In 2001, West Bend Property Company (a partnership between Brooks Resources Corporation and Tennant Family Limited Partnership) broke ground on a new development on the westside of Bend. The 486 acre mixed-use community, named NorthWest Crossing, has since anchored itself as one of the most successful residential and commercial areas in Oregon.
The environmentally-sustainable Northwest Crossing now boasts 920 homesites sold, 50 acres of parkland created and all 80 business locations occupied.
“NorthWest Crossing has been a very successful community development,” says General Manager David Ford. “We have met or exceeded all of our expectations.”
The future looks just as bright as their past accomplishments. Currently completing Phase 25 of 28 approved residential phases, NorthWest Crossing will have 1,335 residential units upon completion. On the corner of NW Crossing Drive and Shevlin Park Road, a new healthcare complex is being developed by Taylor Brooks, LLC (a partnership between Central Oregon companies Taylor NW and Brooks Resources). And, west of Mount Washington Drive, the new, thirty-five acre Discovery Park is slated to open early June.
Northwest Crossing’s master plan was created out of a sustainable approach to architecture and landscape design. It takes into account the natural features of the property such as mature Ponderosa pine trees and rimrock outcroppings, and distinct seasons of our climate, through native plantings.
NorthWest Crossing’s residential neighborhood was built according to the principles of new urbanism and includes single-family homes, cottages, duplexes, townhomes and second-story apartments. The units range from 600 to 3,400 square feet. All homes are built by one of the 25 builder-members of the NorthWest Crossing Builders Guild. Architectural styles range from Craftsman to Tudor Revival and Colonial to American FourSquare and Prairie.
Phase 25 will be completed in early June, coinciding with the opening of the landmark Discovery Park. The 31 lots surround the park as they sit just west of Mount Washington Drive.
In continuing with NorthWest Crossing’s commitment to the environment, all of the buildings adhere to Earth Advantage and ENERGY STAR standards. Some homes have gone beyond those standards by holding LEED-certified rankings or becoming Zero Net Energy homes. These sustainability regulations include using efficient building materials, less toxic finish materials and flooring, environmentally responsible building practices and energy efficiency through efficient windows and heating systems.
Another illustration of their commitment to sustainability lies in the community garden, built by West Bend Property Company and managed by the Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener program. Plots are first offered to local businesses, then to neighborhood residents and finally to the general population. The garden received a Building a Better Central Oregon Award award from the Central Oregon Association of Realtors in its inaugural year.
Affordable Housing
NorthWest Crossing’s success has come with its share of challenges. An initial desire for architectural and socioeconomic diversity became difficult with their success. As the community became more popular, the price of the lots began to rise alongside their demand. To counter this problem, NorthWest Crossing entered into a partnership with the non-profit, Housing Works. They created a land-trust model and donated lots to be administered by Housing Works. This allows land value to be taken out of the home building equation.
Additionally, a 53-unit, 74,000 square foot affordable living apartment complex for seniors was built next to the community garden in 2009. The Pacific Crest Affordable Housing project was built by SunWest Builders to Green Building Criteria for Affordable Housing standards and features one and two bedroom apartments. Residents must have incomes below certain thresholds to qualify.
Commercial Center
NorthWest Crossing’s commercial areas include a commercial center along NW Crossing Drive, a light industrial area west of Mount Washington Drive and the Shevlin Health and Wellness Center.
All of NorthWest Crossing’s developed commercial lots are built and occupied. The light industrial areas of Districts 1 and 2, bordered by Skyliner Road and Mount Washington Drive, are home to some of Bend’s best known companies including HydroFlask and Ruffwear.
The commercial center along NW Crossing Drive was designed to allow NorthWest Crossing residents to be able to walk or ride bikes to close eateries and shopping. Restaurants such as La Rosa Authentic Mexican Kitchen, Sunny Yoga Cafe, Portello Winecafe and Sparrow Bakery line the street. Meanwhile, Umpqua Bank, Elemental Eyecare and CC Evans Salon are just a few additional businesses that make up the 80 shops in the development. While the economic downturn slowed Northwest Crossing’s commercial momentum, especially along NW Crossing Drive, the current lack of vacancy proves they have managed to bounce back with remarkable resiliency.
The Shevlin Health and Wellness Center, formerly Lot 507, is located on the corner of NW Crossing Drive and Shevlin Park Road. The new healthcare complex is anchored by High Lakes Health Care’s 7,600 square foot space. Eleven total buildings will house the likes of Central Oregon Eye Care, Bend Step and Spine, and Mountain View Acupuncture. Fratzke Commercial is seeking to round out the complex with tenants in specialty medical services, general healthcare, pediatric, dentistry, wellness, holistic care, fitness and veterinary.
Parks and Events
Adding to NorthWest Crossing’s community feel is the over 51 acres of parks and open space scattered amongst the homes. Compass Park, located in the middle of the development, is almost five acres of playground, picnic areas, and open lawn play areas. Other parks include the two-acre Lewis and Clark Park and the 12-acre Rimrock Park.
Opening early June, the Discovery Park will encompass 32 acres west of Mount Washington Drive, including a three-acre lake. The $4,800,000 park was paid for through SDC building fees and the City of Bend’s general fund for land acquisition.
West Bend Property Company has spent many hours creating a strong sense of community in NorthWest Crossing. Their devotion to the concept is illustrated by the numerous events they hold each year. The NorthWest Crossing Bend Spring Festival, held April 10-12, featured art, music, food and family activities. The Conscious Living Showcase hosted businesses and non-profits that have helped raise local quality of life through products and services. Other major events include the Hullabaloo, the Classic Car Cruise and the Christmas Tree Lighting.
The NorthWest Crossing Farmers Market runs every Saturday, June 20 to September 19, and is open 10am to 2pm. Now in its seventh season, the market features fresh produce, locally-raised meats, fresh eggs and cheese, and handmade items. An eclectic mix of music accompanies shoppers who can drink local beer and hard cider. The kids love the petting zoo, while the adults appreciate the Market Spotlights highlighting guest chefs and garden experts.
Beginning August 22, NorthWest Crossing’s Compass Park will host Munch and Movies. The four movies chosen for family-friendly series are Gravity, Frozen, Sleepless in Seattle and The Lego Movie. Also included in this popular and free series are music, food and activities for the kids.
Among the many accolades received by Northwest Crossing, they are most proud of being recognized locally by the Environmental Center with a Central Oregon Sustainability Award. NorthWest Crossing has strived to achieve a constant high quality of life for its residents, even in times of a poor economy, and will continue to do so.
“The mixed-use, sustainable concept of NorthWest Crossing has continued to appeal to people, and provide added value, even with fluctuations in the market,” adds Ford.
NorthWest Crossing
www.northwestcrossing.com
General Manager: David Ford
Homesites: 1,335 upon completion
Year Established: 2001
Product: A mixed-use community
Hot news: Within the next three months, NorthWest Crossing will open a new Healthcare complex, 31 new residential lots and a new 32-acre park.
Outlook for Growth: Northwest Crossing looks to continue its award-winning success in new urban design.
(Photo above: NorthWest Crossing Streatscape | Photo Courtesy of NorthWest Crossing)
