Entrepreneurial developer Mel Getz is injecting some life into the anemic Central Oregon speculative construction field after revealing plans for a cutting-edge medical building proscribed for Bend.
Development is actually something of a family practice for Getz, who along with wife Judy and son Wyatt is working on the final iteration of a four-story, glass-accentuated building prior to permit application to the City.
The building, which would feature some of the best current sustainable practices, including a “green” living roof and Leadership in Energy and Efficiency (LEED) certifiable energy-efficient elements, is slated for land the Getz’s own close to the St. Charles Medical Center campus area.
The building would sit on a two-acre parcel within remaining land out of an original medical office zoned 24-acre site Getz acquired back in 1990.
Getz said: “We liked the property and location, and the lay of the land, together with the proximity to the hospital.
“We have other buildings in the vicinity as part of the Woodlands Doctors Park project though this would be something of a flagship at almost 70,000 square feet. We have the property and thought it would be an enjoyable project.
“If all goes to plan, construction completion would obviously be a couple of years out. But we are not ‘merchant’ developers. We build to hold and do it our way, rather than rush because we want to turn a property.”
And this is not the first time the equine loving family have bucked the prevailing trend. In the early 90’s amid recessionary headwinds, Getz pioneered the highly successful Forum shopping center off Highway 20, which went on to boast top name retailers like Safeway, Barnes & Noble and Pier 1 Imports.
Getz commented: “We actually owned the Woodlands land first, but when we acquired the Forum property and proceeded with the Costco anchor the medical property went on the back burner.”
The Getz’s are working with NW design firm Ankrom Moisan Architects on the newest project, and said a number of local operators have expressed potential interest in occupying space in the prospective building should plans come to fruition.
