Sustainable City Year Reports 2024-25 (Bend)

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    Reimagining East Bend: Building a Stronger Community in the Heart of Oregon
    (University of Oregon, 2025) Beckerman, Johnathan; Cody, Alyssa
    Graduate Planning students worked with the City of Bend to redesign a 35-acre commercial site (the Project) over fall term 2024. Four teams applied a unique theme to the project, ranging from Walkability and Transportation; Climate Resilience; Placemaking; to Equitable Community. This report synthesizes each team’s findings, approach, and design proposal. It integrates data-driven insights, historical context, an iterative design process, and phased implementation to create a comprehensive final design addressing each theme. Students visited the site, met with City Councilors and planning staff, and analyzed the site’s designation as a potential Climate-Friendly Area (CFA). Students conducted demographic, economic, and housing needs assessments, supplemented by a review of Bend’s planning documents. This data-driven approach informed a site analysis that identified redevelopment opportunities and constraints. Planning and design frameworks, case studies, and other background research informed proposals that focused on flexible, community-centered designs. A class design charette translate theory into preliminary design concepts and aided in the development of foundational features such as street circulation and building form, laying the groundwork for future iterations. Each proposal recommended a phased approach to establish funding, increase community support, and mitigate displacement throughout the implementation process. As Bend considers the redevelopment of this strategic site, this report provides a range of integrated, adaptable solutions that align with city priorities and community aspirations. The proposals offer a vision for a resilient, inclusive, and vibrant space that enhances the quality of life for residents in Bend’s eastside community.