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About The Southwest Portland Post. (Portland, Oregon) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 1, 2011)
8 • The Southwest Portland Post NEWS November 2011 OHSU breaks ground on new South Waterfront building; design review pending By Lee Perlman The Southwest Portland Post Oregon Health and Sciences Uni- versity is so eager to have its new Collaborative Life Sciences Building underway that last month they held a ground-breaking ceremony – while City-required design review is still pending. The 480,000 square foot building will be located on Southwest Moody Avenue at Porter Street, adjacent to a future Portland to Milwaukie Light Rail station. It will be shared by OHSU, Portland State University and Oregon State Uni- versity, all of whom contributed to its $295 million cost. City planner Kara Fioravanti’s latest staff report recommended against ap- proval of the building’s design at this time. At a hearing last month, the Portland Design Commission, which had already held two informal Design Advisory sessions with the development team, concurred and asked for additional adjustments. Another hearing was set for 1:30 p.m. November 17 at 1900 SW Fourth Ave. OHSU is proceeding with work on the structure’s foundation under a so- called “hold harmless” agreement with the City. Under this procedure, a developer can begin work on a project still under City review at his own risk, with the understanding that the developer may be required to change work already done if it is deemed necessary. During a brief discussion, Design An artist's rendition of the OHSU Life Sciences building. (Photo courtesy of OHSU) Officials take part in a groundbreaking event at the site of the new OHSU Life Sciences building. (Post photo by Lee Perlman) Commission members assured the de- velopment team that they were safe in beginning the foundation work. The building is the first on a proposed new 19-acre campus, on formerly in- dustrial land donated by the Schnitzer family. The building’s most prominent feature will be a 12-story tower on its north end, and this will be named for Bonnie and Gene Skourtes in honor of their $10 million gift. Including the Schnitzer’s gift of the land and a $40 million anonymous contribution, the project received $83 million in philanthropic contributions. Governor John Kitzhaber attended the ground breaking, as did the presi- dents of the three institutions. All three said that the structure would represent a collaborative approach not just in development resources, but also in the function of the completed edifice. George Bernsteiner, chancellor of the Oregon public university system, said the building would “set a tone that all of us shed the silo mentality that has char- acterized our institutions for so long.” Kitzhaber, after recalling his medical school days, said, “I’m excited to be on a future campus. Walls will be torn down so scientists and educators can share, and students can benefit. It will be innovative in its approach to educa- tion. Scientific research will depend on a collaborative approach. It will be a shared experience.” Paying tribute to the donors, the gov- ernor said, “It’s fair to say no institution gets built without the generosity of its (Continued on Page 6) Parker Realty, Inc. We’d like to meet you! Near Multnomah Village Single Level Living - $279,000 1985 ranch, 3BR, 2BA single level living with 1240 Sq/Ft. Conveniently located between Hillsdale and Multnomah Village on quiet dead end street. Home features new carpeting, wood burning fireplace, secluded fenced back yard with deck & new high-efficiency gas furnace, 2 car attached garage & newer roof. This home has been impeccably maintained and is move-in ready. MLS 11697522 Looking for an Investment? We currently have two great duplexes available – both in excellent locations. Live in one unit and rent the other, or perfect for investment. Lair Hill/John’s Landing – 1908 Old Portland Style - 2 bedroom 1 bath units $405,000 MLS 11646228. Jeff Parker Your Neighborhood Realtor Since 1980 Goose Hollow – 1898 Victorian – 2 bedroom 1 bath units – Fantastic Views! $495,000 MLS11238019 503-977-1888•7830SW35thAve.,Portland,OR www.parkerrealtyportland.com Please join us for the RIVERDALE Grade School OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, November 9, 2011 - 9:30–11:30 am (Grades Pre-K, K, 1-4) Wednesday, November 16, 2011 - 9:30–11:30 am (Grades 5-8) Program begins promptly at 9:30 am. Riverdale Grade School provides an exceptional, academically rigorous and comprehensive K-8 program. Our engaging faculty, small class size, and friendly students and parents make this community everything that it is – an exciting energetic place where your child will be challenged intellectually and welcomed for who they are. Riverdale “Teaching students to be thoughtful in their education, about each other, and for their community.” 503.262.4842 | www.visitriverdale.com 11733 SW Breyman Ave., Portland, OR 97219