Pearl group to Revitalize Rockwood

Last week, the Gresham Redevelopment Commission asked Williams & Dame Development to take a preliminary look at the former Fred Meyer site at the area's core. The commission bought the 6.5 acres two years ago and razed the vacant store, hoping to build a "cultural marketplace" of homes and businesses to help the troubled neighborhood.

Gresham leaders were thrilled this past fall when six big developers expressed interest. The commission decided to start negotiating with Williams & Dame because it "had a history of building in untested neighborhoods, and it's done so successfully," said Gresham Urban Renewal Manager Rebecca Ocken.

For the next two or three months, the commission and the developer will be part of an "exclusive negotiating agreement."

Gresham won't work with other developers on the project. Williams & Dame will study the area and come up with development concepts for the city to consider, Ocken said.

If both like the outcome, they could sign a development contract.

Christe White, Williams & Dame's vice president of development, said she and colleagues have visited Rockwood several times during the past few months, eating in restaurants, visiting local businesses and walking Burnside and Stark streets.

Rockwood "has a cultural diversity that can weave into the fabric of this project," she said. "There's a lot of exciting energy. There are a lot of entrepreneurs, as evidenced by your very vivacious flea market. ... Those are the things you're really going to want to protect and grow throughout the process."

Although it is too early to discuss specifics, White said the project could include a mix of home ownership, retail, office and public space. Capstone Partners, which developed North Portland's Vanport Square, would develop the retail portion, she said.

-- Catherine Trevison; ctrevison@news.oregonian.com