The intent of these awards is to educate and inspire our fellow citizens by showcasing architecture projects created within the AIA Bend Section area or globally by members of our Section. The program demonstrates to the public the role of the architectural profession in enhancing the built environment through sustainable, resilient, and inclusive design.
Project boards will be on display, visible to the public in the St. Clair Place atrium at 920 NW Bond Street in downtown Bend. The public is asked to vote for their favorite designs in several categories on our online platform beginning at the First Friday Event on July 2, 2021. The PCAs’ website will remain active and voting open until July 25. Votes will be counted, and winners recognized at a Section Meeting scheduled for July 29.

Go to www.aiaoregon.org for the link to the voting galleries, and to learn more.

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About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct to ensure the highest standards in professional practice. Embracing their responsibility to serve society, AIA members engage civic and government leaders and the public in helping find needed solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aiaoregon.org.

            The Summer Solstice has come and gone, we are officially four days into summer and four weeks into the tourist season.  Now that over 68% of the county has received its first dose of the vaccine Deschutes County will be staying in 'Low Risk' level (See those guidelines here) we are just 38,143 people away from hitting the state's goal of 70% vaccination rate. Don't forget in these final few weeks it is up to the business/establishment to determine how to handle the CDC's new mask policies. Please remember to be nice, no one wants to still be in this pandemic, just be kind wear your mask where required and we will hopefully be done soon! Encourage your friends and family to get tested if they are feeling sick or if they are over the age of 16 to get vaccinated. 

Well if are really getting into the spirit of summer and you’re starting your day early, we highly recommend you start off at…

​The Commons Cafe for the perfect roast to start your day off. We proudly offer locally roasted coffee from Thump Coffee, teas from Metolius Tea, 15 taps of delicious beer, cider, and kombucha, and a selection of wines by the glass.  Our food selection includes fresh local baked goods and small snacks

For brunch, our go-to spot is Lemon Tree, the best spot to get a delicious midday bite like the jumbo crab cake benedict or Amaretto French toast. Paired with Betsy’s Bloody Mary or a Mimosa and you are set to have a great day.

Bend Brewing Company, with a massive grass and patio area right on the river, there’s always bound to be some fluffy friends joining for a couple of rounds! A great way to kick it off is with a sample tray, we find it hard to choose one beer when there are so many great options. 

Or maybe you want to hit the brewery that started it all back in 1988, Deschutes brewery is and forever will be a local’s favorite. With classics like Mirror Pond pale ale and new style beers like the Neon Dream hazy.

With spring in full swing our favorite lunch spot is Chomp Chomp. With a rotating seasonal menu of Japanese and American comfort food, from delicious burgers to poke bowls, there’s something for everyone.

Stuck in the brewery mood? Head over to McMenamins for lunch and beer, with 3 different bars, the McMenamins campus is a great place to spend the afternoon.

After lunch swing by Velvet and grab yourself a spot right out front and soak up the sun while you soak up a craft cocktail. Or enjoy a craft beer from one of the largest canned microbrew selections downtown!

Before you head to dinner, stop in at JC’s for a cold pint and some fun! You can play pool, giant Jenga or even shuffleboard. One of our favorite spots to take to everyone, because there is endless entertainment.

Dinner is best spent at Zydeco Kitchen and Cocktails features Northwest cuisine with a Southern twist and focuses on quality ingredients that are hormone-free, pesticide-free, and organic. Zydeco is a local favorite for starters like their Artichoke & Corn Fritters and Acadian Flatbread, and entrees ranging from NW Reserve “PRIME” Ribeye to Grilled or Blackened Redfish.

Maybe you are  in the mood for a margarita, drop in at Hola!, for a margarita list that will leave you wanting to try them all and food menu that manages to outshine the drink list. Serving nouveau Mexican-Peruvian cuisine, including authentic Peruvian ceviche, Hola! has been voted ‘Best Margarita in Bend’ numerous times.

There is no shortage of great bars in Bend so you’ve got to be someplace pretty special to be voted “Best Bar” and “Best Specialty Cocktail” in Central Oregon. Dogwood Cocktail Cabin is that place. Located smack in the heart of downtown Bend, their mixologists shake up uber-creative concoctions that are shaking up the cocktail scene across the country

To wrap up your evening you can head right around the corner to the D & D, a joint that takes pride in the fact that its bartenders mix the stiffest drinks in town. The bartenders and servers are old school efficient and bring out plates of the best hangover food in town. With a the perfect amount of dive bar vibe, it’s Bend’s oldest bar for good reason.
​

 New Law Firm, Resonate IP Informs and Empowers Iconic Lifestyle Brands
 
​Bend-based Resonate IP assists brand owners with protecting business and product names to ensure that each has a broad scope of protection against competitors.  “The Covid-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of having a strong brand, with successful businesses leveraging their consumer goodwill to expand into new markets” states Resonate IP principal Drew Smith.  “Resonate IP bridges the divide between simply doing business and having a strong, enforceable brand that is a business asset.” With services such as Brand Clearance, Brand Protection, Brand Enforcement, Transactional and International Trademarks, check our their website here.

Oktoberfest
We are bringing back Oktoberfest! Things will be looking a little different this year and a lot bit more fun, if you are interested in participating as a sponsor, or event host, or maybe you have a couple of fun ideas up your sleeve let us know. Feel free to reach out to hayden@downtownbend.org
​
Downtown Dollars
In-person or online, we've made it easy for you to support local Downtown Bend merchants:  For a list of Downtown Bend businesses: click here, for online shopping links: click here, for curbside pick-up and delivery from Downtown Bend restaurants: click here. 

​Reserve your Ad Space on a Downtown Directory! 
Ad spaces are available for every type of business, and we offer extremely competitive advertising rates!  You don't have to be a business in the Downtown District to place an ad.  Contact us or click here for more information.  This is a great opportunity to showcase your business to thousands of people every single day!

Scalehouse Gallery, is pleased to announce their new exhibition, Theory + Practice: A Selected Exhibition of OSU-Cascades Seniors. This exhibition will open Friday July 2nd, and will be on view through Saturday, June 31st. We are located in Franklin Crossing on Tin Pan Alley Side. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 1pm-6pm and by appointment. The exhibition Theory + Practice, features thesis artwork from Arts, Media and Technology seniors at OSU-Cascades. The exhibit samples artwork from New Media practices within the degree including virtual reality environments, multi-channel video works, and digitally composited imagery.

Accompanying the show will be a featured publication, Theory + Practice Journal I, composed of essays dealing with the theoretical underpinnings of the work shown and those of other students in the program. “Each of the exhibiting artists have participated in a capstone intensive during their time at OSU-Cascades and while this exhibition is not the overall portfolio of their time at Cascades, it is the coming together of their explorations and concerns both conceptually and technically. The works on display exhibit a serious inquiry into the conceptual makeup of our contemporary day-to-day dealing with loss, memory, and overall existence,” said Kiel Fletcher, Chair of the Board for Scalehouse Collaborative for the Arts and Oregon State University-Cascades Program Coordinator and Senior Instructor I, Art and Arts, Media & Technology

EXHIBITION FEATURED ARTISTS: Sandra Dennis, Kate Kolb, Hanna Wilkins

If you haven't heard the local news this week, here is an excerpt from The Source about potentially repurposing Minnesota Ave, into a walkable promenade. 

"The 300-foot-long stretch of Minnesota Avenue between Bond and Wall Street is host to about a dozen businesses at the center of Bend's historic downtown. A proposal could transform it from a through street to a walkable community gathering space.
The Downtown Bend Business Association was commissioned by the City to create plans for the Minnesota Avenue Pedestrian Plaza, closing that portion of the street to traffic and adding amenities that would attract people downtown. City Manager Erik King came to the DBBA after the newest City Council was elected—some of whom advocate for increased walkability and bikeability in Bend." 

This article was written by Jack Harvel at The Source, you can find the full article here. 

Well what would that potentially look like? That's what the Downtown Bend Business Association was tasked with figuring out. 

​Introducing the Minnesota Promenade concept, developed to give public space back to the people of Bend and all who visit the most popular city in Central Oregon. The Minnesota Promenade proposes the idea of reinventing Minnesota Avenue between Wall and Bond Streets, fostering community by building a place for social connections, conversation, dining and entertainment. This promenade could be a vital part of what makes Bend's future great.  We are currently at the beginning stages of this conversation, and much more research and development is needed before we, as a community, know the best way to move forward with the growth & development of Downtown Bend.   Could pedestrian promenades be a part of the future vision that is developed for Downtown Bend?  We hope that you'll take a look at the information below and share with us your thoughts and feelings on this concept.

On Wednesday the 16th Mindy Aisling the Executive Director at the Downtown Bend Business Association, presented her research on walkable spaces to the city council. Here is just a snippet of that research, you can find more at the project official website. Tasked by the city, Aisling was able to speak to sister cities that successfully launched pedestrian friendly and walkable promenades, such as Pearl street in Colorado and Church Street in Vermont. 

To learn more you can visit the projects official webpage here, you can also find community commentary here, and we encourage you to fill out the comment section at the bottom of the page! 

To read more news articles on the subject, check out Central Oregon Daily's story here.

To Watch KTVZ's story, go here.

For the full article from The Source, go here.

And here is the project official webpage. 

OBSTRUCT THERMAL HOODIE at Cascade Cottons
$39.95
​Waffle knit thermal hooded pull over with front screen print. Light weight warming layer. 
Colors: Sand Tan and Woodland Grey

Desperado captivates a bohemian inspired wardrobe to fit any lifestyle.  Featuring a vast array of women’s clothing, footwear, and accessories plus gifts for women, men, kids & baby at a broad price point with outstanding customer service.  Recognized for our incredible selection of custom boots and glamorous apparel- featuring Johnny Was, JW LA, Biya, Old Gringo, Liberty Black Boots, XCVI, Double D, PJ Salvage, Bed | Stu, Sofft, denim by Driftwood, Dear John, Stonefield and many more.
Nearly 24 years ago Desperado began in Portland’s historic Pearl District as a high-end Western Lifestyle store carrying everything from custom boots to handmade rugs. In 2007, owner & proprietor Joanne Sunnarborg moved her business to Bend, Oregon’s Old Mill District which was our home for nearly 13 years.  In the late summer of 2020 we made the move to downtown Bend where we now proudly have our shop on Bond Street in the heart of Bend’s best locally owned shopping district. We hope you’ll love our new location as much as we do.  Downtown Bend offers some of the best boutique shopping, dining and people watching anywhere in the Pacific Northwest.  Come see us at 933 NW Bond Street next to Bend’s oldest Bar & Grill the iconic D&D.
Visit Desperado for a refreshingly unique shopping experience that can always include a complimentary local brew or fine wine.  Don’t miss this eclectic boutique and shoe store where you may come in as a stranger but will always leave as a friend.

Desperado Boutique
933 NW Bond St, Bend, OR 97703
​(541) 749-9980

           The warm weather is back! Now that over 65% of the county has received its first dose of the vaccine Deschutes County will be staying in 'Low Risk' level (See those guidelines here). Don't forget folks it is up to the business/establishment to determine how to handle the CDC's new mask policies. Please remember to be nice, no one wants to still be in this pandemic, just be kind wear your mask indoors and we will hopefully be done soon! Encourage your friends and family to get tested if they are feeling sick or if they are over the age of 16 to get vaccinated. 

              First Friday's are coming back Tomorrow June 4th! We are so excited to announce that after 14 months of patiently waiting we are finally at 'Low Risk' level, and we feel safe about bringing back one of our favorite events. Here's just a few things to make your first post pandemic art walk a little more fun!

• The Tower Theatre will be giving out free popcorn as well as provide public bathrooms Head over to our Website or our Facebook for more details. 
• Friday, June 4th, take advantage of easy and convenient parking in the Centennial Garage for First Friday! Download and use the Pango Mobile App before you arrive and use coupon code FIRSTFRIDAY to enjoy 3 hours free parking! Download the app here: https://www.mypango.com/get-app/
• Engel and Volkers will be joining in on the fun for the first time, so make sure to stop by and say hello! 
• Bella Brides will be featuring two amazing local artists, Sarah Geurts  @artbysarahjean525  and Amanda Ackerman   @amandasellsherart

We are all excited to get back out, enjoy the warm summer air and all that Bend has to offer, don't forget to be patient if places are busy, support your local businesses and have fun! 

m         This week we enjoyed brunch in Lemon Tree's new parklet on Franklin. We had our new favorite the Amaretto French Toast with fresh berries, slivered almonds and berry coulis. Made with Big Ed’s Brioche and a lot of love. We also had the ​Seared Steak Benedict, Grilled sous-vide tri-tip served atop crispy hash browns with two perfect poachers* and creamy Hollandaise.

           For drinks we always love to go over to Hola! on Bond St, its hard to beat the Red Cactus margarita and a front row view of the always active downtown scene. Hola! is convenient too, because after a round of margaritas you can walk right over to Bonta and get a bowl of incredible artisan Gelato, we highly recommend the Espresso and Brownies. 

​      Reserve your Ad Space on a Downtown Directory! 

Ad spaces are available for every type of business, and we offer extremely competitive advertising rates!  You don't have to be a business in the Downtown District to place an ad.  Contact us or click here for more information.  This is a great opportunity to showcase your business to thousands of people every single day!

​Downtown Digital Bucks
If you missed out last time, now is your chance to get your business set up to accept Digital Downtown Bucks, sign up here.
If you have questions or are looking for more information about this program go here. 

Oktoberfest
We are bringing back Oktoberfest! Things will be looking a little different this year and a lot bit more fun, if you are interested in participating as a sponsor, or event host, or maybe you have a couple of fun ideas up your sleeve let us know. Feel free to reach out to hayden@downtownbend.org
​
In-person or online, we've made it easy for you to support local Downtown Bend merchants:  For a list of Downtown Bend businesses: click here, for online shopping links: click here, for curbside pick-up and delivery from Downtown Bend restaurants: click here.