In March 2004, the City of Bend began the process of preparing a master concept plan for central Bend, which includes the downtown business core and its surrounding neighborhoods.  Part 1 of this process took a broad view of the central area of Bend to result in an overall vision and framework for future development, redevelopment, and investment in the study area. The City is now embarking on Part 2, which will build on work currently underway to create a long-term land use, redevelopment, and transportation plan for Bend's central area. 

The Central Area Plan addresses the area bounded on the west by the Deschutes River, on the north by Butler Market Road, on the east by Fourth Street, and on the south by Colorado Avenue (see Figure 1 below). The geographic focus of Part 2 is the area adjacent to Bend's existing downtown core, including the Third Street Corridor, and neighborhoods to the east, north, and south.

Central Area Vision

The economic leader and social focal point of the region, the Bend Central Area is comprised of several districts with their own distinct identity, character and unique collection of uses.

These districts represent a land use, transportation, and economic system that preserves and enhances the best part of the Central Area while supporting revitalization where needed.  Each district contributes to the overarching identity and overall sense of place for what is "Bend."

Central Area Framework Concept

The purpose of the Central Area Plan is to guide future growth-20 to 30 years and beyond-while protecting the unique characteristics that have made Bend such a special place. The Central Area Plan provides the link between the existing successful downtown area and recent planning efforts with a land use and urban design framework designed to guide and catalyze future private and public investment.

The Central Area Plan focuses on the fundamental elements of quality urban design, access and mobility, and development and redevelopment opportunities in order to maintain and enhance the vibrant character of central Bend. Quality design guidelines can maintain and encourage a neighborly feel as people naturally gather in public spaces on their way to a variety of activities. Future transportation decisions will determine how people access the study area and whether the area sustains (and expands) its pedestrian "small town" feel. Finally, encouraging development appropriate to different districts in the study area, and recommending redevelopment of a few key sites, is key to this conceptual plan framework.

In Part 2 of the Central Area Plan, the project team has paid special attention to the issues of mobility, circulation and access within and between the districts comprising the study area, and the balance of the community. Specifically, Part 2 focuses on:

• The conceptual plan and recommended uses,
• The transportation system and other supporting infrastructure, and
• Development options for the Central Area Neighborhoods.
  
  
  

- Central Area Plan Part 2 Study Area -  View map
- January 23, 2007 Open House: 
   •  PowerPoint presentation (*note large PDF file)

- Graphics
•  Catalyst Development Opportunities
•  City Form and Skyline

•  Defined Districts 
•  Development Types
•  Hierarchy of Streets and Intersections of Character
•  Large Scale Development Opportunities
•  Network of Open Spaces