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The future of Centennial Mills may not be known for some time, but one thing's for sure - despite earlier plans by the city to convert the property to a park, outcry from a range of interests has slowed the plan to tear the complex down.
Three parties - a private developer, the Oregon Maritime Museum and an arts group - have stepped forward with ideas for renovating and utilizing the structure, located on Northwest Naito Parkway between the Broadway and Fremont bridges.
The Portland Development Commission purchased the former flour mill in 2000 from Archer Daniels Midland Co. There are 10 buildings on the site and more than 200,000 square feet of space. The first mill building dates back to 1910.
Developer John Beardsley has made the Portland Development Commission an offer of $5 million to purchase the property. He's meeting with PDC officials this week.
It's an opportunity that shouldn't go to the wrecking ball, Beardsley said.
His vision is to save two primary concrete buildings on the site and convert them for office use. He would also preserve the mill's wharf and provide space to house the Oregon Maritime Museum.
Then the...