Rockwood

Who's going to build a $30 million Rockwood catalyst project?

Josh Furher, Exec Dir Rockwood Development Commission

City councilors make a pick By this time next year, construction crews could begin building a $30 million economic campus where city leaders hope Rockwood and Gresham residents will learn, shop and make money.

Source: The Oregonian/OregonLive
November 17, 2015

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On Tuesday, Gresham City Council members approved the selection of the project's developer who will help pay for the project and bring in an architectural firm to design a 5.5-acre campus for technology, media, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Rockwood residents should also find restaurants, banking services and grocery items in an area that's seen major chains close their doors.

City leaders have so far found funding sources of about $11.5 million to $12.5 million of that cost to build at the project location, called by officials as the catalyst site. With a population of about 16,500, Rockwood is known for its high rates of poverty and crime but also its diversity and youth.

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"There are a lot of young smart people and a lot of great ideas that don't have an opportunity at this point," City Councilor Mario Palmero said. "I still think the American dreams lives in Gresham more than anywhere in the state of Oregon."

City Council members chose RKm Development, owned by Roy Kim, over two other candidates: Pate Retail and Hanlon Development. RKm built Bethany Village, a mixed-use development of residences, office and retail spaces just north of Beaverton. The developer will work with YBA Architects and Robert H. Foster Consultants on the project, according to their proposal.

Architects and designers would be influenced by Latin American, Northern European and Asian elements, such as "eclectic architecture, non-traditional plant materials, and a wide color palette," according to their proposal.

"To capture a multi-ethnic experience, the public spaces and circulation would take cues from Latin American urban plazas and Asian market streets while also acknowledging the nascent block structure of the immediate vicinity," the RKm proposal states.

More below the break

Start Your New Business! When: Sat Oct 17, 2015 10AM-2:30PM Where: Sunrise Community Center 18901 E Burnside St West Gresham Get Map!

Just starting a business plan, looking for financial assistance, or maybe need advice on marketing? Come as you are and talk with the experts about getting to the next level. Light snacks and beverages will be provided. Childcare and interpretive services will also be provided.

RSVP to RockwoodRising@GreshamOregon.gov or call 503-618-2416 and identify your language preference.

Read more about the Rockwood Rising project.

More info
Contact Brian Monberg at 503-618-2418 or Brian.Monberg@GreshamOregon.gov.

Get Involved, Make a Difference When: Wed Sep 09, 2015 6:30PM-8:30PM Where: Gresham City Hall Oregon Trail Room 1333 NW Eastman Pky Gresham, OR Get Map!

The Gresham Redevelopment Commission Advisory Committee (GRDCAC) meets monthly on the second Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

The GRDCAC advises the Gresham Redevelopment Commission (GRDC) on the implementation of urban renewal plans.

For more information, please contact Cecille Turley, Urban Renewal Program Technician, at 503-618-2545 or Cecille.Turley@GreshamOregon.gov.

Rockwood NA Meeting When: Mon Jun 15, 2015 7-9PM Where: Rockwood Building 124 NE 182st Ave Greaham OR Get Map!

More Info
Contact Catherine Nicewood, Rockwood President, at 503-285-6587 or email rockwoodpresident@gmail.com.

Join the fun on the plaza! When: Fri May 29, 2015 3PM-8PM           Sat May 30, 2015 10AM-4PM Where: Plaza del Sol 18535 SE Stark St Gresham OR Get Map!

Everyone's Invited!
Join us May 29th & 30th for Rock the Block, an engaging, family-oriented community celebration.

• Fri May 29
  Free! Feast of Nations 6:30PM
  Farmers Market 3PM-7PM
• Sat May 30
  Kids Parade 12PM
  Free! Kids Lunch 12:30PM

Are you coming out to the Rock the Block Kids Parade on Saturday, May 30th at noon? Special guests include Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith, author Mitchell Jackson, SEI Drumline and Dancers, Rojo and Smokey the Therapy Llamas, Portland Farmers Mobile Bike Market and many more! Each child participating will receive a rainbow hand kite, balloon, lei, t-shirt, backpack and a book!

Rock the Block provides a forum for the community to connect to youth activity and resource providers in the area and thrive on an ongoing basis. Festival Poster

Read more about Rock the Block as well as event volunteer opportunities.

Rockwood NA Meeting When: Mon Apr 20, 2015 7-9PM Where: Rockwood Building 124 NE 182st Ave Greaham OR Get Map!

Meeting Agenda

• Josh Fuhrer
  Executive Director
  Rockwood Urban Renewal
  Updates on Rockwood Community Police Office, and Catalyst Site
• Andrew Mason
  Executive Director
  Open Meadows Alternative School, 165th and Stark
• John Nelsen
  Director of Community Relations and Strategic
  Partnerships
  Knova Learning Charter School, 18201 SE Stark St.

More Info
Contact Donna Dionne, Rockwood Vice President, rockwoodsec@gmail.com.

Habitat for Humanity, Glisan Gardens, 165th & NE Glisan, Gresham OR. Click to enlarge

Habitat works with qualified, low-income families to help them realize the dream of owning their own home.

Building Homes, Building Lives.
This month, Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East breaks ground on Glisan Gardens, located at 165th and northeast Glisan Street, in the Rockwood neighborhood.

The City of Gresham helped Habitat purchase the large 1.64-acre lot, along with Housing and Urban Development HOME and SHOP program funds. The site will become 25 energy efficient homes to local, hardworking families who build and then buy their homes with a 0%-interest mortgage.

Egan School, Rockwood (Artist Concept)

Show Your Support When: Wed Sep 24, 2014 6PM Where: Fairview City Hall Council Chamber 1300 NE Village St Get Map!

Source: Gresham Outlook Online (09-23-2014)

Former Corbett superintendent and charter director will speak to board
A public hearing on a proposed charter school in the Reynolds School District is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, at Fairview City Hall’s chambers.

Bob Dunton, the former director of Corbett Charter School and former superintendent of the Corbett School District, will give a presentation on The Egan School, Rockwood.

The proposed Rockwood lease agreement hinges on charter approval from the Reynolds Schools District, where the property lies.

On Wednesday, the public will have an opportunity to comment during the charter hearing. Documents on proposed charter may be found at www.reynolds.k12.or.us/district/school-board.

On Oct. 8, the board is expected to vote on the proposal at its board meeting