The Bureau of Development Services partnered with a team from Portland State University and members from the “No Vacancy” team to explore the options of Temporary Use of Empty Spaces in the Central Eastside Industrial District.

Temporary use has been defined as projects and events intended from the outset to be impermanent. They occupy space during the time between other uses or fill spaces that are otherwise unusuable. The spectrum of uses that can occupy a space ranges from a spontaneous one-time event to permanent occupancy. The No Vacancy Project is directed toward occupying the middle range of the spectrum.

A roundtable comprised of a targeted group of people was assembled to provide critical feedback to shape and refine their recommendations for the use of these spaces in the CEID. Supervising Planner Sterling Bennett, Senior Planner Tom Carter and Small Business Liaison Tiffani Penson participated in this discussion offering information on Title 33 Planning & Zoning Code and Building Permit information.

In June, the No Vacancy Team held an open house event to mark the completion of the draft for the project at a vacant space in the Ford Building located in Southeast Portland. “It was a great way to visualize what you can do with vacant space. There were refreshments, an artist painting portraits of people, a film showing and a piano player warming the room with the sound of music”, said Tiffani Penson.

Thank you to the No Vacancy team for inviting BDS to be apart of this very exciting proposal and event. For more information on utilizing vacant space visit, www.novacancyproject.wordpress.com.