Revitalizing the Rose Quarter

Since its creation in 1993, the Rose Quarter — and particularly the Memorial Coliseum it houses — has seen turbulent times. Former Rose Quarter management companies have gone bankrupt, the Coliseum has been threatened with demolition, and inertia has plagued many urban renewal attempts. That this district sits on what was, in the 1960’s, a thriving African American neighborhood just makes its lackluster atmosphere more tragic.

But efforts at revitalizing the Rose Quarter are once again underway. Planners hope to reenergize the entire neighborhood beginning by transforming the Memorial Coliseum into an economic and cultural asset while maintaining its unique architecture. The Coliseum would act as a focal point for a “District of Sport,” designed to bring an authentic expression of northwest culture to the neighborhood.

On July 29, urban design architect Michael McCulloch and architecture writer and critic Brian Libby will discuss the new Rose Quarter revitalization project, describe future plans for the district, and answer questions regarding the Coliseum and its surroundings.