Unitus Purchases New Downtown Digs

PORTLAND, Ore. - Unitus Community Credit Union has purchased a new headquarters building in the heart of Portland's downtown financial district and will relocate its 100 employees next April. The $632-million institution will anchor the 47,000 square foot facility, which will be renamed Unitus Plaza. The building is currently occupied by Columbia Management Group, which is relocating to be closer to parent company Bank of America. The credit union will occupy approximately two-thirds of the building. Current tenants on the first floor, legal offices and a deli, will continue to lease space. "We were looking for a footprint that was a little more efficient than what we've got in (our current) building. It's set up in an odd way, with two separate sides and a hallway dividing it down the middle, which is not efficient for the way we work," said Laurie Kresl, Vice President of Planning and Business Development. Kresl said the new facility will also double parking spaces for members, and provide additional square footage for employees. Unlike the credit union's current location, the new headquarters provides several convenient lunch options for employees, including the ultimate perk: a Starbucks across the street. Although Unitus will sell its existing headquarters building, it will continue to operate a branch at the old location. "The Portland commercial real estate market hadn't been strong lately, but it's picked up recently, so we're hopeful about the sale," Kresl said.