Urban renewal site proves popular

Gresham has six high-profile bidders for old Fred Meyer location

By Mara Stine

The Gresham Outlook, Nov 16, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (22 Reader comments)

Six well-known and regionally renowned developers have set their sights on creating a cornerstone project for Gresham’s first urban renewal district.

In June, city consultants unveiled a concept for the former Rockwood Fred Meyer property, now called the Cultural Marketplace site, located on 6.5 acres between East Burnside and Stark streets and 185th and 188th avenues.

Now six investors are vying to develop the property, which the commission has cleared of the shuttered Fred Meyer building, in hopes of creating a mix of retail, commercial and residential use to anchor the heart of Rockwood.

Rebecca Ocken, Gresham Urban Renewal manager, outlined developer interest in the site during a Thursday, Nov. 14, Gresham Redevelopment Commission meeting and called the response remarkable.

“While this is only a first step … it’s a huge first step,” she said.

Urban renewal commissioners also were thrilled by the interest. “It’s not only a who’s who of Gresham, but it’s a who’s who of the region and that’s pretty impressive,” said Mayor Shane T. Bemis, commission chairman.

The developers, which specialize in residential and commercial projects, include:

• San Francisco-based Alliance Residential Company

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