Retail attractions thriving
Central Oregon’s population growth has been accompanied by a surge in retail activity, reflecting the multi-faceted character of the region. From big-box national retailers to unique artisan shops and galleries, there is something for everyone. Places you will want to visit, or turn to for the choices they offer:Bend’s North End
Cascade Village, which lies at the junction of Highways 97 and 20, represents the transformation of one of Bend’s first shopping malls into a campus of retail structures housing national and regional brands including J.C. Penney, Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Trader Joe's and Dick's Sporting Goods. Cascade Village adjoins a contiguous retail district in the area that includes Target, Staples, Home Depot and Lowe’s outlets.
Bend River Promenade is a remake of an older mall in the north end of Bend, anchored by Sears, TJ Maxx, Kohl's and an enlarged Macy’s store.
Downtown Bend
Downtown has undergone a significant Renaissance over the past few years. The area was badly neglected several decades ago when many old-line retailers moved out to the city’s first shopping malls on the edge of town. It has since been transformed into an exciting district of galleries, specialty shops, and eating and drinking emporia. The restored art deco Tower Theater is a centerpiece of the area. Architects and building owners involved in restoration and new construction pay homage to the city’s history through thoughtful architecture and design.
Further transforming the character of the downtown district are mixed-used structures incorporating loft-style condominiums and offices in upper levels. As a retail center, downtown focuses on specialty shops, home furnishings, galleries and restaurants.
Old Mill District
South of the Bend downtown area is the Old Mill District, developed on a 270-acre former sawmill site spanning the Deschutes River. Focal point of the expansive office development are the Shops at the Old Mill, which combine national retail brands with upscale local shops, galleries, restaurants and a 16-screen cinema.
No big-box stores are found here, but familiar names such as Banana Republic, REI, Orvis, Chico’s, Gap and Victoria’s Secret help provide a diverse selection of shopping opportunities. Many restaurants have open-air dining areas facing the river. Across the river from the shopping area, the Les Schwab Amphitheater is an outdoor venue that books a variety of name entertainment. It can handle up to 8,000 people.
Forum Mall area
Take Highway 20 east, skirting Pilot Butte and extending through a gauntlet of auto dealers and you will find a thriving retail area surrounding the intersection of Highway 20 and NE 27th St. Occupying the northwest corner, Forum Mall is a complex of buildings, interior streets and parking areas combining local shops and eateries with brand-name retailers such as Costco, Barnes & Noble, Old Navy, Office Max and Safeway. Other corners of the intersection are occupied with retail and service outlets as well. Leading toward the Forum area, Highway 20 is developing into a community of new shops in small retail developments that are pulling established local retail and restaurant names to the growing—and economically viable—east side of Bend.
Other Bend areas
Bend’s Third Street was the main U.S. 97 north-south route through town until the Bend Parkway shouldered that responsibility roughly a decade ago. Here will be found a potpourri of old and new retail establishments typical of a four-lane business route, from fast-food franchises to auto dealers. The arterial is identified as a focal point of a Central Area Plan undertaken by the City of Bend that, when implemented at some future point in time, will incorporate traffic and zoning changes to encourage private sector redevelopment.
No overview of Bend’s shopping scene would be complete without mention of the small neighborhood establishments along NE Newport Ave., NE Galveston Ave. and NE 14th St./Century Drive. Bike, ski and board shops share these picturesque in-town arterials with a variety of boutique retailers, eateries and pubs, many situated in converted cottages. The Neighborhood Center at NorthWest Crossing is a lively centerpiece to the mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly planned community on Bend's west side, its shops and galleries often providing the backdrop for community events such as Hullabaloo, Spring Festival and Saturday Farmer's Market.
Redmond
Relief from downtown traffic congestion is propelling Redmond into a lively retail center. A re-route of Highway 97 has been completed, diverting through traffic away from the 5th St./6th St. couplet through the downtown district.
Downtown Redmond thus has undergone an initial redevelopment, with more on the way as Downtown Urban Renewal District plans are developed. The first project along three blocks of 5th St. has provided new paving and sidewalks, and upgraded building facades. Civic and business leaders hope to transform it into a vibrant boutique shopping area focused on the arts, including live/work and art studio units in mixed-use structures. This will be accompanied by renovation of the historic Evergreen School building as a new city hall.
Meanwhile, Redmond’s growth has stimulated retail develop of a more tangible nature. A Wal-Mart Supercenter, Home Depot and Lowe’s stores have opened in the north end and middle of Redmond/
Sisters
Sisters is a shopping destination unto itself. Buildings along its three parallel downtown streets are restricted architecturally to represent an Old West theme. They house a variety of merchants with an emphasis on art galleries, interior decorators, apparel and gift shops. These have been joined by the Five Pines Lodge and Convention Center and a surrounding retail area at the east end of town, plus new shops at the west end of town. Punctuate the shopping venues with a few resting spots like Bronco Billy’s Ranch Grill & Saloon or the Three Creeks Brewing Company and you have all the ingredients for a day’s outing.
Sisters hosts an annual folk festival, an outdoor quilt show, art auction and the Sisters Rodeo, events that keep people returning to the quaint mountain town after they’re reached their shopping limit.
Return to Urban Pleasures title page
