‘It means a lot to us’: Fifteen new businesses have opened in downtown Redmond this year

(Update: Adding video, comments from city of Redmond, businesses)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- More than a dozen new businesses have opened in downtown Redmond this year. The Redmond Urban Renewal Agency said they are in the retail, restaurant and service sectors. 

 "I think what's really important is that this community is so proud of its small town feel," Meghan Gassner, the city's urban renewal program analyst, said Wednesday.

Downtown Redmond’s business occupancy rate remains at 91%, just three points off last year’s high of 94%, the agency said.

Gasner said, "You really see that in the way that (the city) supports its downtown businesses."

Dining and snack options now include places like Cuppa Yo, The Moontower and Morning Story.

 "It means a lot to us," Morning Story co-owner, Yee said. "And then we came up with the name of the Morning Story. Since we've been here since like 6:30 in the morning, and everyone to have their own story."

NewsChannel 21 also spoke with the floral shop High Desert Florals.

They and Two Gifty Girls are new to the decor and furnishing scene.  

High Desert Florals owner Gloria Rice said, "Our store has really unique items. So if you're wanting to add something on the flowers, it's a perfect place. Or if you're just wanting like a little gift for a family or a loved one."

 When it comes to beauty, health and fitness, you can now go to the Boutique of Redmond and Cascade Beauty and More. And for the children, there's the High Desert Geckos Exotic Pets and Little Bug Play Hub.

Rice said, "Being on Sixth Street is amazing. It's just fun to be a part of a community and an area where people are walking up and down the street and wanting to, you know, just see all the cute stores and being a part of the charm."

Here is the news release on the new businesses downtown:

The Redmond Urban Renewal Agency says 15 new businesses in the retail/restaurant/service sectors have opened downtown since the beginning of 2023.

Downtown Redmond’s business occupancy rate remains strong at 91%, just three points off last year’s high of 94%.

Downtown Urban Renewal Advisory Committee Chair Monica Huey remains optimistic about the direction of downtown.

“While we have a few more vacancies, the flow of new investment, ideas, and energy is strong," Huey said in a news release this week. "Downtown is the hub of the community, and the variety of things to do continues to grow. We have been and will continue to be more active than ever with incentives to help businesses locate in our core.”

Some of the new businesses opened downtown this year include:

Expanded eating and drinking options: Beyond The Vine (423 SW 8^th Street) wine bar;  Cuppa Yo (446 SW 6^th Street) frozen yogurt; M Caffe (235 SW 6^th Street) baked goods, salads, coffee, and more; Morning Story (457 SW 6^th Street) Boba Tea and sweets in the former Halo Donuts location; The Moontower (329 SW 6^th Street) local renovated bar and Rincon Azteca (526 SW 6^th Street) sit down and to-go Mexican food.

Décor, furnishings, and gifts: The Black Iris (627 SW Deschutes) gifts and furnishings; Two Gifty Girls (433 SW 6^th Street) gifts and home décor; and High Desert Florals (231 SW 6^th Street) flower shop.

Beauty, health, & fitness: Beautique of Redmond (342 SW 7^th Street) hair salon; Cascade Beauty & More (615 SW 6^th Street) hair Salon, Skin Studio of Redmond (553 SW 6^th Street) facials and skin services; Tompkins Chiropractic (210 SW 5^th Street) chiropractic office.

Kids and pets:  High Desert Geckos Exotic Pets (632 SW 6^th Street) geckos, amphibians, aquarium set-ups; Little Bug Play Hub (522 SW 6^th Street) play place for kids.

The Redmond Urban Renewal Agency works to attract businesses and downtown investment as prescribed in the Downtown Urban Renewal Plan. Incentives are available to support new and existing business investment through grants and loans to help make projects a reality.

More information on incentives can be found at: www.RedmondOregon.gov or by contacting Meghan Gassner, Urban Renewal Program Analyst, at (541) 923-7759 or email Meghan.Gassner@RedmondOregon.gov.

*The occupancy rate is determined by an evaluation of approximately 100 ground floor commercial spaces in the downtown district as of November 27, 2023.