NAMC - Building Capacity, Communities and Construction Opportunities in Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. - Jan. 30, 2014 - PRLog -- California-based developer Majestic Realty Inc. announced today that it has hired NAMC Oregon member, Colas Construction of Portland, Oregon to be the prime contractor on its $8 million development that will bring Trader Joe’s as the anchor tenant to an underrepresented part of Portland.

Selection of the African-American owned prime contractor to build this development not only demonstrates Majestic Realty and Trader Joe’s continuing, long-term commitment to the minority communities in which they build and operate, but recognizes the diverse capacity within the local market. The decision also sends a strong message to the rest of the development and construction world that inclusiveness is profitable business for all stakeholders; that large developments and national stores such as Trader Joe’s can advance their businesses and work hand-in-hand with local minority contractors.

This development takes place in a rapidly-changing neighborhood in Portland, Oregon, in which the community desires economic development but wants to ensure that prosperity is shared equitably by existing residents and underrepresented communities.  Having a strong, local diverse prime contractor with established relationships in the local market expands the opportunity to engage other diverse contractors.

The National Association of Minority Contractors wishes to commend Majestic Realty, Trader Joe’s, Colas Construction, and the Portland Development Commission for their inclusive approach to this project.  NAMC supports the expansion of relationships that provide opportunities for minority contractors to build capacity, communities and construction opportunities in Portland and across the country.

Colas Construction, www.colasconstruction.com, was founded in 1997 by Hermann Colas, a Haitian immigrant and U.S. Army veteran. Colas Construction has built a wide range of projects in the Portland region including mixed use, affordable housing, tenant improvements, education facilities, and commercial retail.

Founded in 1948, Majestic Realty Co. is the largest, privately-held developer and owner of master-planned business parks in the United States.  Majestic’s 70-million square-foot portfolio provides real estate solutions for tenants large and small, creating jobs, tax revenue and community benefits across the country. Headquartered in Southern California, Majestic has regional offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas and Bethlehem, Penn.

Portland Development Commission (PDC) was created in 1958, as an urban renewal and economic development agency.  Since the adoption of its equity-based, neighborhood economic development strategy, the PDC has shifted its mission from a traditional urban renewal agency to one that has made communities of color, lower income people, and traditionally underrepresented areas its top priorities.

The National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) was founded in 1969 to advance the interests and growth of minority contractors, who have been historically underutilized on public and private construction projects throughout the country.

For more information on NAMC and its regional chapters visit, www.namcnational.org, or contact Bob Brewer, Executive Director, ed@namcnational.org, 202.296.1600. The NAMC National Office is located at The Barr Building, 910 17th Street, NW, Suite 413, Washington, DC, 20006.