Downtown Bend booms with new business

Five new businesses, ranging from a restaurant to a mortgage company, have opened up shop recently in downtown Bend, giving the area a big boost to the area and pushing occupancy up to 94 percent.

“We feel that it really shows the longevity and sustainability of downtown and people wanting to be down here, operating their businesses, taking an opportunity,” said Downtown Bend Business Association Executive Director Chuck Arnold. “It’s a chance to run their business in downtown and being part of the group, so we feel that’s really powerful.”

One of the new spots is The Mortgage Company in the Franklin Crossing building.

The owner has been in the business for 18 years and decided to open up his own downtown spot in May.

“A lot of people are looking out there for houses and can’t find anything, because there aren’t enough on the market,” said owner Sean Brennan. “Things come on the market and they sell quickly. So it’s a time you want to get actively involved with a real estate agent to help you look for a house.”

Brennan said choosing downtown was an ideal spot for his business.

“I think we’ll be in here for a long time,” Brennan said. “This is a great location, and I can see us working here for many years at this location right downtown.”

Another new shop that opened up is called Bend Your Imagination, which features gifts and art work made by local artists throughout Oregon.

“We figure the best shop to open would be something that is Oregon based because there is a lot of beautiful art throughout Oregon,” said owner Martha Orozco-Thompson. “We figured that we would support our art and keep that alive through many generations.”

On Oregon Avenue, at a spot formerly known as The Pottery Lounge, new ownership has taken over to open up Earth, Fire, Art.

“So you come in, and you paint your own pottery. And in the wintertime we’re hoping to bring in hand building tables and throwing wheels,” said Rachel Gunderson. “People that can come in can try their hands in clay. It’s something we’ll have along with the ceramics.”

With more stores filling up, and leasing up over last quarter, Arnold says he sees a small indicator of sustainable growth.

“I don’t think it’s an overwhelming sign of things being super cheery just yet, but things are definitely on a good track upwards,” Arnold said.

Downtown will be packed this weekend. The Bend Summer Festival kicks off Friday and many store owners said they’re excited about how many people it will draw to the area.