Wapato Jail Demolition Permit Filed, Future Of Site Unclear

PORTLAND, OR – Wapato Detention Facility is the jail that's never been. Since it was built in 2004, it has been a Rorschach test as politicians and activists have looked at it and seen different things. Some have seen it as a jail, some looked and saw a homeless shelter. Still other looked and concluded it would be a great mental health facility.

The one thing it has not been is a jail with inmates. In the 14 years since it was completed, it has not held any inmates. Not one.

Pretty soon, it's possible that you won't even be able to look at Wapato anymore.

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A permit has been filed to demolish the 155,000 square foot building.

Developer Jordan Schnitzer, who bought the building last spring, has said he would prefer to see the building turned into a facility for the homeless.

It's an idea that's been tossed back and forth, it was even a major point of contention during the recent city council campaign between Loretta Smith, who supported turning it into a shelter, and Jo Ann Hardesty, the winner who opposed the idea.

The main complaint about using it for the homeless has been Wapato's isolation from support services.

The filing for a permit it isn't a complete surprise.

Schnitzer has said it costs him $50,000 each month to maintain the facility. At the same time, he's said to be continuing negotiations with community groups about turning it into transitional housing.

Photo via Multnomah County.