A significant Lloyd District neighborhood improvement is underway, thanks to Metro’s Oregon Convention Center and the Portland Development Commission. Neighbors and visitors will soon notice the deconstruction of the old Sizzler restaurant at 834 N.E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard in northeast Portland.
In its place, a new open-air event and exhibition plaza will be developed as an extension to OCC’s main entrance. Next spring, OCC customers and Lloyd District neighbors will enjoy special events and receptions in an urban outdoor setting, complete with landscaping, patios and green spaces, greatly enhancing the visitor experience and improving the safety along this important corridor. The Portland Streetcar will eventually run along the south side of the plaza with a convenient stop just around the corner.
Making the most with current resources
The “Sizzler Block” has remained vacant and unused for more than ten years, detracting from the streetscape. The property has been held by its owner, PDC, as part of the OCC headquarters hotel site. In the wake of the decision to suspend development of the hotel, the outdoor plaza alternative emerged as a prudent and reasonable investment designed to support the public’s investment in the OCC while enhancing the district’s livability. Event revenue generated by space rentals and food and beverage sales will offset the costs of construction.
Building deconstruction will begin soon, with the bulk of the building’s materials to be reclaimed and reused for other projects. The plaza is expected to open in early spring 2011.