Address: 6615 SE Foster Road
Date of site approval: 2013
Acreage: 0.12
Zoning: commercial

Located on the southeast corner of SE 67^th and SE Foster in the Foster-Powell neighborhood, this roughly 7500 square foot building constructed in 1922, was once home to the Phoenix Pharmacy.  Built, owned, and operated by John Leach who lived with his wife on what is now the Leach Botanical Gardens, the pharmacy was centered at the core of the community, considered a gem, and attracted many people to the area.

The current owner, Robert “Buck” Froman, bought the property in 1999 but it has only served as storage up until now. Buck’s son, Matt Froman is currently trying to find financing or a willing purchaser who has the vision of bringing the building back to life.  Prior to redevelopment and part of his due diligence, Matt contacted the Brownfield Program for assistance with a Phase I environmental site assessment (ESA).  Although the Phase I ESA did not find a past use that may have caused contamination of the soil or groundwater, the report did reveal the potential for building materials containing asbestos.

Matt hopes that this historic building will once again serve the community and help revitalize the area.  For that to happen the building code must first be brought up to date. Matt envisions the space becoming a restaurant and a blues bar on the ground floor, office space upstairs, using the back warehouse and basement as storage.  He'd also like to see the architectural features restored and the updated building incorporating green design.  Visit the Foster the Phoenix Facebook page for regular updates on this project.

“My goal is to bring it back to relevance” - Matt Froman; from The Oregonian.