What's in store for Redmond in 2008? 

 

Redmond continues to experience rapid growth and ongoing construction. If you haven't been to Redmond lately you will most certainly be amazed at what you will find. Construction everywhere is definitely the "norm" for Redmond and in 2008 we will see the start of one major project and the completion of another.  

 

One of Redmond's most widely anticipated construction projects will finally be completed in 2008 and after years of planning and construction Highway 97 will move from downtown to a new alignment to the East. The reroute is scheduled to be completed this year with traffic shifting over as soon as March or April. The impact from this opening will be described as nothing short of revolutionary for downtown Redmond.  With the completion of one project means it's time to start another. This spring the Redmond airport terminal will begin a 2 year expansion taking the existing building from 23,000 sq ft. to nearly 140,000 sq. ft. The new building will continue to reflect Central Oregon's high standards and accommodate air travel well into the future. 

 

On the Redmond home front, residential housing, like the rest of Central Oregon, has cooled down from the red-hot pace of previous years, but houses are still selling and more importantly lenders are still lending. The word on the street is it's the "best buyers market in 20 years", with home prices adjusted and attractive interest rates being offered by many lenders. If you are in the market for a new home, now is a good time to buy, see your local realtor!

 

The commercial retail market has shifted into high gear. Big name retailers and buildings are popping up everywhere, but equally as impressive are the smaller shops that are flourishing with great abundance. Among the big names of Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Lowes Home Improvement and 84 Lumber are the smaller names like Paulina Springs Books, The Hens Tooth, Wine Styles, Red Dog Depot, Amonte' Salon and Spa and Goodies are just to name a few. Ribbon cuttings and grand openings seem to be weekly occurrences in Redmond and I would anticipate this to continue throughout 2008.

 

Redmond's population is now right at the 25,000 mark, which is the same population as Bend in the early 90's. Continue to look for growth in almost every aspect of our community, as Redmond continues to offer a healthy business climate and unparalleled quality of life in 2008!

Did you know that almost 75% of the businesses who relocate to Central Oregon vacationed here first? If you are thinking of relocating your business, call the Chamber and we will walk through the many benefits of why you should choose Redmond to work, live and play.