The growing city of La Pine could see new several new businesses coming: Starbucks, Walgreens, AutoZone
(Update: Adding video, comments by La Pine's city manager, Chamber of Commerce)
LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The city of La Pine is a fast-growing part of Central Oregon, and now it could get even bigger, in terms of some very familiar shopping options.
"It just means potentially new opportunities for people to to shop in, shall we say, companies or businesses that are at this time not currently present in the community," City Manager Geoff Wullschlager said Thursday.
He said the city was contacted earlier this summer by Dickerhoof Properties. The group expressed interest in potentially developing some new commercial properties -- it could include a Starbucks, AutoZone and Walgreens.
In just the last year, six new businesses have come to the growing town.
"The intended location for the Starbucks where the existing Chamber of Commerce building is, which is shared with a florist," Wullschlager said. "The florist has already moved out, and the Chamber of Commerce is moving to a location across Highway 97. And again, it's my understanding that the interest is to put the AutoZone there. Those are both on the west side of highway 97,"
And the possible Walgreens would be situated where Coach's used to be.
La Pine's Chamber of Commerce's Executive Director Ann Gawith said the downside to moving is potentially losing a historical building.
They're set to leave their old location by the end of September.
"The fact that more corporate-style businesses are coming in is probably not ideal, but we don't want to discourage business, either," Gawith said.
Wullschlager said the city has spoken briefly with Dickerhoof Properties and a representative from Rhine-Cross Group, an engineering and surveying company.
"I don't want us to be perceived as anti-business," Gawith said. "You know, we -- that's why we exist, and we love representing the businesses in our town -- all of them, large and small."
The groups would need to complete the site plan applications in order to move forward with their request.
