As real estate developers and long-time members of the Central Oregon community, we are committed to crafting vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods that stand the test of time. Through our vast portfolio of projects, we strive to build thoughtful, community-centric neighborhoods.
At Brooks Resources, we consider the crown jewel of our many development projects to be NorthWest Crossing. With this neighborhood, in our hometown of Bend, we set out to create a memorable, attractive mixed-use community with pedestrian character that features a variety of housing choices, architectural styles, commercial centers and ample parks for recreation and open space. In its essence, it’s an ideal home base for Central Oregon’s vibrant lifestyle.
NorthWest Crossing: Origin and Early Development
In 1999, Brooks Resources partnered with Tennant Developments to form West Bend Property Company (WBPC) and master-planned 486 acres on Bend’s west side. Over the next two years we worked with a team of talented planners, designers, engineers and economists to craft the master plan.
Kirk Schueler, President and CEO of Brooks Resources, said, “Through the process and with the town of Bend growing quickly, we saw the need to implement traditional neighborhood development (TND) principles for smart growth. Throughout the process, we worked closely with the City of Bend to write new code sections to accommodate our innovative master plan.”
Mixed-Use, Walkable Community
As a mixed-use development, NorthWest Crossing contains many essential elements throughout its nearly 500 acres. These include residential, commercial, industrial, parks, trails and schools.
At the core of the success of NorthWest Crossing is a commitment to pedestrian-friendly design, to create a neighborhood where it isn’t necessary to depend on a car for school, daily business and personal needs. The interconnected network of sidewalks, bike lanes, trails, and streets were designed to prioritize safety and accessibility for residents of all ages.
Our holistic, mixed-use approach not only promotes active lifestyles but also fosters a strong sense of community through vibrant commercial centers, parks, and open spaces, all seamlessly integrated into the fabric of the neighborhood.
Diverse Housing Options
Brooks Resources and its partners are renowned for offering a diverse array of housing options to cater to various lifestyles and preferences. One of the ways we’ve been able to achieve the variety is through a team of builders – in this case the NorthWest Crossing Builders Guild – who brought their own talents, preferences and sets of expertise. Based on the architectural guidelines intended to maintain high quality and architectural integrity, builders selected home styles that were approved based on historical styles.
From spacious single-family homes to innovative duplexes, triplexes, ADUs, apartments, cottages and live/work townhomes, the end result is a neighborhood that reflects our commitment to inclusivity and sustainability. We also spearheaded a variety of affordable and workforce housing projects in the neighborhood.
NorthWest Crossing blends harmoniously with older, adjacent neighborhoods. This combination of old and new architecture respects and preserves our local heritage.
The Landscape: Preservation and Integration
Beyond construction, Brooks Resources prioritizes the preservation of natural features and the integration of our developments with existing landscapes. We wanted to maintain a forested feel as much as possible. By carefully planning and designing streets, parks, and open spaces, we have maintained a balance between urban convenience and natural serenity. This respect-for-nature approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood, but also enriches the quality of life for residents.
Community Engagement
Brooks Resources understands that true community development goes beyond physical structures. Through a variety of community events and initiatives, we have actively encouraged resident engagement and participation. From hosting charrettes early on, to establishing the NorthWest Crossing Farmers Market, to creating and hosting the annual tree lighting ceremony and more, community events have served as platforms for fostering relationships among neighbors and shaping the character of the neighborhood.
A Story of Success
NorthWest Crossing did not magically materialize overnight. It took time and patience to build schools and attract the right commercial partners and tenants, and that patience has paid off in spades. Today, NorthWest Crossing is the vibrant, sought-after community we envisioned with our partners in 1999. And just adjacent to the neighborhood, we are in the process of developing the next generation community: Discovery West. It, too, incorporates the key elements of urban development with a variety of housing options, and is quickly following in the footsteps of its ‘big sister,’ NorthWest Crossing. Its neighborhood center, Discovery Corner, will open this fall and feature a community plaza, retail shops and luxury overnight accommodations (Aerie, by AvantStay).
We are proud of our leadership role in sustainable urban development, especially in the growing city of Bend. We continuously challenge ourselves by setting new benchmarks for excellence. Our commitment to creating vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods underscores our dedication to shaping a better future for urban living. With each project, Brooks Resources proves that thoughtful design and community collaboration can transform spaces into beloved, enduring communities where people proudly build fulfilling lives.
