Right now, it’s all talk.

The university center in Rockwood dreamed up by MHCC President Robert Silverman and real estate developer Fred Bruning is still only that, a dream.

“A project has not evolved to where Mt. Hood’s board could make a decision. At this time, it is still a dream,” Silverman said last week. “From my point of view, I can only do something if the (MHCCD) board says ‘yes’.” The MHCCD board has not spoken on the issue because there is no plan yet.

Silverman and Bruning have been in talks with Portland State University regarding a potential center for commerce, education and medical offices in a vacant Fred Meyer building at 18535 SE Stark. This center has the potential to bring four-year degrees to East County.

Silverman said the fine details, such as how much money MHCC would have to spend and how much potential there is to make money, haven’t been decided yet. Silverman said he had ambitiously hoped the plan would be carried out within 18 months of its conception, but it seems it will take longer.

A problem that has surfaced: another party is interested, who may have the money to purchase the property. Competition could be bad for the ambitious plan. “The college doesn’t have it [the money],” said Silverman.

Silverman thinks the other offer may accelerate the planning of the university center, but there is no proposal to the board planned. One of the major issues still to be determined is the leasing structure for the building. Without that the board will have nothing to base a decision on.

Silverman observed that the property surrounding the area has seen increases in the asking price. “It would be good for the college to be there under the right conditions,” said Silverman.