(Photo courtesy of Old Mill District)
The Old Mill District is getting a refresh in 2023 as two of its largest retailers are set to trade spaces later this month.
Vanilla Urban Threads, a boutique women’s and men’s clothing store that’s been a staple in the district since 2005, and City Home, the OMD’s home furnishing and décor store that opened in 2021, will switch locations, changes designed to help both businesses thrive in 2023 and beyond.
Vanilla is set to move to 425 SW Powerhouse Dr., Suite 307 next to Buckle and across from REI in the middle of the Old Mill District. City Home is slated to relocate to 661 SW Powerhouse Dr., Suite 1302, a move that will expand their showroom by more than 50 percent. In addition to taking over Vanilla’s current spot, City Home will also incorporate the adjacent vacant space that formerly housed the plant shop Somewhere That’s Green.
“We are thrilled to be moving into a larger footprint that will allow us to showcase an expanded array of home décor and furniture,” says Kim Pelett, City Home’s owner.
“Our original location has been such a wonderful place for us to grow and flourish,” adds April Lawyer, Vanilla’s owner and operator. “This move makes such great sense for both City Home and Vanilla. City Home’s been such a great addition to the Old Mill District, we’re excited that now, with them expanding into the empty space next to us, they’ll have even more room to spread their wings… We welcome this opportunity with open arms and are ready to give Vanilla a fresh new modern home.”
Vanilla will remain open in its current location until Jan. 9 and City Home will operate in its current space until Jan. 12. Both businesses look to re-open in their new locations in mid-February. Vanilla has already launched a “New Year, New Vanilla” moving sale and City Home is offering major discounts on floor sample inventory in preparation of the move.
“Our goal with the new space is to maintain that same fun, unique Vanilla feel, but with a new modern refresh,” Lawyer says about her new location that shares common space with Greg’s Grill. “The Old Mill District has been our home for the last 17 years and has been a huge part of our success. We love being near the river, the bike paths, the dog park and the Hayden Homes Amphitheater. … We’re grateful to be part of it all.”
For City Home, their new location not only boasts more square footage, but also a covered patio perfect for showcasing outdoor pieces, as well as a better setup for loading and unloading furniture.
“The covered outdoor courtyard space will be an ideal backdrop for displaying our outdoor furnishings offerings,” says Pelett, who also expects to add more leather seating options to the store and a collection of tables created from reclaimed teakwood roots. “The high ceilings, the open layout and beautiful setting along the river, all of it will enhance what we do best, which is curate a furnishings collection that tells a story and conveys a nature-inspired sense of warmth, comfort and familiarity.
“We love and value the historic past of the Old Mill District,” Pelett adds. “The vibrant mix of merchants and the proximity to the amphitheater and Deschutes River make the district a one-of-a-kind place we’re proud to be part of.”
About the Old Mill District:
Celebrating more than 20 years as one of the Pacific Northwest’s most distinctive and dynamic mixed-use developments, the Old Mill District is located on 270 acres that formerly housed one of the largest sawmill operations in the world. The rich history of the land is coupled with spectacular mountain views, scenic river vistas and an extensive trail system to enjoy the outdoors. More than 55 local, regional and national retailers and businesses call the Old Mill District home. Bend’s Old Mill District – the most unique shopping, dining, living and entertainment experience in the region.
