(Existing Bakery Building (left) receiving improvements as part of RSM Investments’ development of its Galveston Avenue property, together with rendering (right) of planned Galveston Supply building | Renderings courtesy of 10 Over Studio Architects)
Two major projects are taking shape on Bend’s west side, promising to enhance the evolving dining and entertainment scene along the increasingly vibrant primary commercial corridors of Galveston Avenue and Century Drive.
Firstly, a new 12,000-square-foot, two-story commercial building named Galveston Supply, to feature three new restaurants spaces and second-story office, is being developed by local group RSM Investments, at 1009 NW Galveston Ave. in Bend — site of the former Boss Rambler taproom. RSM is also expanding the adjoining property, historically known as the Bakery Building, which they also own at 1005 Galveston, to provide additional dining capacity and offices.
Meanwhile long-time owners of the Powder House Ski & Patio shop on Century and Simpson, Todd and Shanda McGee, are currently constructing a new 8,000-sqare-foot, two-story venue called Base Camp to feature outdoor seating with fire pits, 36 taps, handcrafted cocktails and live music, on the rear lot of the current business.
The mixed-use Galveston Supply project, in a style blending a traditional and modern aesthetic, will feature a second-story terrace and outdoor plaza, complementing the adjacent renovated building, which long-time Bendites will remember as once housing breakfast and lunch hot spot Westside Bakery.
Family-owned RSM had hoped Boss Rambler would consider being a tenant in the new building, but the business decided to exit the industry, and plans were drawn up to replace the beer and coffee bar with a new two-story commercial building. The structure is being designed by architects Ten Over Studio, through its Bend office, and will be built by Bend-based Wolf Construction and Development.
Developers are currently awaiting permits for the building, which will also accommodate office space over a ground floor selection of eating and drinking establishments as part of a shifting atmosphere for the bustling business corridor just west of the Deschutes River.
The project also aligns with a major planned City of Bend renovation of Galveston Avenue, which will add bike lanes, sidewalks and improved lighting.
Vice President of RSM Investments, McKenna Mikesell said the existing restaurant building at 1005 Galveston is undergoing a complete modernization and addition while honoring its historic footprint, with design by Bend-based LB Engineering.
Fronting directly onto Galveston Ave., the space formerly occupied by Sunriver Brewing now combines the charm of the original structure with 1,105 square feet of newly added interior area, creating a larger, more flexible footprint for kitchen, bar and seating design. A 518-square-foot conditioned patio will support year-round service and indoor/outdoor dining flow.
Other highlights of the 3,500-square-foot prime visibility restaurant include roll-up garage doors and new in-suite restrooms.
Tucked just behind the main building, which also houses popular Italian eatery BOSA, new ground floor restaurant space, on a site which previously had two duplexes, offers an efficient footprint with frontage off Columbia Ave.
Mikesell said the space is ideally suited for an upscale bar, intimate dining concept or neighborhood coffee spot, with features including an approximate 1,521 rentable square-foot interior, 598-square-foot conditioned patio, roll-up doors and a modern façade with exposure from both Columbia and Galveston.
The newer phase at 1009 Galveston will see three potential new-build restaurant spaces — designed to expand the culinary experience on Bend’s westside — ranging from 1,100-3,500 sq. ft. with architecture complementing the redevelopment while offering each operator a distinct identity.
Key features of the suites will include conditioned year-round patios for each space; modern, cohesive architecture that ties both sites together; and a shared pedestrian pathway linking all five restaurants. “Each suite is intentionally crafted to support a variety of operator types — from boutique neighborhood eateries to destination-worthy culinary brands,” Mikesell added. “Our aim with the overall concept is to transform one of Bend’s most iconic corridors, through this comprehensive, multi-phase redevelopment across 1005 and 1009 Galveston, with a thoughtfully designed expansion introducing five new restaurant opportunities through a blend of adaptive reuse, strategic additions and sophisticated new construction.
“Bend is a prime location for us with our portfolio including renovation of historic buildings downtown, but this is our first ground-up project in town and we are excited to see what users we may attract as there has already been strong interest.
“In the context of urban development, the new building and renovations are designed to create a more vibrant street frontage and set a standard for denser development along the popular Galveston corridor.
“Galveston Supply aims to have that mercantile feel in offering a variety of services to members of the community, and I think this building is going to set a good standard for the continuing evolution of Galveston.”
Further west, the McGees, who for nearly 25 years have operated Powder House Ski & Patio — one of Bend’s original ski shops off Century Drive, on the main route out of town to Mt. Bachelor — are moving apace with construction of a two-story building on their lot off Century and Simpson.
Passers-by have no doubt been curiously eyeing the expansion, emerging directly behind the existing shop, which is to be the new multi-use venue Base Camp, featuring a two-story taphouse building and a large food truck pod.
Todd McGee said the new venture is designed to create a vibrant community gathering space on the west side of Bend with features including a year-round patio, ten fireplaces, heated benches and an outdoor stage for live music. Other highlights include roll-up doors, multiple flat-screen TV’s, an 18-foot projection screen for entertainment, pool tables, shuffleboard and darts, a dog-friendly exterior area and covered outdoor seating.
LB Engineering is the architect for the project and construction is by local general contractor Stilson Builders.
It follows a first phase which encompassed a 4,425-square-foot addition to the existing building, at 311 SW Century Drive, which tripled the size of the service and rental shop and allowed Powder House to further expand its product line into backcountry and cross-country ski gear.
McGee said Base Camp is designed to provide a relaxing, social hub for the west side community and a welcoming atmosphere for customers, as well as further enhancing food options in the area. “As the Base Camp name implies, we see this as an attractive gathering place and hub of social interaction,” he added. “The building is a unique timber structure, complementing existing building while introducing newer features, and will likely also offer attractive amenities for nearby OSU-Cascades college students.
“The second floor has a wraparound deck, and the tap room features 36 handcrafted options as well as cocktail choices. Outside there will be a stage as well as games like corn hole in an inviting outdoor area with ample seating
“This has been a real passion project, a labor of love you might say, and we are excited to offer something unique and different to the local community and visitors,” McGee continued. “Food options are going to be wide ranging, from Italian cuisine to Thai, Pho, smash burger vegetarian options and so forth — it is truly flavors from around the world!
“The new venture is a real family affair as our son Hayden will also be involved in the Base Camp operations. Customers coming to the Powder House can’t wait for this to happen, and the development is part of our ongoing commitment to providing a distinctive experience.” McGee said the Base Camp opening is scheduled for the end of May this year.
About Powder House:
Established in 1976, Powder House is one of the original ski shops in Bend and has been family-owned for over 30 years. Knowledgeable staff are dedicated to providing excellent customer service with a goal of helping with buying decisions and increase the level of fun on the mountain. Professional, certified technicians provide the highest quality service for boot fitting, tuning and maintaining skis and snowboards. In the summer season, the business transitions to patio furniture, water sport rentals, kayaks, river tubes, SUP (Stand on Paddleboards), life jackets and paddles.
