Oregon Public Broadcasting

A newly announced task force is expected to help Portland leaders decide how to develop the Rose Quarter district. Rob Manning reports.

City leaders want a more vibrant neighborhood, not just a place to attend sporting events.

That means tackling head-on the controversial glass palace -- Memorial Coliseum. The 49 year-old building is expected to appear on the National Register of Historic Places, this summer. 

That historic status could make big changes to the structure a lot harder.

Portland officials have dropped plans to replace the coliseum with a baseball park. But the Portland Trail Blazers could still pursue an entertainment district there.

To demolish a historic site, Portland code requires proving one of two things: either that the new use fits better with city land use plans than preservation does, or that the current facility has no economic value.

There are ten criteria for making big changes. All emphasize maintaining historic aspects.The city is currently accepting applications to serve on the task force which will meet from September through June.