Two proposals stand out for Memorial Coliseum

The city of Portland received approximately 80 proposals to redevelop Memorial Coliseum; close to 30 came in on the Jan. 8 deadline date. While the proposals range from detailed to whimsical, the Daily Journal of Commerce focuses on two:

One, supported by developer Douglas Obletz, has persisted through the years as other redevelopment ideas have gained and lost support. The Obletz plan would turn the coliseum into the Memorial Athletic & Recreation Center, which would add recreation, training and track facilities, while keeping use of the existing ice rink.

The other, backed by the Rose Quarter’s two biggest tenants, would modify the arena to allow for more city views and add an indoor pool and recreation area. The Portland Trail Blazers and Portland Winterhawks venues would be incorporated into a broader “Jumptown” mixed-use district.

— Excerpt from the Daily Journal of Commerce, January 11, 2010