The Portland Development Commission's Steven Shain says the 3.5 acre Centennial Mills redevelopment project is on track with its original time line: construction will begin in 2011, with an opening date some time in 2012.
"We're continuing to work with the Lab, and we're working on the same schedule," says Shain.
Some Background
The PDC chose California-based development team Lab Holdings to transform the old mill, which has sat unused on a stretch of Northwest Naito Parkway at the edge of the Pearl District for many years. They chose the Lab's plan over slicker proposals by competing development firms. The Lab's earthier vision was deemed a better fit for Portland. It calls for a food-based, culinary complex that celebrates Oregon's agricultural past and current reputation as a hotbed of innovative cooking. Even better, the Lab wanted less public money to pull it off. There is talk of an orchard and an outdoor fire pit. There is also a commitment to harness some of Portland's art scene into the process, although exactly how isn't clear at this point.
The Lab's proposal for Centennial Mills
The Lab has developed other post-industrial projects that sound quite interesting, such as the corporate headquarters for retailer Urban Outfitters. They are located inside of a defunct power station in Philadelphia.
Lab representatives are here often and were last here a few weeks ago, says Shain.
"All due diligence has been done, and we're ready to work on the schematics," he says.
