As the demand for commercial and light industrial space continues to outpace supply in Central Oregon, a significant new development in Bend’s north end is poised to reshape the landscape for local businesses seeking room to expand. Developer Taylor Brooks, operating through its subsidiary TB Bend Land Company LLC, has finalized the acquisition of a substantial 74.5-acre parcel, signaling a major step forward in addressing the region’s critical infrastructure needs. The purchase of the Juniper Ridge Large Lot 5 from the city of Bend for $4.5 million in September was the culmination of a competitive request for proposals process initiated in the spring of 2024. This transaction not only transfers a key piece of city-owned land into private development but also sets in motion a multi-phase plan designed to create a new hub for industrial activity, promising to foster economic growth and provide a much-needed lifeline for companies constrained by the current real estate market. The project has already hit a crucial milestone, securing its first business client and validating the vision for a thriving commercial corridor.
A Strategic Acquisition for North Bend’s Future
Securing the Land and Vision
The acquisition of the Juniper Ridge property represents a pivotal moment for both the developer and the city of Bend, marking the beginning of a transformative project aimed at alleviating the long-standing shortage of industrial-zoned land. Taylor Brooks, a real estate firm specializing in land acquisition and build-to-suit projects, navigated a rigorous selection process to earn the right to purchase the expansive parcel. The $4.5 million deal underscores a significant investment in the region’s economic future. By transitioning this large tract of land into the hands of a developer with a clear blueprint for growth, the city is actively fostering an environment where local enterprises can thrive. The developer’s plan is strategically aligned with the community’s need for more commercial and light industrial space, particularly in the rapidly growing north end of the city. This move is more than a simple real estate transaction; it is a calculated step toward building a sustainable economic base, creating jobs, and ensuring that Central Oregon remains a competitive and attractive place for businesses to operate and scale their operations in the coming years.
The Phased Development Blueprint
With the land secured, Taylor Brooks has unveiled an ambitious and meticulously structured plan to develop the 74.5-acre site over several years. The firm has already obtained the necessary land use approvals to subdivide the property into more than 30 distinct industrial lots, a move that provides flexibility for businesses of various sizes and needs. The development is organized into a five-phase timeline, ensuring a measured and responsive rollout that can adapt to market demands. The initial focus is on Phase 1, with critical infrastructure improvements, including roads, utilities, and site preparation, scheduled to commence in 2026. This foundational work is crucial for creating shovel-ready sites for future occupants. According to the project’s timeline, the first finished lots are expected to be available for sale and occupancy by 2027, marking the tangible start of this new industrial hub. This phased approach allows for the systematic absorption of new industrial space into the market, preventing a potential glut while providing a steady pipeline of opportunities for businesses looking to establish or expand their footprint in Bend.
Forging Key Local Partnerships
Landing an Anchor Client
A clear indicator of the project’s immediate viability and appeal arrived with the announcement of its first pending sale, securing a well-respected local business as an anchor for the development. Mike’s Fence Center, Inc., along with its affiliate, Mike’s Mobile Mix Concrete, has committed to purchasing two lots within Phase 1, encompassing a total of nearly eight acres. As a Central Oregon staple with over 40 years of history in the community, the company’s decision to relocate and expand within the new Taylor Brooks development serves as a powerful endorsement. Ryan Eckman, president of Mike’s Fence, framed the acquisition as an essential component of the company’s long-term strategic vision, providing the necessary space to scale its operations in tandem with the region’s continued growth. This inaugural partnership is more than just a transaction; it sets a positive precedent for the development, demonstrating its capacity to meet the practical needs of established local companies that form the backbone of the regional economy. It also highlights the developer’s success in creating a project that resonates with the business community from its inception.
A Model for Regional Growth
The partnership between Taylor Brooks and Mike’s Fence Center was built on a foundation of shared goals and mutual understanding, a dynamic that both parties highlighted as critical to the deal’s success. Kirk Schueler, President of Brooks Resources Corporation and Managing Member of Taylor Brooks, articulated that attracting esteemed, long-standing local businesses was precisely the objective of the Juniper Ridge development. The project was conceived to create essential space for Central Oregon companies to grow and prosper within their home community, rather than being forced to look elsewhere. Ryan Eckman echoed this sentiment, praising the developer’s expertise and ability to comprehend their company’s vision for the future. This synergistic relationship ultimately exemplified the project’s core mission: to serve as a catalyst for sustainable local economic development. The successful collaboration provided a tangible model for how thoughtful, large-scale development could directly support the ambitions of the regional business community, ensuring that growth translated into opportunity and stability for years to come.
