Clans compete over Morrison Bridgehead property


Multnomah County’s request for proposals to develop the Morrison Bridgehead property has pitted two powerful local families against each other: the Marks and the Goodmans.

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Multnomah County’s request for proposals to develop the Morrison Bridgehead property has pitted two powerful local families against each other: the Marks and the Goodmans.

The four blocks at the west end of the Morrison Bridge present an opportunity to create an important gateway development for the city.

The Mark family, headed by prolific charitable fundraiser Melvin “Pete” Mark, has gained a fortune developing downtown Portland real estate for Hilton Hotels, Standard Insurance and the Schnitzer scrap-metal dynasty, among others.

The Goodmans, with family scion Greg Goodman at the helm, built their wealth mainly by maintaining surface parking lots. They’ve only recently branched into development with projects like the windmill-decked Indigo condo tower near I-405.

Both proposals envision mixed-use development aimed to attract offices, retail stores and foot traffic. But the Marks dangle an additional carrot by promising a home for the long-proposed James Beard Public Market, with former Portland restaurateur Ron Paul in charge.

Read more at Willamette Week.

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