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Portland officials and residents evaluate the demolition of Centennial Mills after decades of public ownership and investment.

The demolition of the 116-year-old Centennial Mills warehouse is progressing faster than officials expected, with the building now reduced to half its original height following controlled explosions. Rick Graves of Portland Fire and Rescue noted that the structure is coming down much quicker than anticipated, with the demolition company estimating a full completion within two weeks. This rapid progress follows more than two decades of public ownership, during which the city spent over $12 million on the site. Despite this investment, the city struggled to finalize a redevelopment project, leading to land-use advocates to question the opportunity cost of the vacant land. Jennifer Shook, board president of Portland: Neighbors Welcome, suggested the city should have taken a more active role in partnering with developers to overcome feasibility gaps. While the demolition provides a path to reopening Naito Parkway, it has caused minor impacts for nearby businesses. Amberleigh, owner of Crystal DeLulu, reported losing approximately $20,000 worth of crystals and fossils due to the blast. The site is now in private hands, ending a long period of public ownership and investment.

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