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University Place - Best Use

BroadwayVik

Active member
The university has asked us, the community, what ideas we would recommend for University Place Motel and Conference Center.



The location of the university's motel and conference center is right on the new MAX line running to Clackamas Town Center. The problem calling for reuse of the facility seems to be under-usage and the quest is for vibrant usage through best-use reassignment of the facility.

In simple terms, I believe the best-use strategy of the facility would be to (1) keep what is good, and (2) fill in what is missing. Given carte blanche, I would augment the facility to fit in among the buildings surrounding it from behind. In other words, it would be refashioned into a tower to fit in quietly amongst its peers but, at the same time, positioned front-and-center as a main tower focusing on gregariousness social interaction and the dynamism of travel.



Like its fellow towers surrounding it, the University Place Tower's upper portion would also be used mostly as downtown condominiums (to provide investment income), hopefully with an extensive underground parking facility akin to that of a hospital. The building would preserve but have upgraded hospitality functions (short-stay rooms, long-stay rooms, conference & meeting rooms, restaurant, bar-and-grill, catering, parties, swimming pool, etc.

Much added value would come in the form of options regarding room usage: flexibility to sell as condos, rent as apartments, use as long-term or short-stay rooms, ad hoc meeting rooms, etc. Options. Options.

To reiterate, the University Place needs upgrades all around and to tower up like its sister buildings. It may also be wise to take some stylistic cues from the neighboring CH2M Hill building. In other words, tower up like the other condo buildings but in the style of the CH2M Hill building.

 
The School of Education is going to need a new home after the Business expansion and so will the PSU/OHSU School of Public Health. Clear the hotel out, start with buildings for those programs, and develop the rest as needs arise. OHSU is essentially doing the same thing with their Schnitzer campus master plan near the new OUS Collaborative Life Sciences Building.
 
Maybe these can all be accommodated on this site together. Other University District campus venues are conceivable.

 

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