Portland’s central post office could be replaced with sports fields and basketball courts flanked by high-rises under a concept recommended by the city’s urban renewal agency after weighing several contenders.

The concept for the public space in the long-planned redevelopment project was one of three floated last year by the agency, Prosper Portland, and its partners. Alternatives included a nature-focused “urban forest” and a series of scattered plazas.

Two rejected concepts for the Broadway Corridor redevelopment in Northwest Portland. The "Nature" concept, left, was intended to evoke an urban forest with nature paths. The "Discover" concept, right, included a series of scattered plazas and alleys.ZGF Architects via Prosper Portland

The concept being advanced also integrates the city’s “Green Loop" plan for a six-mile bike- and pedestrian-focused parkway through downtown, the Lloyd District and the Central Eastside.

The agency’s staff made the recommendation after a series of open houses with input from other city bureaus, Mayor Ted Wheeler and the likely developer for the site, Continuum Partners of Denver. Portland-based ZGF Architects led the design team.

The Prosper Portland board of commissioners will vote on the recommendation Wednesday.

The redevelopment of the 14-acre central post office site, located near the west end of the Broadway Bridge, is one of the largest development opportunities in the city center. The project extends to other city-owned sites nearby, bringing the project area to a total of 32 acres.

Continuum was chosen as the city’s partner in the planning effort last year. It won’t be paid for the planning work, but it will get the first chance to buy the post office site from the city and pursue the development once the plan is complete. The sale of the land will pay back the $88 million the city spent to buy the site from the U.S. Postal Service.

The post office has moved its sorting and distribution facility to a site near Portland International Airport but still operates a retail post office in the old building, which is expected to be demolished when the redevelopment moves forward.

-- Elliot Njus

enjus@oregonian.com; 503-294-5034; @enjus

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