.
Finding comparable properties for lenders’ consideration was a challenge, and the scope of the work to convert the asset added risk to the deal, according to George Smith Partners principal Malcolm Davies. Nevertheless, a lender recognized the loan’s value, he said.
Under Armour and George Smith Partners declined interview requests.
Under Armour is looking to grow its presence in Nike‘s backyard. Under Armour has aggressively entered the ranks of college and professional athletics, most notably inking NBA star Stephen Curry to a long-term endorsement deal.