History of the South Waterfront ICE Facility

It's 4:21 on a Friday afternoon and we await the final ruling on National Guard deployment to Portland.

It shocked me to look back and see our early 2011 posts about the ICE facility entering the neighborhood.

August 2011: 

First it was a No - Decision on ICE Detention Center 

Then it was an Appeal - Appeal Hearing on Immigration Facility 

October 2011:

Then it was a Yes - Welcome to Neighborhood 

August 2012:

The launch of affordable housing at Gray's Landing / Block 49 across the street.

2017:

Tesla showroom announced, and so is the bike path expansion.

Summer 2020:

In 2020, an encampment existed outside the ICE facility for most of the summer.

November 2025:

Fast forward 14 years, and this same little facility is once again in the spotlight, both locally and nationally.  

We've seen regular protests on Bancroft since June. As of November 6, the number of arrests related to South Waterfront demonstrations remains at 64. In a non-exhaustive search of recent updates, I noted 2 arrested from New Jersey, 1 from Texas, and several from Portland, Beaverton and West Linn.

The DHS Secretary visited in October and stood on the rooftop for a clear view of a few costumed protestors, The Old Spaghetti Factory, and traffic flowing nearby.

Other interesting takes:

Frogs - Inflatable Costumes Ballooned

Food - How Food Fuels Portland's ICE Protests

Faith - Portland Faith Leaders Stand with Immigrants

And how Portland’s current approach to crowd control evolved from soccer hooliganism in Europe: How a British psychology professor is guiding Portland police’s response to ICE protests

Neighborhood Crime Statistics for South Portland 2024

Here is our second annual review of the Portland Police Bureau crime statistics for the South Portland neigborhood. The data is offered through PPB's Tableau-powered public website.

All offenses past year (Nov 2023-Nov 2024):

For context, the crime trend has been decreasing since a peak in 2022. 

Motor Vehicle Theft is a category we looked at closely last year. This category has dropped dramatically likely thanks to the initiatives outlined last year.  Vandalism is also way down.

Portland Pitches to the MLB

We may be one step closer to getting an MLB team in Portland.

A recent DJCOregon article covered some of the latest developments. Portland’s bid for a Major League Baseball (MLB) team is gaining momentum, according to Mike Barrett, managing director of the Portland Diamond Project (PDP). The group has secured a site at Zidell Yards and is waiting for MLB to expand or relocate a team. Barrett highlighted MLB's interest in a West Coast team, especially if the Oakland A’s finalize their move to Las Vegas.

PDP is advancing ballpark designs and engaging corporate sponsors, including Anheuser-Busch. Ownership details remain confidential, though high-profile backers like Russell Wilson and Ciara are involved. Local officials are advocating for the project, citing its potential to elevate Portland’s profile and economy. 

The Portland Tribune also covered the news here:

https://www.portlandtribune.com/news/we-got-the-jewel-mlb-to-portland-forum-addresses-impact-and-next-steps-in-pro/article_768ff9e4-d45a-11ef-a645-27b4d18e70bc.html

While all of this progress is promising, it seems the realization of an MLB team in Portland depends on a few key external factors, including MLB’s expansion timeline and decision-making.

Related post: http://www.mysouthwaterfront.com/2024/11/take-me-out-to-ballgame.html

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

There has been a lot of chatter over the years about the potential for MLB in Portland and also about the future use of the land in the South Waterfront (Zidell Yards properties).

In September, the MLB discussion took off anew. According to Jay Zidell via OPB:

“There have been numerous proposals over the years on what should become of Zidell Yards,” Jay Zidell, president of Zidell Companies, said in a statement about the letter of intent. “I think the potential for a future professional baseball stadium is an ideal use of the land. Who wouldn’t want to watch baseball with the Willamette River as the backdrop?”

A rendering of a potential baseball stadium in the Portland metro area provided by the Portland Diamond Project. The investor group announced Tuesday it signed a letter of intent to purchase Zidell Yards on the city's South Waterfront.

Courtesy of Portland Diamond Project

On October 30, the City Council adopted a resolution in support of this effort.

City Council signals support for Portland Diamond Project, MLB in Rose City 

"WHEREAS, with its vibrant urban riverfront location, views of multiple cascade peaks, and excellent pedestrian, bicycle, and transit access, a Major League Baseball stadium built on the Zidell Yards site would instantly become one of the most scenic stadiums in the league;"

Now, the big question, are Splash Hits a possibility in Portland? 

• https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/where-are-the-splash-hits-for-every-mlb-ballpark
• https://blogs.fangraphs.com/a-splash-of-history-looking-back-on-20-plus-years-of-mccovey-cove-homers/

Gibbs St Pedestrian Bridge project 2011

Photos from construction of the Gibbs St Pedestrian Bridge in July 2011.

http://www.gibbsbridge.org/