Veterans Memorial Coliseum

[maccoinnich]

On the Historic Landmarks Commission agenda this Monday:

Type III Historic Resource Review hearing for a proposal to make exterior alterations to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, an individually listed landmark built in 1959. Exterior Improvements include a new generator enclosure, reconfiguration of the north stage lot, three new egress stairs on west berm, egress pedestrian connection to the right of way, landscaping improvements, stair and parking area lighting, new fencing, etc. Modifications to zoning standards are requested including: Required Building Lines (33.510.215), Ground Floor Windows (33.510.220), Ground Floor Active Uses (33.510.225.C.2), On-site location and size of vehicle areas (33.266.130.C1), Parking Area Interior Landscaping (33.266.130.G3), Pedestrian Standards-Connections (33.130.240.B.1(2)).

Here are the Drawings [8.5 MB] and the Staff Report.

(I'll move some older conversation specific to VMC into this thread later when I have time.)

[colossalorder]

Is there any reason why Memorial Coliseum couldn't be used as a temporary performing arts space for Broadway shows etc. while they refurbish the Keller. I know its not optimal ... but is it impossible?

[maccoinnich]

More work ahead for Veterans Memorial Coliseum



More improvements at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland are in the works.

The Historic Landmarks Commission got its first look Monday at a proposal to make exterior alterations to the arena at 300 N. Ramsay Way. The five commissioners present unanimously approved the project. Commissioners Cleo Davis and Christopher Jose “Hugo” Hamblin-Agosto did not attend the type III historic resource review hearing.

The building was completed in 1959 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. The site is in the Rose Quarter, in the Lloyd Subdistrict of the Central City Plan District.

Scott Edwards Architecture designed the project for the city of Portland.

Exterior improvements will include construction of a new generator enclosure, reconfiguration of the north stage lot, additions of three new egress stairs on the west berm and an egress pedestrian connection to the right of way. The work will also involve signage, landscaping improvements and lighting.

...continues at the DJC ($).

[maccoinnich]

Also, an article from last month on the interior upgrades:

Portland arena to receive upgrades starting this summer



The 197,000-square-foot Veterans Memorial Coliseum, in Portland’s Rose Quarter, will soon receive some TLC. The arena will close this summer and again in summer 2025 to allow construction of a variety of improvements.

Portland’s Spectator Venues Program, within the Office of Management and Finance (OMF), oversees the Veterans Memorial Coliseum (VMC), which opened in 1960. The arena hosts a total of approximately 400,000 people at around 100 events annually.

The building has received minor renovations and repairs over the years, but many of the primary systems, equipment and furnishings are original and need attention. The Portland City Council in a resolution in 2011 voiced support for renovating the arena, but no plans progressed.

In 2015, OMF conducted a study of several renovation options for the venue, as well as closure and demolition options. The study confirmed the financial viability of a renovated multipurpose arena with upgraded essential systems, as well as enhancements that would increase the functionality and appeal for a broad range of events, a city staff report states.

...continues at the DJC ($).