Historic City Hall - Next Phase
The engagement period for this project has concluded.
Update (February 1, 2024): Historic City Hall Transfers Ownership
Since selecting Henry Point Development (HPD) as the next owner and operator of historic city hall, the city and HPD have been diligently working through the various details and conditions associated with the transfer of this iconic property. Part of this process has included items, such as moving staff out of city hall, ensuring that the historic façade remains in perpetuity, assessing and agreeing on different interior designs, and approving several operation/operator scenarios.
It’s been a long time coming but both parties have recently signed off on all the closing documents, which means that HPD is officially the new owner of city hall. HPD has been a fantastic partner throughout the entire process and no doubt will continue be so through the redevelopment phase. They have been motivated to get started on the interior remodel at the onset, so the public should be prepared to see some activity in the coming days and weeks. The first step will include interior material demolition and abatement, as well as a fence around the building to provide security.
Update (Nov. 29, 2022): City Selects Henry Point Development to Repurpose City Hall
After a competitive process, the City of Milwaukie has selected Henry Point Development to reimagine its historic city hall. The building, located at 10722 SE Main St., is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and a focal point of Milwaukie’s downtown.
“We’re confident Henry Point’s proposal will help catalyze activity and support business in downtown Milwaukie,” said Joseph Briglio, community development director. “We’re looking forward to the opportunities this project will bring to the community.”
The selection committee was impressed with how Henry Point’s proposal focused on the project’s five adopted community goals, which included destination creation, historic preservation, use of minority/women business enterprise contracting, sustainable building practice and the preservation of open space.
The reuse of city hall will preserve the building’s iconic façade and the renovated interior will house a variety of tenants, becoming home to a brewery, restaurant and bakery, along with community art and office space.
“We’re honored to have the opportunity to work on such a beautiful building, and deliver a thoughtful and creative redevelopment plan,” said Travis Henry, president of Henry Point Development. “It will celebrate the building’s history and symbolic connection to the city, while energizing the location with exciting new uses, services and partnerships that will generate lasting community value long after the city vacates the property.”
Henry Point’s success with past projects, including the award-winning redevelopment of the historic Bank Building of Beaverton and home to the new Loyal Legion beer hall, provided city leaders with the confidence that the ultimate result will benefit the community.
The redevelopment project will begin in 2023 after the city relocates its services to 10501 SE Main St., the building that was formerly occupied by Advantis Credit Union.
Project Background
In August 2019, the City Council authorized the purchase of the Advantis Credit Union building (10501 Main Street) to serve as the next Milwaukie city hall. The city outgrew the current city hall building (10722 Main Street) several decades ago and has purchased and built other facilities to accommodate staff and provide essential services. Purchasing the Advantis building will allow the city to consolidate staff and services and create a "one-stop-shop" for Milwaukie residents and businesses, as well as provide room for the city to continue to grow into the future.
Writing City Hall's Next Chapter
In March 2020, the City Council appointed the City Hall Blue Ribbon Committee (CHBRC). From September 2020 to March 2021, the committee held public meetings to learn about the site's history, associated building costs, construction limitations, and developed a set of project goals using feedback from the community.
In Spring 2021, the CHBRC recommended its project goals for city hall to the City Council. The goals included:
- Historic Preservation. A project that maintains the historic character-defining features of the exterior of the building façade. Character-defining features include visual aspects and physical features that contribute to the uniqueness of the historic resource. Character-defining features of the exterior of the building could include the overall shape of the building, its materials, craftsmanship, as well as decorative details, among other features.
- Creates a destination. A project that is an anchor for Downtown Milwaukie, a destination that attracts both local residents and regional visitors.
- Maintains open space. A project that maintains green spaces and/or trees on the property.
- Sustainable practices. A project uses sustainable and energy efficient design and construction methods.
- Minority / Women Business Enterprise Contracting. Project team that will make a good faith effort to utilize Minority / Women Business Enterprises (MWESB) in contracting.
Building on the online open houses and the work of the CHBRC, community feedback and surveys helped guide the vision and goals for the future project. In October 2021, a final draft of the goals was presented to the City Council for approval as part of a public hearing process. The final goals were adopted and were incorporated in the request for proposal (RFP) process that the city launch later that year.
Prior to releasing an RFP, the City Council conducted a Surplus Property Hearing and designated City Hall as surplus (i.e. no longer needed) for city operations. This hearing took place at the April 19, 2022 City Council Regular Session meeting.
The RFP for Historic City Hall was officially released via the city's Bid Management System on August 10,2022 and remained open for 45-days. It closed on September 24, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.
