The Innovation District is the next step in the expansion of K1体育-Cascades, bringing people and ideas together to advance research, technology commercialization, incubation and economic development. The district is envisioned to be a catalyst for innovation, fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and the community to drive sustainable economic development, enhance educational and research opportunities, and support an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Central Oregon and beyond. Once completed, the district will cover 24 acres and include 800,000 square feet of tech, light-industrial, office, and retail, space, as well as market rate housing.
Seeking Industry and Real Estate Partners
The innovation district aims to create a dynamic ecosystem that fosters collaboration and synergy between the university, industry, the community and state. By leveraging the strengths and resources of collocated stakeholders, the district seeks to drive economic growth, enhance educational opportunities, and improve the overall quality of life in the region. This integrated approach not only supports cutting-edge research and development but also promotes entrepreneurship, workforce development, and social equity. Through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives, the innovation district aspires to be a catalyst for sustainable development and a model for other regions to emulate.
K1体育 is seeking a Master Developer to help shape the Innovation District and construct the first two buildings in phase one of the project. Building 1 is proposed as ~100,000 square feet of multi-family residential space, and Building 2 is planned as ~60,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space.
Interested businesses and developers are invited to participate in a market sounding and meet with a campus planner to share partnering ideas or provide feedback on K1体育鈥檚 approach prior to an RFP release.
The Innovation District at K1体育-Cascades - Interested Firms
K1体育 has heard numerous requests for the list of teams interested in this project. To help teams find other interested firms, we have made a form where interested firms can share their information and find information for other interested firms. Click the link below to add your information.
Click the following link to see a list of interested firms. (NOTE: This list will be updated minimally on a weekly basis)
Phase 1 Opportunity
Anticipated Sq. Ft. of Buildings: 160,000 sq. ft.
Zoning: Mixed Urban, Special Planned District
Development Status: Completion of Phase 1 land remediation and RFP release for a master developer is anticipated in summer 2025.
Research Advantages
The Innovation District will be at the intersection of K1体育-Cascades research and business development in a variety of fields, such as: bioscience, biotech, sports performance, health, outdoor products, energy engineering, applied engineering, software engineering, hospitality, arts & media tech and natural resources.
Economic Advantages
Located in fast-growing Bend, Oregon, the Innovation District will build upon the economic and geographic advantages of the region. Bend is a rapidly expanding remote work hotspot and is home to a number of tech, biotech, outdoor product, software and numerous other traded-sector companies.
Shared Amenities
The district will feature food and beverage locations, access to miles of walking paths, workforce housing and public transportation in addition to being housed next to a university campus full of amenities.
Regional Amenities
Central Oregon is known for its quality of life due to the access to Mt. Bachelor ski resort, Deschutes River, and numerous federal, state and local parks. Additionally, the Redmond Municipal Airport is a short drive from Bend and has direct flights to Seattle, San Francisco, Denver, Portland, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City and Phoenix. Known for excellent schools, quality of life and a diverse economy, Bend will continue to grow.
Award-Winning Campus Design
The campus long range development plan earned an award for innovative design from the national Society for College and University Planning.
It outlines the transformation of underutilized land into a campus that meets the needs of future generations.