What’s Next for the Bend Central District and our Midtown Crossings?
After a slow start, the past year or so has marked the time when things have really started to look and feel different in the Bend Central District. Much of the focus has been on the Midtown Crossings projects—our vital east-west connector routes running through the heart of our city. During the last two months, the City has locked in on what’s next—and we’re pretty stoked to have played a key role in where things have landed:
Franklin is finally moving forward
The major makeover for Franklin Avenue’s Harriman to 4th Street segment—which includes the undercrossing—in 2026 is going to be truly transformative. This project makes travel safer for all users and helps unlock the BCD’s development potential with wider sidewalks, separated paths and climbing lanes for bicyclists, flooding fixes, and street trees. YES!
Better connectivity for Hawthorne
Draft rendering of the Hawthorne Crossing bridge from the City of Bend.
Upcoming Hawthorne Crossing Project Update and Open House:
When: December 2, 2025 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Dogwood at the Pine Shed - 821 NE 2nd Street
Online Option: Nov. 19– Dec. 9. on ODOT website
ODOT will manage the design and construction of the project due to federal funding requirements. For current information about this project, visit the ODOT project website.
The Hawthorne Bridge will be a ‘Mountain’ Steel Truss design, with construction slated for late 2027.
Even better, the City will be prioritizing opportunities beyond the bridge landings to make this an outstanding, connected bike and pedestrian corridor.
In mid-2026, we’ll see design and budget options for logical, safe connections between Hawthorne Bridge and the rest of Bend’s bike network, including the crossing at 3rd St. Whoot whoot!
Holding steady on Greenwood’s quickbuilds
For now, the quickbuilds remain in place and performance monitoring continues. So far the data shows big increases in folks walking and biking and a small increase (30 seconds) in drive time. The City will revisit the design once Olney and other Midtown Crossings are up and running to assess any needed future changes. Alright, alright, alright.
Bend Central District’s next chapter
The BCD has the potential to become one of Bend’s finest Complete Communities.
DID YOU KNOW?
CAAB is a city-appointed group of experts in a variety of different fields who devote their time and energy to helping the Bend Urban Renewal Agency turn the community's vision for the Bend Central District and Core Area into reality.
LandWatch’s Cities & Towns Program Director, Corie Harlan, serves as Chair of the Board.
The Core Area Advisory Board (CAAB) is changing up their strategy to help spur more redevelopment in the BCD and Core Area.
After five years of focusing on funding public infrastructure investments, over the next 2-5 years, CAAB will be working with the Bend Urban Renewal Agency to increase and leverage private development—specifically at least 3 projects—to encourage more visitors, residents, and businesses in the area.
CAAB is also recommending the City continue to prioritize specific Core Area needs and projects, including: Clarifying redevelopment plans and timelines for all City-owned properties; Continuing to work in partnership with the site owner to explore and advance the relocation of the Bottle Drop facility; and Working with Bend Parks & Rec to identify potential park properties and needs in the BCD.
Collectively, these projects and actions show us the vibrant place this area is becoming. There is a lot of work ahead to continue to unlock the potential of the BCD—but we are well on our way to this part of our city becoming one of Bend’s most incredible Complete Communities. We are so excited about the transformative changes underway and for the future of this area.
