Demolition at corner of NW Third and Burnside this weekend makes way for new Union Gospel Mission building

Portland, OR- Two dilapidated, abandoned buildings at the corner of NW Third and Burnside will be demolished this weekend, starting Saturday, October 11th. The two buildings, owned by Union Gospel Mission, are being demolished to make way for a new five story building to be called the "LifeChange Center." The new LifeChange Center will house residents of Union Gospel Mission's addiction recovery program, LifeChange, as well as expanding Union Gospel Mission's meal services for the homeless and needy. Currently, LifeChange can accommodate 30 men and women, when the new facility is complete, there will be room for 70 residents.

A large crane, with a 90-ton P and H "Clam bucket" will begin the demolition of the two buildings between 9:00 am and 10:00 am on Saturday. Konnel Demolition is the contractor for the demolition phase, and Hoffman Construction will begin construction on the new building during the spring of 2004. The building was designed by SERA Architects.

The building will also house an education floor with classrooms and computer learning rooms for LifeChange residents, and the administrative offices of Union Gospel Mission.

About Union Gospel Mission: Union Gospel Mission has been "feeding the hungry and restoring the addict" since 1927. Union Gospel Mission provides meals for the homeless and needy and runs LifeChange, a long-term addiction recovery community. In LifeChange, residents live and work at Union Gospel Mission for two to four years and learn to overcome addiction and build new lives. For more information about Union Gospel Mission and LifeChange contact 503-274-4483, or visit online at www.ugmportland.com.

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Note: The media is invited to come to the demolition on Saturday, October 11 between 9:00 am and 10:00 am to film/photograph the beginning of the building demolition at the corner of NW Third and Burnside. Union Gospel Mission Executive Director, Bill Russell will be available for interviews. Drawings of the new structure will also be available. For more information and as a contact on Saturday call Stacy Kean at 503-314-5235 (cell).