The effort to expand Providence Park is moving forward, as the proposal from the Portland Timbers has been approved by the city’s design commission.
Earlier this year, the Timbers unveiled plans to expand Providence Park by about 4,000 seats. The team would accomplish this through an estimated $50 million project that is focused on the stadium’s east end.
One of the key steps in the process was completed last Thursday, when the City of Portland’s Design Commission approved the proposal by a 5-0 margin. For the Timbers, who have already made some tweaks to the original design, this vote represents a major step forward, but other tasks will have to be completed before the project proceeds. More from The Oregonian:
The club still has a few more hoops to jump through in the process, but is on the right track. The Timbers will still need to go through a foundation-permit submission and review, receive Portland City Council approval on the major encroachment and complete and gain approval of an updated good neighbor agreement.
Since the Timbers originally unveiled their proposal, a key change has been made to the design. The design now includes the construction of three new levels, instead of four. The design also includes a larger roof on the east side of the Providence Park, as well as the widening of the sidewalk and the covered arcade on SW 18th Ave. The Timbers partnered with Portland-based Allied Works Architecture to come up with the design.
The Timbers have previously cited a high demand for tickets as a reason behind the expansion proposal. At this point, the construction timeline will depend on how quickly the project is finalized. If it is by September, construction could begin after the 2017 MLS season and wrap up by 2019, though later approval could mean that work begins after the 2018 season and is completed by 2020.
In addition to the Timbers, Providence Park hosts the NWSL’s Portland Thorns, who have traditionally been among the top-drawing teams in their league.
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