PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland is getting a Ritz-Carlton hotel in the space that has long been home to a beloved pod of food carts.
Marriott International, Inc. announced Thursday it has signed an agreement with BPM Real Estate to bring the first Ritz-Carleton to the Pacific Northwest.
“Right now Portland does not have a true 5-star hotel,” said Marcus Hibdon, director of communications for Travel Portland. “We knew this area was likely to see a luxury property, we just weren’t sure which brand it would be.”
The new hotel will have 251 rooms and 138 residential units in the 35-story tower. There are also plans for high-end office space and a food hall on the first floor.
“The Ritz-Carlton, Portland will set a new standard for luxury hospitality in Portland, expand this iconic brand to the Pacific Northwest and introduce locals to the refined elegance and amenities associated with the Ritz-Carlton Residence lifestyle.”
Marriott said there will be exclusive entrances for hotel guest and residents, a fitness center, full spa, pool and indoor/outdoor restaurant on the 20th floor with “panoramic views of Portland and the Cascade Mountain Range.”
Meanwhile, food cart owners are just days away from moving out of the space.
“We try to make the last amount of money we can before we have to leave on the 30th,” Danny Chan of Sumo Sushi said.
Chan said he’s happy the city is growing but wishes city leaders would provide a new spot for food carts to grow as well.
“It’s kind of hard for us right now,” he said. “I do wish the city would do that, there’s been a lot of talks but nothing for sure.”
Construction should start later in 2019 and it’s expected to open in 2023.