Full Breakdown
Community Efforts to Save Lloyd Center Amid Redevelopment Plans
2/12/2026, 8:36:03 PM
Overview of the Situation
The Lloyd Center in Portland, Oregon, is facing significant changes as Urban Renaissance Group and KKR Real Estate plan to demolish the mall to make way for a redevelopment project. This project aims to transform the nearly 30-acre site into a mixed-use area featuring housing, retail, restaurants, and greenspaces. However, the proposed plans do not include a permanent ice rink, prompting community backlash, particularly from the local ice skating community.
Background & Context
The Lloyd Center has a storied history, having opened in 1960 and serving as a hub for shopping and recreation. Over the years, it has seen a decline, losing major anchor stores like Nordstrom. Despite this, the mall has adapted by hosting pop-up markets, art exhibitions, and local businesses, maintaining a unique cultural presence in Portland. The current redevelopment plan follows a two-year process of market research and community input, according to Urban Renaissance Group.
Community Response and Advocacy
The Save Lloyd campaign has emerged as a grassroots effort to preserve the mall and its ice rink. The Save Lloyd Ice Coalition, formed by concerned parents and skaters, is particularly focused on the future of the Lloyd Center Ice Rink. Jenny Gilmore-Robinson, a member of the coalition, expressed disappointment over the lack of a permanent rink in the redevelopment plans, emphasizing the rink's importance to the community and her daughter, Alice, who skates there regularly.
Official Statements & Responses
Urban Renaissance Group has stated that the current mall is no longer economically sustainable, which includes the operation of the ice rink. Managing director Tom Kilbane acknowledged the skating community's significance but reiterated that the future vision includes seasonal outdoor skating rather than a permanent facility. This has not satisfied many community members, who argue for a collaborative development process that includes their input.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the redevelopment plan, including members of the Save Lloyd Ice Coalition, argue that the developers have not adequately engaged with the community. They express concern that the loss of the ice rink would diminish local opportunities for skating and community engagement. Alice Gilmore-Robinson articulated the emotional impact of potentially losing the rink, stating, “to take that away, it’s like taking away part of me.”
What's Next
The ice skating community plans to rally at Portland City Hall to advocate for the rink's preservation. They intend to deliver Valentine's Day cards to the mayor, demonstrating their affection for the rink and seeking his assistance in negotiating with the developers for a compromise. The timeline for the demolition and redevelopment remains uncertain, leaving the future of the Lloyd Center and its ice rink in a precarious position.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What I think the most heartbreaking part of this process is that for years, there have been promises from the developing group, from the owners of the mall, that no matter what this development held, it would definitely include a permanent ice rink,” — Jenny Gilmore-Robinson, Save Lloyd Ice Coalition
- “the mall today is no longer economically sustainable, which, sadly, includes the operation and maintenance of the rink.” — Tom Kilbane, Urban Renaissance Group
- “but what we’re asking for is a development process where the developing company and the community work hand in hand, and that hasn’t happened.” — Jenny Gilmore-Robinson, Save Lloyd Ice Coalition
