Schlesinger Companies

PORTLAND, Ore. - Schlesinger Companies today announced the successful completion of a major renovation project, which has transformed the former Kitchen Kaboodle retail store into Sixth Avenue Center, a 12,000 square‐foot modern office space located at 615 SW Alder in downtown Portland. The Schlesinger Companies is a Portland‐based, family‐owned retail and commercial real estate development and management firm.

"As a proud member of the Portland community for over 75 years, Schlesinger Companies is committed to ensuring the vitality of downtown," Josh Schlesinger, Vice President of the Schlesinger Companies. "I am honored to be able to continue our commitment through the Sixth Avenue Center. This project has breathed new life the corner of SW 6th and Alder and I am looking forward to seeing the progress continue.

The property is located in the City's Downtown Retail Core and will play a central role in ensuring the future economic strength of this critical region. Schlesinger Companies developed the ¾ block project now called the Sixth Avenue Center in 1997 and have owned part of the block since as early as 1935.

"The Schlesingers' transformation of this central downtown block sends the message ‘Portland is open for business'. I thank them for their continued partnership with the community and look forward to witnessing the positive economic impacts and retail opportunities Sixth Avenue West will have on the city," said Mayor Sam Adams.

Renovations, which broke ground on February 1, 2011, include the removal of existing escalators and floor infill, the creation of a new tenant lobby entrance on SW Alder Street and the creation of modern and attractive corner storefronts, which will now be available to prospective retailers. ICF International, a provider of consulting services and technology solutions to government and commercial clients, has leased the newly renovated office space and will move approximately 30 employees on June 1, 2011 and has plans to significantly increase the staff over the next five years.

"The renovation of Sixth Avenue Center took several small retail spaces and recreated a much larger ground floor retail space that would be perfect for a high end retail or restaurant concept," said Cori Jacobs, the Downtown Retail Advocate. "Providing a prime space for a restaurant with the necessary venting needed will help to activate this corner on the transit mall and provide more ground floor continuity in the retail core, and act as a catalyst for other nearby development sites."

Schlesinger Companies worked closely with Hennebery Eddy Architects on the design of the new entry lobby and second floor offices and Turner Construction Company on the build out.