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 “POISED FOR THE FUTURE”

At our June 1st quarterly “Doing Life Together” several presenters gave us an update on the progress of our Lifestyle Community development project. You can listen to an audio recording of the session by clicking the above link or pick up a DVD at the front desk.

Bruce Wood – Project Director reported that the applications for development entitlement have been submitted and are in the refinement stage. The process is proceeding well considering the enormous impact on traffic, infrastructure, etc. The next step in the process is the Notification of Application stage where the public begins to hear about the project through various facets. Overall, Bruce reports that he has had great cooperation with the development agencies of both Clackamas County and Happy Valley.
Bruce also went on to report on the progress of securing commercial tenets for the project. In various dialogues with retailers and commercial businesses Bruce believes that our project will see a stronger emphasis upon “experience” oriented businesses over just “shopping”. Such businesses may include health and fitness Centers, bowling, entertainment venues and a unique grocery store. This will make the community truly more of a “lifestyle center” than just another shopping center.

Pastor Ray reported that the timing for the opening of  the new community in 2011 and the desire for such a project are right in line with the economy and national trends. He quoted a recent “Wall Street Journal” article on how Portland is seen as one of the next top markets for such a project. He stated that at the same time construction is set to begin retailers would be anxious to sign on.  We will be in that “sweet spot” for all these entities to come together. He sees how God is showing His plan by bringing all the right people and resources together at just the right time.

Gary Reddick – Lead Architect, Sienna Architecture reminded us that this project would be “largest, private construction project (to date) in the state of Oregon”. The planning is extensive and complex with lots of moving pieces. He illustrated the work that the development team has gone through up to this point in bringing more definition and character to the buildings and streets. More of this kind of work will necessary “as we see who will be here” in the community.

 Ty Mattson of Mattson Creative was introduced to us as a new partner on the development team. Ty is very talented and creative and has done “branding” and marketing work with such firms as Apple, Coke a Cola, and Saddleback Community Church. He spoke about how delighted he is to be a part of this exciting project. He will be assisting Eagle Landing and us with developing fresh “visual language” for our plans and goals. He will particularly help us to understand “how we will do church in the new environment”. He believes we are truly “poised for the future” that God intends for us.

Naomi Inman – Eagle Landing Marketing Team wrapped up the presentations with a report of her recent attendance at the International Council of Shopping Centers in Las Vegas. She shared that Americans are showing a desire to return to a “place of belonging” or the small town, main street experience. The new term that has been coined to describe the preference of people today is “walk able urbanism”. This characteristic is exactly what our new lifestyle community will offer to this region. She reported that there are already examples of how public and private organizations are working together to create these new communities. One of the most amazing things that she heard from top development spokespersons is that new lifestyle community should endeavor to include a church or spiritual component at its center! Amazing! This is exactly what God has been showing us all along.

Lets continue to pray and look forward to our future!