Central Oregon News Digest
January 2012 edition now available
The January 2012 issue of The Garner Group’s Central Oregon News Digest has been delivered by e-mail to some 1,300 clients, friends and colleagues. Compiled from news reports by our staff, the newsletter summarizes events relative to the Bend Oregon real estate market, economic news, major development projects and Central Oregon growth in general.We have been producing the newsletter since early 2006. Initial issues went out by mail, but we soon switched to e-mail as a more effective means of communicating with our friends and clients. E-mail distribution also permits us to keep our list of recipients fresh and up to date. Response has been gratifying, encouraging us to keep the newsletter in a prominent position among the information services provided by The Garner Group.
Please use the sign-up form at left if you wish to keep abreast of economic news in Bend and Central Oregon. We’ll make sure you receive future issues without obligation. Download a copy of the January 2012 newsletter in PDF format.
Here are some headlines from the January issue:
Housing inventory declines, new construction up in 2011. Fewer active listings means it may be difficult for home buyers to find what they want, putting pressure on builders to increase new home production. NorthWest Crossing soars in a parallel universe. More good news: notices of default fell sharply in 2011.
'Two in one' floor plans attract extended families. Multiple generations under one roof are influencing home design. One solution: private quarters that don't meet the definition of an apartment, thus avoiding zoning issues. Lennar Homes calls them "Next Gen" plans.
Land use issues: Deschutes County has launched an effort to develop a detailed comprehensive plan for the southern part of the county. State land board wants to get Stevens Rd. parcel into redrafted Bend UGB. Watchdog group challenges a Deschutes County comprehensive plan amendment essenetial to a tri-county initiative to identify large parcels that would attract industry.
Pronghorn ownership changes. The Resort Group LLC, based in Honolulu, has purchased outstanding loans of $43 million from a European bank, giving them ownership of two golf courses, the clubhouse and 90 unsold lots. Troon Golf continues to manage golf and hospitality operations.
Bend's brewing industry grows. Beer industry veteran and two partners begin remodeling an old transmission shop near the Bend Parkway into a brewery and tasting room. On the east side, brewery and "beer university" complex should break ground in February.
Road nationals stay another year. USA Cycling will keep the Masters Road National Championships in Bend through 2013. Last year's races brought over 3,000 people to Bend, producing an economic impact of over $1 million. This year's championships are Sept. 5-9, 2013 dates are Sept. 4-8.
There's much more. Click here to download the complete newsletter.
