A new Fred Meyer store in NE Bend probably won't be a reality until 2020, according to Peter Powell, Powell Development Co., the firm preparing a master plan for the grocery chain and other land owners. Much preparation of the land at Cooley Road and Rt 20 is necessary before Kroger, FM's parent company, will begin construction. That preparation includes construction of a roundabout at Cooley and Rt 20.
Powell said his plan had included a signal at the intersection, but the Oregon Dept. of Transportation requires a roundabout instead. The roundabout, which costs 5 times that of a signal, Powell told BANA members gathered at Monday's meeting, will be funded in part by the City of Bend, the State and his firm. This change in plans results in a 9 month delay.
Another project on the 52-acre parcel, originally owned by the Gumpert family, will be a senior community of Bonaventure. Other businesses are proposed as well. Powell asked BANA members what type of services they would like to see at the shopping area. A bank, cafe, good restaurants and a mailing center were among the ideas.
Powell said Fred Meyer has a number of other new stores being developed across the country. The firm will not open a store if the road work is incomplete. The new building will be a Silver LEED certified structure