OMSI Development

[AdamUrbanist]

The one detail that was included in last night's event was the intention of realigning water avenue to run along the railroad tracks with all development taking place to the west. The idea is that all the heavy trucks would go around the "campus" creating a more pedestrian oriented space between buildings. While I like pedestrian spaces, this seems both unnecessary and unfortunate. For one thing, Water Ave is a two lane road, not a highway. Beyond that, no one wants to walk down a street with railroad tracks on one side and what realistically would be the backs of buildings on the other, potentially making water avenue a very hard edge around a very inward looking development. This is such a missed opportunity to stitch the site into the east side grid. I like a lot of Snohetta's buildings, but so far, I'm not impressed with their planning.

[maccoinnich]

Originally Posted by mhays

If you're saying that concept drawings can be better, I agree that sometimes teams fall short on that.

But if you're saying they shouldn't have public outreach in the early stages of design I'd disagree a lot. That's the time when public and stakeholder input is most helpful, and new big ideas don't require tossing a lot of expensive work. It's also typically important to fundraising to get people excited early.

My complaint is that the event was described this way:

We’ve been hard at work on a “master plan” for our property, and we’re eager to share our work-to-date with you! Do you know the fascinating history of our property? What are some of the things we’re considering as we plan? Find out!

...and there was very little "work-to-date" beyond some images of waterfronts around the world and a few diagrams that showed that the site (wait for it) is adjacent to a river and light rail.

[mhays]

Yeah, that does sound overly sparse!

[DMH]

Originally Posted by innovativethinking

Yup this is Portland after all

What's with your snarky remark? Anyone who has lived here for one decade or two decades, or four decades like me, has seen many, many impressive planning visions brought to reality.

[maccoinnich]

Design Commission is going to receive a briefing on the OMSI masteplan on August 17th.

[RED_PDXer]

I've heard a rumor from REI employees in the know that REI is planning to relocate their Pearl location to the waterfront, on either side of the Tilikum Crossing - whether that is within the OMSI area or Zidell properties remains to be seen. Would be awesome to see more active retail/water-oriented uses come into either of these locations. An OMSI location seems more intuitive given the existing road network and waterfront access, but who knows..

[MNTimberjack]

Originally Posted by RED_PDXer

I've heard a rumor from REI employees in the know that REI is planning to relocate their Pearl location to the waterfront, on either side of the Tilikum Crossing - whether that is within the OMSI area or Zidell properties remains to be seen. Would be awesome to see more active retail/water-oriented uses come into either of these locations. An OMSI location seems more intuitive given the existing road network and waterfront access, but who knows..

This would be a curious move considering the currently location is their top location.

[maccoinnich]

Originally Posted by MNTimberjack

This would be a curious move considering the currently location is their top location.

What I've heard is that it's a victim of its own success, and isn't large enough.

[maccoinnich]

Presentation [72 MB] to the Design Commission.

[maccoinnich]

On Design Commission agenda for October 26th:

EA 17-243925 DA – OMSI Master Plan
APPLICANT: Carol Gossett, OMSI
ADDRESS: Area around 1945 SW Water Avenue

Design Advice Request hearing for a proposed Central City Master Plan for the OMSI Station area, which is located in the Central Eastside Subdistrict of the Central City Plan District. The master plan area encompasses land owned by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, at approximately 18.53 acres, as well as adjacent land owned by other public entities, bringing the total area under consideration to approximately 21.25 acres. The proposed master plan includes a new area design and development framework for approximately 1.5 – 3 million new square feet of mixed-use development, and describes potential development phasing, future land uses and building massing envelopes, public open space and river access, vehicle and pedestrian circulation, infrastructure, and sustainability strategies. A Central City Master Plan Review will be required for this area pending adoption of recommended new zoning regulations that are proposed as part of the Central City 2035 project and which are currently under consideration by the City Council.

[maccoinnich]

Drawings [156 MB]

[urbanlife]

That is looking fantastic. My only question is would the actual OMSI itself be expanding or just developing the land around them?

[dubu]

that could be real cool. i just want to know if there will be a imax like the one in seattle

[MarkDaMan]

Originally Posted by dubu

that could be real cool. i just want to know if there will be a imax like the one in seattle

There is already a better than IMAX theater in OMSI.

[dubu]

Originally Posted by MarkDaMan

There is already a better than IMAX theater in OMSI.

ive been to that theater a bunch back in the day and there were 70mm film (best quality you can get). the dome wasnt that great. but a real imax is pretty rare. the closest is seatte.

wait the seattle imax is digital only. i guess 70mm is pretty much gone. the digital is real good, probably wouldnt even notice. those screans or crazy big though. it would be cool to watch a movie on a 6 story screen.

[MarkDaMan]

Originally Posted by dubu

ive been to that theater a bunch back in the day and there were 70mm film (best quality you can get). the dome wasnt that great. but a real imax is pretty rare. the closest is seatte.

It's been upgraded since your last visit. The dome is gone.

[hat]

OMSI redevelopment at bikeportland

[MarkDaMan]

Is OMSI's land the next big waterfront development?
Posted November 11, 2017 at 07:00 AM | Updated November 11, 2017 at 07:00 AM
-- Anna Marum [email protected]
503-294-5911

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2017/11/omsi_redevelopment.html#incart_river_home

The empty lots and parking stalls that surround the OMSI complex may soon give way to offices, restaurants and shops – possibly even a hotel – as the museum looks to capitalize on its prime waterfront views.

The nonprofit Oregon Museum of Science and Industry has released a master plan that carves its 18 acres into 11 developable parcels. Depending on building heights, the swath of land between the Hawthorne and Tilikum bridges could one day accommodate as much as 3 million square feet of new development.

OMSI doesn’t have specific plans for its parcels – it will solicit proposals from developers early next year – but a spokesman said the museum is betting the blank slate will attract interest.

“That’s the exciting part,” John Farmer said. “The sky’s the limit. It shouldn’t just be OMSI that’s excited. Portland should be excited.”

For the museum, the project would fulfill a long-held goal to redevelop the under-used stretch along the Willamette River, one with the potential to create a vibrant new neighborhood. And because OMSI plans to lease the land instead of selling it, it could provide the museum with a needed revenue stream.

The effort comes as the Central Eastside is transforming around it. What was once a strictly industrial landscape has undergone rapid change in recent years as apartments and office buildings pop up. The opening of Tilikum Crossing and the launch of a new light-rail line in 2015 also increased access to the district.

Though early in the process, there already are competing visions for the museum blocks.

City leaders envision an “Innovation Quadrant,” in which OMSI, along with Oregon Health & Science University, Portland State University and Portland Community College, would attract high-paying tech and research jobs.

The director of the James Beard Public Market is also eyeing the development for its future site. Others say the area is prime for a hotel, while housing advocates say residential units shouldn’t be ruled out.

...(continues)

[geohiker]

Plans for new Portland Boathouse on OMSI Development site

New waterfront complex planned near OMSI for paddlers, river enthusiasts
The Willamette Riverkeeper and four paddling clubs are teaming up with the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry to develop the glitzy new river-themed center on the east bank of the river next to OMSI.

Pegged to cost $10 million to $12 million, the two-story 29,000-square-foot facility, dubbed Portland River Center, would provide a river-oriented interpretative center, space for classes, lectures and OMSI educational programs, and racks to store dozens of kayaks, canoes and dragon boats.

[maccoinnich]

The latest on OMSI's ambitious Central Eastside expansion ambitions

The Oregon Museum of Science & Industry has long been one of the go-to destinations in Portland, particularly for families with small children. It's a scientific playhouse, the kind of place that keeps kids occupied with hands-on activities that don't involve staring at a screen.

That ethos — OMSI as a destination — that sits at the core of the organization's growth ambitions.

OMSI is getting ready to name a master developer to spearhead a project that will transform its 18-acres on the Central Eastside into a campus anchoring what the city is calling the "Innovation Quadrant."

Leading the charge for OMSI is its long-time president and CEO, Nancy Stueber, who described the next stages of the development plans and the broader vision for the project. The interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

...continues at the Portland Business Journal.