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About The Southwest Portland Post. (Portland, Oregon) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 1, 2011)
6 • The Southwest Portland Post NEWS Naturopathic college plans begins master planning process By Lee Perlman The Southwest Portland Post Oregon Health and Sciences Uni- versity isn’t the only southwest in- stitution contemplating growth. The National College of Natural Medicine is seeking a master plan for its future. The plan’s study area is a rough triangle bounded roughly by South- west Kelly and Woods streets, Naito Parkway and Corbett Avenue. Within this area they own “five or six acres,” including six buildings, two parking lots and the new Min Zidell Healing Garden, and they are looking to eventually occupy “seven or eight acres,” NCNM’s Marilyn Considine told the South Portland Neighborhood Association. The college currently has 530 stu- dents and Considine said they antici- pate they’ll have 800 students by 2015. Consultant Jason Franklin of Parametrix said that at this point in the process the college is looking at its existing facilities and figuring out what its future needs might be. They are also trying to address transportation issues; for both stu- dents and visitors, “There are very dangerous roads you have to cross to get here,” Franklin said. Architect Tim Eddy said, “The free- ways effectively make our campus an island. We want to integrate into the neighborhood in the best possible way.” According to Eddy, “We’re look- ing for the most viable sites for new buildings, but we’re trying to keep the vestiges of the old neighborhood. We’re looking at potential sites for housing, and for services that can serve the community as well as the college.” Asked if the school might consider installing dorms, Considine said, “That’s at least several years off.” Considine said, “When Dr. (David) Schleich came in 1997, we looked for a place to stay. We liked our neighbors here, they seemed to like us, and we’re definitely committed to this now.” Both Considine and Keith North said the college was committed to discussing their plans early, and con- tinuously, throughout the planning process. As The Post went to press this month, college officials were planning the first of several discussions with South Portland neighborhood leaders. November 2011 New OHSU Building (Continued from Page 8) leading supporters. It’s a statement of overwhelming optimism. There’s no value in pessimism.” Reflecting on budget issues, Kitzha- ber commented, “This year the legisla- ture dealt with a larger budget deficit than either California or Washington, and they did it with civility, without shutting the state down, without tear- ing the state apart like Wisconsin and Minnesota.” Oregon State president Ed Ray said the group participation in the building would “promote efficiency and impact” and better enable the colleges to jointly compete for grants. “The new building will promote collaboration that will lead to improved patient care and re- search breakthroughs.” OHSU president Joe Robertson addressed the donors, saying, “This building is a testament to philanthropy, partnership and innovation. Each gift has inspired another. Each has raised the bar a little higher. It’s no secret that we face great challenges in society, especially in this economy, but we can find solutions not thought possible.” Carol Lewis, representing the Schnitzer family, said, “My grandfather came to this country over 100 years ago from Russia, fleeing poverty. My father had his offices, and a scrap yard, on this site. They taught us we had to give back to this country for the wonderful life we had here. I never imagined that universities that compete with each other would come together to build this great center.” Meanwhile, the Design Commission told the development team that they were nearing approval, but were not there yet. Commission member David Wark said the building was “so great on so many levels.” However, he said, “I count at least a dozen materials and colors. It points to becoming a menagerie that could be tamed a little more. I want to change my ‘like’ to ‘love.’” The north side of the building facing a future Southwest Meade Street will have a massive garage entrance. While not enthusiastic, commission member David Keltner said this part of the design is “about as good as it can be.” However, he said an exterior stairway on the east side of the tower “feels like it’s tacked on.” As they have been from the first ses- sion, the commission was critical of the plans for the west side facing Moody, Interstate 5 and the MAX tracks; it was improved, they said, but still seemed to lack an invitation to “active use.” “This is the first stake in the ground for the entire campus,” commission chair Gwen Millius said. “There’s a little more work to be done, but we’re getting there.” PoST a To Z BuSINESS CaRd dIRECToRy 503-244-6933 Your Ad Here Just $59/month for a year! Call Don or Harry today at 503-244-6933