Cultural Center Firebombed, Building in Peril
Molotov cocktail arson attack threatens historic NW Portland building
PORTLAND, OR - A picturesque historic building in the Alphabet District of Northwest Portland is under threat, both from a violent firebombing and a floundering real estate deal that has left the building's future in jeopardy.
The Northwest Neighborhood Cultural Center (NNCC), a revered 112-year-old structure at 1819 NW Everett St, was targeted early Saturday morning on June 24th by unknown assailants with a Molotov cocktail. Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) arson investigators are investigating the attack, which targeted the building's front door.
Arson investigators have yet to identify any suspects in the attack. Investigators also noted a second fire at the building's east door. That blaze seems to have self-extinguished at an unknown time, and is not known if it was a part of the front door attack or a separate incident. In addition, a car was set ablaze in the back parking lot, the scorched husk of which has been tagged by both graffiti artists and by a PBOT warning sticker.
Independent journalist Brandon Farley filmed the chaotic scene late last Friday night as Portland Fire & Rescue worked to extinguish the blaze. The images and video of the aftermath spread across social media, sparking widespread concern among local residents.
In response to the attack, fencing has been erected around the property. A restoration contractor has been removing water-damaged material left behind by a triggered internal fire-suppression sprinkler system. However, a pile of debris stacked against the north wall of the building has caused alarm among neighbors due to its potential as a new fire target by the still to be identified arsonist.
Adding to the unfolding drama is the fact that the NNCC is in the process of being sold to a Las Vegas real estate developer for $4.75 million in cash. The developer intends to transform the historic building and property into a boutique hotel, a project mired in bureaucratic delays stemming from the City of Portland.
Under the terms of extended financing for the sale, the developer has agreed to be responsible for the security of the building. The NNCC is currently receiving $50,000 per month from the developer, money that many argue could and should be used to bolster security efforts. However, this does not appear to be the case, further exacerbating the building's vulnerability.
This protracted sale process, paired with the arson attack, has led to tensions and concerns among community members. The lack of a custodian for the building, coupled with perceived inattention from both the NNCC's all-volunteer Board and the Las Vegas developer, has stirred fears that this vital piece of Portland's cultural heritage is in danger.
Securing financing is a significant hurdle for the developer. One obstacle appears to stem from the slow and winding bureaucracy of the City of Portland. A document from the NNCC acquired by Northwest Portland News states, "Securing financing has proven challenging because building permits will be part of the collateral for the buyer’s loan.” In a meeting between the developer and the Portland Bureau of Development Services, the City delivered 47 pages of notes and questions as a preliminary early-assistance effort to “help” the developer acquire the needed permits. The developers maintain that they hope to surmount these challenges by this fall, positioning them to pull the building permits and close on the financing package.
If successfully concluded, the sale will create a fund called the "Northwest Neighborhoods Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation." The fund, generated by the net sale proceeds, aims to provide long-term benefits to the local neighborhoods from which NNCC draws its members. Specifically, the neighborhoods of Arlington Heights, Goose Hollow, Hillside, Linnton, NW Industrial (NINA), and NW District (NWDA) are set to benefit from the fund.
Constructed in 1911 as a Christian Science Church, the building’s design was penned by architect Solon S. Beman. It was acquired by the NNCC in the late 1970s, serving as a social service center and later a cultural center for the local community. The building most recently had been home to the Northwest Children's Theater and School.
The future, however, hangs in the balance as a sleepy NNCC Board and an out-of-town developer face-off with a still at-large arsonist. As the arson investigation continues and the sale remains in a state of flux, the fate of this iconic building hangs in the balance.
MORE INFORMATION:
https://capacitycommercial.com/properties/?propertyId=708537-sale