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

Cavalia Odysseo Photos South Waterfront

Odysseo: The Equestrian Spectacular by Cavalia

Video: Barge launch July 16

Another Zidell barge launch took place yesterday afternoon, amid the Dr. Oz excitement. The Dr. Bonnie W. Ramsey wins best barge name ever and sailed off into the great blue yonder.

A SWF resident, Bob French, of the Mirabella, captured this video of the event.

I received some additional photos of the event, here:

In addition, some barge shots from May on this Flickr stream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/terry_frederic/7297991412/in/photostream/

More on the actual Dr. Bonnie W. Ramsey here:

Cystic Fibrosis Drug Get Closer - NYTimes

NLM NIH Local Legends

Zidell Presentation Wed night

Find out more about the new Zidell development project, tomorrow night @ Umpqua Bank, 5:30pm.

This notice is from the South Waterfront Community Association:

"Zidell Community Presentation
Recently, the Zidell family, owners of 33 acres in the South Waterfront, announced plans to develop a $20 million 118-unit apartment building in the South Waterfront. The building will cater to young professionals and employees/students working at OHSU. The seven-story building will be located at the corner of SW Moody and SW Grover (the small dead-end street just north of Gibbs – near the base of the Ross Island Bridge). The mixed-use development will also include retail and restaurant space.
A unique and progressive feature of the development is the building's lack of residential parking; the building will instead feature bicycle parking and adjacent proximity to the Streetcar. Transportation options and transportation demand management will be key not only for this building, but for the district as a whole.

To learn about this project, ask questions, or learn more about future Zidell projects, please attend Zidell’s Open house on Wednesday, May 30 at Umpqua Bank from 5:30 pm - 6:15 pm. Representatives from Zidell will be on hand to talk about the new building and answer questions.
  
Wednesday, May 30, 5:30 pm - 6:15 pm
Umpqua Bank
3606 SW Bond Avenue, Portland, OR"

Land grab in the South Waterfront?

So there is a lot of news flying these days about land purchases, expansions, Zidell, OHSU, etc. Here is a quick summary of the major headlines:

1. OHSU did buy some new land (Blocks 23 & 27), including what is currently the dahlia fields & dog park. They say that we can continue to use it for dahlias and dogs for the foreseeable future. Construction of the future OHSU patient buildings will be awhile (no immediate plans).

Block 23 & 27

2. Zidell is developing more land. They just announced a proposed apartment building under the RI Bridge. They also recently purchased the 3030 Building (office building @ 3030 Moody Ave).

Photo from OregonLive piece by Elliot Njus

3. RiverPlace is not South Waterfront, even if the DJC insists on calling it so. Developers are looking at putting a new Hyatt in at RiverPlace.

And all of it leads the Portland Business Journal to ask "Is South Waterfront coming back?" This makes me wonder, where do they think it/we went???