From Urban Works via food critic Patrick Coleman over at the Portland Mercury, Uwajimaya has signed a letter of intent for the old town site. We first broke the news back in February of 2008, but then the economy tanked and I thought the whole idea was but on hold. Frankly, I’m surprised (but glad) to see the idea resurrected. The store would be placed across the street from Ping restaurant. Keep in mind that a letter of intent is just that, but the deal is far from done, and some things could still derail the project.
PDC is supporting this project with a $100,000 pre-development loan to assist Uwajimaya and Sockeye Development LLC, with the feasibility of building on the surface parking lot between NW 4th and 5th, and Couch and Davis (otherwise known as “Block 33″) ,and “Block 32″, just to the South.
While no solid plan has been presented to the City, the project looks like it might be modeled on the successful rehab of the flagship 50+ year old Uwajimaya in Seattle’s International District. Ideas include up to 160 units of mixed income housing above the store, an underground parking lot below, and the possibility of a “phase II” additional high rise housing and retail development in the future.
The Seattle Uwajimaya has been credited in helping spur renewed interest and investment in the immediate area, and increasing the number of middle income residents in that neighborhood.
In 2008, Peter Englander, the PDC Development Manager in charge of the Old Town/Chinatown Urban Renewal District, stated in an email to us that “PDC is very supportive of this project and have been in discussions with Uwajimaya for over a year”. Additionally,
“…the Downtown Portland location is unique because of its location in Old Town/Chinatown as well as proximity to the Pearl District. The Portland site will also benefit from direct access to regional light rail on one side and a future Portland Streetcar line on another. This will afford the opportunity to both serve the larger Downtown as well and customers from throughout the region. In addition, Uwajimaya is really excited about opportunities for a strong street presence for the store and expects that the store will literally open onto the street along Fifth Avenue, perhaps with roll up doors and vendor carts.“
Paul says
First Penzey’s and now Uwajimaya? this is fantastic news for cooks. Uwajimaya has such an incredible fish selection and great turnover. Rumor is they are the largest fish retailer in Seattle.
Jason says
Finally! If this comes through it will be a great thing.
Liza says
I too am very excited about Uwajimaya coming to a downtown location. It surprises me (a little) though, that people seem to talk as if the closest Uwajimaaya to Portland is in Seattle. There is one just outside the Portland city limits in Beaverton…we make it there often and it is a great store.
Nancy Rommelmann says
This is going to be great; really excited. One item at Beaverton Uwajimaya that was incredible and one never would have guessed: chocolate cake! They were giving out big sample bites, and it was simply fabulous, a yummy moist rich traditional American chocolate cake with a soft-and-creamy frosting.
skamama says
I was just in Seattle this weekend and visited the new Uwajimaya Friday with my sister, who lives in West Seattle and shops there frequently. I had been to the old location in Seattle a couple of times, and visit the one in Beaverton when I can, which is once or twice a year because I live in the Columbia Gorge. While I was in the new Seattle location, I was amazed by the size and availability of items. Although I am still impressed by Beaverton, the food court at the new Seattle location is amazing. As we were buying produce and fruit, a contingent of pre-school/kindergarten-aged youngsters were touring the market with their teachers and assistants. They were learning about various varieties of fruits and vegetables — where else can you come close up and personal with a durian as a youngster?
I have favorite things I wait to purchase at Uwajimaya, such as sliced dried shiitakes, specialty rices, chili paste and sesame oil — things that are either unavailable in the Columbia Gorge or are so prohibitively expensive that I can’t afford them. I also enjoy checking out the fresh tofu, unusual vegetables and miso paste.
If the downtown Portland location is constructed, I look forward to avoiding the extra mileage to go to Beaverton. By the way, there is a significant outpost of Asians (and people who eat like them) here in the Gorge. How about a small satellite store in Hood River?
Yeah! I’m ready for Portland, in any case.
polloelastico says
Skamama, those things you mentioned: sliced dried shiitakes, specialty rices, chili paste, sesame oil, durian – all can be purchased (and more cheaply) at Hong Phat at NE 99th/Prescott if you don’t want to drive all the way out to Uwajimaya in Beaverton. Since it’s just north of the 84/east of 205, you’ll save an hour over Beaverton your trip from the Gorge.
Nothing beats the produce at Uwajimaya, though. Or the seafood.
Joy says
I’m in Portland by way of Honolulu, Boston, and London — all places with a big Asian food influence, so Uwajimaya was one of the first places I visited here in Greater Portland. It’s wonderful! Not only does it have all of the stuff that I love and had a hard time coming by on the East Coast, but the Beaverton location has an amazing little restaurant in it called Hakatamon. Mmmm. Any idea if they’ll be opening a restaurant at the downtown location?
Vaugirard says
The City of Portland should be putting on a full-court press to land Uwajimaya. This would be an incredible economic engine for Old Town.
Where are you Sam Adams?
CO says
AHAHAHAHA!!! the idea of the city of Portland pursuing business, and of all people Sam Adams leading the charge, has me absolutely in stitches! thanks, best laugh all day……..and the internets are huge!