The Minnesota Promenade Concept | Downtown Bend, Oregon
The Downtown Bend Business Association Mission:
"To increase the vitality of Downtown Bend by enhancing the experience, image
and lifestyle of the Downtown Bend Economic Improvement District."
"To increase the vitality of Downtown Bend by enhancing the experience, image
and lifestyle of the Downtown Bend Economic Improvement District."
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.
These concept rendering, created by SZABO Landscape Architecture, models the concept of a pedestrian promenade on Minnesota Ave between Wall and Bond Streets. These renderings are a first draft designed to help the Bend community get an idea of the 'look and feel' that this space could have. These are in no way final drawings, and any forward progress on this idea would include further stakeholder and community input.
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These overview renderings, created by SZABO Landscape Architecture, models the concept of a traffic flow from the downtown parking garage, through the proposed Minnesota promenade, through the Commons Plaza, and to the Drake Park Boardwalk (construction beginning in 2022). The DBBA believes that building restrooms in downtown Bend is a necessary part of any further development of the downtown district. We are proposing a combined restroom/covered bike parking facility in the North Mirror Pond parking lot.
Statements of support
from Bend community leaders
We have been receiving calls and letters from our Bend community requesting promenade development in downtown. So we've started a conversation with leaders in our community about how this could impact the desirability and sustainability of our City. Here is what they've had to say.
"Opening streets to people increases economic growth and is healthy for our community."
- Brian Potwin, Commute Options
- Brian Potwin, Commute Options
"As a former Bend City Councilor who led the efforts with drafting and garnering full Council approval of the “parklet” policy that resulted in businesses staying open and helping improve the vibrancy of the downtown core, I support the Minnesota Promenade Experience. This project will provide the much-needed investment and improvement to the heart of Bend’s Downtown, creating and sustaining jobs, tourism and public safety which is a trifecta not only for downtown but the entire Bend community. This promenade will increase the amount of public pedestrian space in Bend's Downtown Core and become a destination for both local Bendites and tourists to the area. I look forward to lending my support helping pursue this vision, and I stand ready to help.”
-Former Bend City Councillor Chris Piper
-Former Bend City Councillor Chris Piper
“A place in the heart of our city where people can interact more freely and strengthen their connection to others is vital for the social health of our community. Pedestrian areas bring the benefit of less pollution, and better air quality, but nothing compares to the importance of being able to see your neighbor and say hi. If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that we need to see slow down, get out of our cars and enjoy this place we call home.”
- Aaron Switzer, The Source Weekly
- Aaron Switzer, The Source Weekly
| bend_chamber_-_minnesota_pedestrian_promenade_support_6.16.21.pdf |
Statements of success
from other communities
We've reached out to other communities to learn what makes their promenades a success, and how promenades impact their communities, their property values, and their businesses. Here's what they've had to say.
Every single visitor to our City, comes to downtown to enjoy our promenade
Business sales on the promenade are three to four times that of businesses located off the promenade
After our promenade was developed, the tax revenues from the downtown area nearly doubled.
Thoughtful feedback
from Downtown stakeholders
We've reached out to our Downtown Bend business and building owners to harness their experience, knowledge and wisdom. We believe that understanding the concerns from our stakeholders and community will help us develop the best options for success. Here's what they've had to say.
Convenient access for delivery drivers, including USPS and Fed-Ex is necessary for the success of my business
I am concerned with how my business would survive months of construction in front of my store. I can’t afford to lose another couple of month’s in sales.
I’ve read that 90% of parklets fail, that frightens me. My business is my family’s livelihood, and I can’t afford to risk that.
We’ve seen unwanted behaviors pop-up in downtown Bend over the years, what plans are going to be developed for the future life of this promenade to make sure we can provide the beautification, security and programming necessary to guarantee a vibrant space? Who is going to fund these services for this block of street?
DBBA Presentation to City Council
Here you can see the DBBA's response to the City of Bend's request that they look into what it would take to create a pedestrian promenade on Minnesota.
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Public Comments
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Please complete the comment form below to let us know how you feel about this idea. You can see other comments that have been submitted by your fellow community members to the left. If you would like to discuss this concept with us directly, please email us at downtownbend@gmail.com.
Current update: Number of forms received: 67 | Support: 48 Oppose: 15 Not Sure: 4 |