Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Portland Development Commission is hoping to acquire the downtown Post Office complex in the next year.

The Post Office is at the foot of two bridges over the Willamette River, on the edge of the affluent Pearl District.

It’s close to the streetcar and the train station, and not far from light rail lines.

For all those reasons, PDC has eyed that property for decades – and has discussed buying it, for years. Spokesman Shawn Ullman said the development commission hopes to close a deal by next spring.

“Theoretically, in one year’s time, we will be at a point, everything will be nailed down – hopefully – where we will be at that purchase and sale agreement point," he said.
 


The city of Portland has budgeted $64 million to purchase the property. But Ullman insisted the two sides still have to negotiate a price.

Ullman said the post office sits on a former train yard – and its environmental status hasn’t been thoroughly vetted yet.  
 
Jobs are a big concern. The post office is a major employer. PDC wants its center to relocate within Portland.

The agency also wants whatever replaces it in the Pearl, to create jobs.