Big Al’s grows into Oregon; Cinetopia may follow in 2011

BEAVERTON, Ore. — After years of waiting, commercial progress is finally coming to Progress Ridge with the expected opening of Big Al’s bowling center in August. And Cinetopia and New Seasons could — repeat, could — be next, with developers eyeing openings in 2011.

Daniel Kirkwood, vice president of the development company for Big Al’s, said the 66,000-square-foot bowling center should open August 16. Kirkwood said Big Al’s will be a destination that can stand on its own but anticipated development for neighboring property will be the key to long-term success.

“Very much so. Having a completed town center with multiple attractions — Cinetopia and New Seasons — will just draw more traffic, more people into our center as well,” he said.

Gramor Development, which would develop the adjacent land, has been trying to secure financing for several years. The Tualatin-based company’s vision includes New Seasons and Cinetopia.

“There’s strong indications of funding,” said Matt Grady, a project manager for Gramor, who added that a formal announcement could come in July.

Progress Ridge is a former rock quarry now home to dense housing but no commercial amenities to accompany it.

Progress Ridge’s commercial hub is slated for 20 acres along Southwest Barrows Road, three miles west of Oregon 217 and near where affluent Beaverton and Bull Mountain subdivisions are hemmed in by the region’s urban growth boundary.