In a shocking breach of diligence, we have neglected to report that the long-proposed (20 years and counting) “headquarters hotel” that Mayor Sam Adams and others want to build adjacent to the Oregon Convention Center has been delayed (PDF) yet again. Proponents have struggled to find financing for the project and to convince skeptics that it makes sense.
On June 30, Metro Chief Operating Officer Michael Jordan wrote to developers Garfield Traub and Ashforth Pacific telling them that pursuant to the development agreement—already on its “fourth extension”—Metro was pushing back the deadline to Sept. 28.
Earlier this summer, officials from the city-owned Portland Development Commission and Metro’s Metropolitan Exposition Recreation Commission said they hoped that the three local jurisdictions involved in the hotel proposal would vote to move to the next step by July 1. Those three local jurisdictions are Metro, which owns the Convention Center; along with the City of Portland and Multnomah County, who are being asked to share in the $12 million cost of preparing more detailed design drawings and cost estimates.
But that deadline came amid the county’s annual budget horrors; management upheaval at MERC and some distractions at City Hall.
One sticking point is that Multnomah County officials have expressed little enthusiasm for the project, particularly if it means tapping tourism tax revenues to get to the next stage.
In his letter, Jordan alludes to the county’s reluctance, saying “we are hopeful that substantive negotiations with Multnomah County will take place in July.”
- Lodging Group Pans Mayor’s HQ Hotel Plan After a l
- Metro Delays HQ Hotel Decision Metro and
- Panel Gives Mayor Sam Adams Cautious OK for HQ Hotel At a time
- Say Sayonara to Metro’s Proposed Convention Center Hotel Barring a
- Metro and Multnomah County: Go Slow on HQ Hotel After May
Tags: Headquaters Hotel, Michael Jordan, Sam Adams
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The bad news is that even measuring and imagining a proposal as bad as a “headquarters hotel” costs time and money. The good news is that the longer the process drags on the greater the likelihood that it will lose all momentum, lose heat, attract more scrutiny and finally die. Here’s hoping.
Let’s call it what it is: the WORLD’S MOST EPIC Zombie Hotel. Then let’s create the worlds first Zombie Themed Convention Center: only the undead can convent here, even the staff and neighboring restaurants will get in on the act. It will be huge: bigger than Beau Breedlove after six Viagra. Freakin’ GINORMOUS. It’ll even give the City a reason to encourage more tweakers and street urchins to move here: they can be extras for the grand opening ceremonies every Thursday.
I’m sorry but is that picture of Sam not laughable? Thanks for making me laugh WW.
This image was the one investors should have seen prior to making the decision to go with Bernie Madoff. Clue.
$12 million in hopes that some day they will be able to sell it to someone. Inspired by the “The Little Engine That Could?”
Just how many millions have been spent so far on ’studying’ this boondoggle? And what were the sources of payments?
And what opportunities were lost?
WW, our bastion of hard-hitting journalism, demonstrates how easy it is to get a silly picture of just about anyone. Is that a special mode setting on your fancy camera?
$12 million for just design drawings and cost estimates, are you kidding me? Someone must be getting a nice kickback.
Meanwhile, Mr Adams, perhaps in response to a committee’s recommendation, is seeking a committee to provide recommendations for another building that is the older neighbor on the block:
http://blog.oregonlive.com/portlandarts/2009/07/planning_for_a_future_memorial.html
Nigel, this Oblog item would appear to suggest that WW has committed yet another shocking breach of diligence. Let us have no further lapses lest your publication become WillyWeak in this perilous time.
“Metro Chief Operating Officer Michael Jordan wrote to developers Garfield Traub and Ashforth Pacific”
Don’t worry, the only people who care are Traub and Ashfoth. Plus Ashforth has his hand up the back of about half the METRO board – another developer giveaway. Why let Sam have all the fun?
Dear god, CC hotels have flopped every place else (unless you can find a winner outside of LV or Orlando) – when will local pols get a spine or brain and realize this?
“how easy it is to get a silly picture of just about anyone”
Sometimes Sam helps by driving around with his fly open.
10,000 Elk conventioners stayed at 6 or 8 differnt hotels as far as Vancouver. 8.000 Lurtheran Ladies the week before.
How does this not make good economic sense, That this Hotel would bring JOBS and Money to PORTLAND!
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/07/thousands_of_elks_club_members.html#post
At last year’s convention in Anaheim, Calif., an estimated 9,000 Elks spent $12 million.