In 1993, when the City entered into the agreements for the development and operations of the Rose Quarter facilities (Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Moda Center and parking), the VMC was described as a secondary event venue but the potential to close and demolish the building was left open. Over the last twenty years, the City has conducted a number of studies and entered into several discussions about the future of the VMC. Most recently, a 2010-2012 process ended when a series of agreements for a $31.5 million renovation project did not reach completion.

The Veterans Memorial Coliseum Option Study began in Sept 2014 and provides a comparative examination of different potential options. A team of consultants provided analyses to inform the study including architectural design work, construction cost estimates, market analysis and financial analyses. The Study consolidates and summarizes the consultants’ reports, all of which are included as appendices to the staff report.

The options explored in the effort include:

• Continue Current Operations/Temporary Closure
• Permanent Closure/Deconstruct for Future Redevelopment
• Renovate/Remodel/Transform (5 different scenarios)

In 2020, the City is working on a renovation plan for the building.