Bigger Footprint, Larger Strides
Timbers invest $25 million to purchase 13-acre property, expand training facility into the "Portland Timbers Performance Center" by 2026.
I don’t often immediately post in the breaking-news cycle—the stories here may be new to us, though the core of their content is often a little longer in the tooth. But, since I’m writing a book about the season in context of the history of the club, it’s important to note monumental steps when they are taken. The Portland Timbers purchasing a 13-acre property that’s currently partially the team’s training facility is one of those.
The club announced today that they have completed the purchase of the facility from Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD) for $25 million.
The above rendering illustrates the size of this acquisition and expansion. The club’s current footprint, since the initial 2011 leasing of 6,000 feet from THRPD—and expansions and renovations since, at a to-date investment of $15 million—is outlined by the yellow line. The red line illustrates this expansion, which, according to a club press release, “triple(s) the property space to 90,000 square feet.”
The club worked with the city of Beaverton and THRPD, in a process that’s been in the works for four years. Those familiar with renovations at 1844 SW Morrison Street over the last quarter century have seen how private-public partnerships around the club can benefit a larger community. In addition to what the Performance Center can bring as a physical community space, “as part of the partnership,” the press release announced, “the club will donate over $1 million to THPRD to help fund participation and access to sports for underserved youth.”
Most immediately, the facility will get a roof renovation, followed by other notable additions and expansions to what the current facility offers:
A second grass field will bring the total number of fields to three
A viewing deck off the side of the building will offer spectators a prime vantage point to watch the teams on the pitch
Expanded office space will accommodate the growing needs of the club's staff
Interior enhancements the club is considering will include an indoor practice surface and expanded facilities for players.
“This further investment in the Performance Center shows great ambition from the Paulson Family to continue the evolution at this club,” Timbers General Manager Ned Grabavoy said, via the press release. “This decision provides us the ability to grow and expand an already elite professional training site. Our staff and players throughout the club are thrilled for what the future holds, as we continue elevating the standards of a high-level performance and development center.”
Definitely a long way from the NASL Indoor Timbers and their preparations at a makeshift indoor training facility at Forest Grove’s Pacific University. (Had to get one NASL reference in here.)
Watch the official press conference and read more about the Timbers Performance Center in the club’s coverage of this announcement.
#RCTID