Five new businesses in downtown Bend

The Downtown Bend Business Association announced Monday a higher occupancy rate for the fourth quarter of 2014 and five new businesses opening.

Occupancy climbed in the downtown district one percentage point over last quarter to 97 percent. The occupancy rate is based upon the number of leased street level retail/restaurant spaces in the downtown district.

“Leasing is strong and with some key spaces getting filled, it is certainly a positive economic indicator that new businesses are starting up.” Says DBBA Executive Director Chuck Arnold.

New businesses starting up this quarter are located on:

Bond Street

805 Bond – The former Home Federal Bank branch is leased and will soon be home to Bank Of The Cascades Mortgage offices.

932 Bond – Bond Street Grill (formerly Caldera Grill) abruptly closed in the fall and has been leased to an undisclosed restaurant tenant.

Minnesota Avenue

920 Bond – Leased in the St. Clair Building on Minnesota is Bonta Gelato replacing Urban Minx. Bonta has been in business for several years in Bend serving up its sweet treats at local markets and events. The artisan local-made frozen dessert shop will be scooping in the spring.

Wall Street

945 Wall – After decades as a single space, 945 Wall Street (former home of Robert’s On Wall Street) has been renovated back into two spaces and leased. The two clothing tenants will take occupancy this winter.

The DBBA is a private nonprofit organization representing approximately 350 businesses and 85 property owners working to keep Downtown Bend vibrant. The organization is responsible for downtown beautification, cleaning and maintenance, marketing, events, and keeping the business environment healthy.

More information is available at DowntownBend.org.