Urban Renewal

Rockwood B188

B188 is a new redevelopment project at the former Sunrise Center and Asian Kitchen property at the 188th MAX station.

• This community-focused investment proposes a new school, gymnasium for sports and events, landscaped gathering space, workforce training and small business retail spaces.
• Public involvement over past year included public workshops, online engagement via Engage Gresham and participation at community events.
• Project updates and presentations were delivered at the Rockwood Neighborhood Association, GRDC and GRDC Advisory Committee.

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Urban renewal is an economic development tool used in over 100 urban renewal areas in Oregon.

Urban renewal does not increase your property taxes. 

How it works

• It dedicates funds to an identified neighborhood so a city’s urban renewal agency can focus on improving the area. 
• It is often used to provide infrastructure to help spur economic development.
• Urban renewal changes how the existing taxes paid on a property are divided out amongst different taxing districts like the City and Multnomah County. 
• As the value of properties in the urban renewal district increases, money becomes available to use on the projects.
• Urban renewal in Gresham can provide funding for projects.

The Gresham Redevelopment Commission (GRDC) administers the Rockwood-West Gresham Renewal Plan.

• Invested $44.1 million in the Rockwood-West Gresham area.
• Attracted $179.2 million in private investments. 
• Added 670 jobs to the urban renewal area through 40 new businesses. Average salary: $62,000 a year. 
• Generated $161 million in new-business revenue that can be sent back to the community. 
• Awarded 86 grants to the community that funded business expansion, storefront improvements, construction support, and repairs to apartments to provide 1,652 living spaces that are safe and energy efficient. 

Read the 2020 Rockwood report

2029 Framework 

In partnership with robust community engagement, staff completed the 2029 Community Investment Framework. It identifies priorities for future urban renewal spending. Key investments are consistent with the Renewal Plan and include projects for community safety, economic opportunity, housing, transportation, and community development.

Downtown Rockwood

Downtown Rockwood hosted several events over the year in partnership with the GRDC at the Rockwood Market Hall. Some of these events include: Cinco de Mayo, Kickoff to Summer, Play Ball, Movies in the Park, Rock the Block, the Yamhill Block Party and Reindeer in Rockwood.

AVIVA Apartments

Construction is complete on Downtown Rockwood's AVIVA Apartments, a 5‐story commercial and residential building. This mixed‐use development is focused on supporting economic stability and improving access to community services, retail, housing, and public space.

Fire Station 74

Staff are working with consultants on initial designs for a new fire station that would replace Fire Station 74. Gresham Fire Station 74 is located within the Rockwood‐West Gresham urban renewal area and is one of seven fire stations serving the City of Gresham.

Property acquisitions

The GRDC completed two purchases at 18428-18432 E Burnside and at 18450 SE Stark St. Both acquisitions will be incorporated into future redevelopment plans. The property at 18450 SE Stark was formerly used as a custom cabinet and wood shop, and staff are exploring opportunities to utilize the property for community education, training and workshop space.