In making the decision, the council was up against the 120-day deadline for processing the application, a deadline American Property Management was unwilling to extend given the numerous meetings with city staff and neighbors and the appeals process they've already had to endure.

Much of the delay was caused by American Property's original plan to clear-cut the site in preparation for the project. The site contains some 400 trees, many of which are substantial firs. Ultimately, American property agreed to retain 50 of the substantial trees and then add back 100 young trees as part of the landscaping process.

The project will go up adjacent Gresham Station, a 300,000-sf retail center being developed by Center Oak Properties that is now 90% leased up. Existing tenants include Gap, Old Navy, Bed Bath & Beyond and Borders Books. Another building nearing completion will house Red Robin, Dress Barn, Men's Warehouse, Kay-Bee Toys and Honey Baked Ham and Portland Teachers Credit Union.