New development underway near Bend’s Old Mill

Construction crews are breaking ground on the Old Mill area’s newest addition. A 35,000-square-foot grocery chain called Market of Choice will be constructed on a parcel of land between Colorado and Arizona avenues south of downtown Bend.

Developers also will put in two small commercial buildings for retail, restaurants and offices.

The site, between downtown Bend and the Old Mill District, is less then a quarter-mile away from another piece of property where big plans are in store.

City officials told NewsChannel 21 they have approved a master plan to turn the Old Mill’s former crane shed site into a new four-story hotel and some other commercial buildings. However, that land is currently preserved as a historic site. City Planner Aaron Henson the developers are in the process of getting that designation removed.

The new plans brings Bend’s total hotel projects up to three. Visit Bend CEO Doug LaPlaca said there’s another hotel planned for a site near Wilson Avenue and downtown additions at McMenamin’s Old St. Francis Hotel.

He said the extra rooms are badly needed.

Molalla resident Carrie Sandberg agrees. She said she’s visited Bend for decades but has recently decided she may plan her vacations elsewhere.

“It’s very expensive, especially in the summertime — there’s really no place to stay and you have to pay such a premium,” Sandberg said.

LaPlaca said the new development should take some pressure off room rates and availability.

Nearby business owners hope the 105-room Marriot SpringHill Suites off Industrial Way will cement the area as a premiere one for visitors and tourists.

“It’s exciting to hear about something coming in, and I guess there’s going to be restaurants and store and the big hotel. This area has so much energy now,” said Backcountry Recumbent Cycles owner Mark Waters. “I think it’s going to contribute more to everybody’s business.”

However, Waters’ wife has some concerns. She said the busy corridor connecting the Old Mill with downtown has few marked crossings, and cars drive too fast.

“We take our lives into our hands crossing this street every day when we park along it, so I’d really like to see them put in some safety measures very soon before that development is finished,” Reng Grace said.

Developers did not return NewsChannel 21’s phone calls Monday, but city officials said it will be at least several months before any construction starts on the property off Industrial Way.