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Multnomah County declares East County Office Building surplus and approves gratis lease to Rockwood Common
Summary
The Board declared the 2,623-sq-ft East County Office Building surplus and approved a gratis 60-month lease (with three 60-month renewal options) to Rockwood Common; the nonprofit will cover all operating and improvement costs. The resolution passed on roll call.
Multnomah County commissioners voted unanimously to declare the East County Office Building at 18600 Southeast Stark Street in Gresham surplus and to approve terms for a gratis lease to Rockwood Common, a newly formed nonprofit that plans to operate a community tool library and reuse/repair programs.
Facilities staff said the two-story building totals 2,623 square feet and was acquired by the county in May 2008. John Panninen, facilities planner and space-planning analyst, told commissioners county assessment found the building in poor condition and that county-led repairs would be cost-prohibitive. He said the proposed lease is gratis but the tenant will assume responsibility for all operational and maintenance costs, preventative maintenance and repairs, and tenant improvements including roof repair or replacement, mold mitigation, carpet removal, drywall repair and electrical work.
Jason Nauman, co-founder and administrative officer of Rockwood Common, said the organization aims to expand access to tools, skills and community programming, and that renovated classroom and common spaces could serve as warming and cooling centers and hubs for training, reuse and workforce development. “Together, we can turn this location into a repair and reuse center, a place where resilient, connected communities are built,” Nauman said.
Commissioner Moyer moved the resolution and Commissioner Singleton seconded it. During a brief public comment period, a speaker identifying as Lightning asked why the county would grant a long, gratis lease to a recently founded nonprofit and suggested selling the property instead. The board and staff replied that the lease supports community resilience in Rockwood and that the county retains oversight. The roll-call vote recorded affirmative votes from Commissioners Moyer and Singleton, Commissioner Bridal Edwards and Vice Chair Jones Dixon; the resolution was adopted.
The lease term presented to the board is 60 months with tenant options for three consecutive 60-month renewals (total potential term: 240 months/20 years). Rockwood Common will cover all operating expenses and the costs of required tenant improvements. The county record states no county program use was identified for the space at this time.
Next steps: staff will finalize and execute the lease documents and return any required administrative materials to the board or clerk as required by county procedure.
