Redemption for the Family of Funds?

The Portland Family of Funds, the quasi-private organization (private company with some public money) charged by the Portland Development Commission in 2002 with investing in and spearheading building projects in lower-income areas, has taken a beating this year. The City Club issued a terse critique of the PFF a few months ago, and the original goal of finishing seven deals in 2004 was, well, zero for seven.

But with construction in progress on a medical office and Gateway and securing of a new investment by US Bank in the planned Union Gospel Mission drug treatment center and temporary residence in Old Town, the Family of Funds has a chance to atone for past disappointments and redeem itself by getting some buildings built.

In particular, it is heartening to hear that the Mission may finally be able to build its new Life Change Center at West Burnside and Northwest Third. It’s been more than a year since I first saw renderings for SERA Architects’ building. Unsurprisingly considering the client’s nonprofit mission, the budget is modest—just $7 million. But SERA’s design, based solely on the renderings of course, seems like a classy, glassy one.

The firm showed a flair with its last building for a nonpfrofit, the 8NW8 affordable housing project, with an undulating glass wall at the ground floor and a cream-puffy wave on the roof. Maybe some will worry the contemporary form of the Life Change Center doesn't fit well enough into the context of Old Town, as if it needs some elusive sort of grittiness. But I’m sure some of the materials, however inexpensive, will endeavor to tie in with the brick and mortar of its older architectural neighbors. And I think it’s important both symbolically and for practical, tangible purposes as well that a place for drug recovery be filled with as much natural light as possible—not to say it should be over-glazed (pardon my use of archispeak), but rather that ample amounts of diffuse natural light can help heal or at least comfort patients during their struggles. If the glass makes the building look contemporary, so be it. I mean, form follows function, right? Besides, the building will also be a green one.

Of course it’s too early to tell if the Portland Family of Funds’ comeback will become a reality. But delivering projects like the Union Gospel Mission and Vanport Square, another potential future beneficiary, both of which would be a boon to their respective communities, sure would be a nice way to prove all the doubters wrong.

Comments

[Philippe]

. . . looks like a solid interlocking design. . . a splendid new element to a section of town sorely in need of a project like this. . .hope the materials are glass and 'brick' to integrate with its neighbors.

[Ray]

Has anyone seen a rendering or drawings of the medical/parking building at the Gateway park and ride site? I thought I heard that it wasn't going to be a building to write home to mother about.

I also seem to remember something about having the ability to add condos/apartments above but maybe that was another parking structure in the funnel.

Ray

[Ray]

I would also hope that the PDC look into having some money spent on a 3D model and/or renderings of a vision for the Gateway/I205 area at built out. The South Waterfront planning process includes this and creates a better understanding and gives every one the same vision.

The Gateway district is considered a main piece in Metro 2040 so I would think the city and Metro would want to have a buzz going. Maybe it's a eastside/westside issue and the big money is spent west of the river.

Ray

[Justin Wells]

I have a feeling that the Gateway development plan is one of those 'trust the developers' with the vision sort of thing.

It could be argued by some - and some of the stuff I've read in the paper recently would only reinforce this notion - that anything built there would be better than the parking lot that currently exists.

I find this attitude pretty sad and unhelpful towards getting these kinds of good projects built (whatever a 'regional center' is), but good design is certainly one of its' necessary components. I'd say the Gateway project needs a solid vision before anyone could start making models.