Upgrades, Energy Incentives Give Downtown Bend Building New Life

18 NW Oregon is about to become one of downtown Bend’s most sustainable commercial leasing options. The 1970s-era building is currently undergoing a major renovation, which includes a refresh of the exterior, new interior layouts and finishes, energy-saving upgrades and a prominent solar array.

The building sits kitty-corner to the Visit Bend office on Lava and within walking distance of all downtown Bend restaurants and shops. However, the building’s aging exterior and dated interiors needed a refresher to help it compete with new and updated downtown office spaces.

The owners decided to reinvest in their building, hiring Ambient Architecture, LLC, to give the 8,000-square-foot building a fresh look and reduce its overall energy consumption.  Ambient’s architecture and interior design team went to work re-imaging a sustainably minded 18 NW Oregon with updated interiors, new exterior details, revised suite layouts and a contemporary character.  The remodel also includes the building’s new carbon-footprint-offsetting solar array.

“We focused on improving the building’s street presence through a new pedestrian-scale canopy on the entrance and prominent street signage,” said Seth Anderson, principal architect with Ambient Architecture. “Inside, we wanted to maximize daylight usage and were able to design all second-floor offices around the existing windows.”

Ambient’s team also coordinated with Energy Trust of Oregon to secure financial incentives for the owners. The integrated energy-saving upgrades focus on occupant comfort and include new windows, insulation and an improved HVAC system, Anderson said.

The former home of High Lakes Medical has lots to offer potential tenants, with its desirable location, direct parkway access and great on- and off-site parking, said Erich Schultz, SIOR, of Compass Commercial, the broker representing 18 NW Oregon and its owners.

Combined with refined landscaping and exterior updates, Schultz expects the new life inside the building to reflect downtown Bend’s vibrant energy.

The remodel of 18 NW Oregon offers potential tenants suites ranging in size from 1,600 to 4,000 square feet. Construction by SunWest Builders began in early April. Project completion is slated for August.