PCC launches expansion, Barnes Noble nears opening: Portland-area economy roundup

Molly Young, The Oregonian By Molly Young, The OregonianThe Oregonian
on November 03, 2012 at 7:00 AM, updated November 03, 2012 at 7:02 AM
pcc groundbreaking.jpg  Local and state dignitaries, including Sen. Jeff Merkley, (third from right) break ground on the Portland Community College Southeast campus expansion. 

A weekly roundup of business moves that impact the local economy.

In the works

Portland Community College broke groundon its $34

Molly Young, The Oregonian By Molly Young, The OregonianThe Oregonian
on November 03, 2012 at 7:00 AM, updated November 03, 2012 at 7:02 AM
pcc groundbreaking.jpg  Local and state dignitaries, including Sen. Jeff Merkley, (third from right) break ground on the Portland Community College Southeast campus expansion. 

A weekly roundup of business moves that impact the local economy.

In the works

Portland Community College broke groundon its $34 million campus expansion at Southeast 82nd Avenue and Division Street. Work is expected to wrap upin 2016 with the college’s footprint stretching to 77th Avenue.

And more details have emerged about Intel’s massive expansionplanned at its Ronler Acres campus in Washington County.

On a smaller scale and shorter timeline, Chipotle will open in Greshamlater this year, and clothing retailer Francesca’s Collections plans to open its third metro-area shopin Lake Oswego. Both chains advertised openings to staff the stores. Finally, Thistle chef Eric Bechard plans to launch a new restaurant in Southeast Portland.

Openings and expansions

Biotech firm CytoDyn said this week that it’s moved its headquarters to Lake Oswego from Florida to be closer to its shareholders.

Therapeutic Associates, a physical therapy clinic, opened in Oregon City, while The Oregon Clinic opened a new Vancouver outpost.

In Portland, Medley is now serving tea and other treats along Southwest Capital Highway. Sterling Bank opened its latest hubdowntown on Fifth Avenue. A children’s book literary agency launched earlier this year in Nob Hill. The Lincoln Street Kayak & Canoe Museum welcomed its first visitors this week. Hollywood Beverage Store opened in a bigger spot this week.

In shopping center news, Barnes & Noble will debut its new digs Nov. 14 at Bridgeport Village in Tigard. Banfield Pet Hospital recently opened in Beaverton’s Progress Ridge.

Closings and acquisitions

Portland window covering manufacturer Fashion Tech Inc. announced it would shutter its Southeast Portland plant by the end of the year and lay off 98 workers. And Vestas, the wind turbine maker whose U.S. operations are headquartered in Portland, plans to shed 85 more jobs across the nation.

Evraz Portland, weeks after announcing it would restart an idle steel mill, said this week that a separate plant would go dark temporarily.

Portland-based retailer Camera World closed its stores, although some will re-open under a new owner. Another longtime local company, Williams Controls, was acquired for $119 million by a North Carolina manufacturer.

Elsewhere in the state, troubled Medford-based PremierWest Bank was acquired this week by Spokane’s AmericanWest Bank. And the Lane County Jail will cut six jobs.

Molly Young, @mollykyoung

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