Marie Melsheimer, Author at BrooksResources.com

Mike Hollern Shares His List of 10 Bend Favorites

New to the area with a growing appreciation for this community, it’s been eye-opening for me to learn about the people who’ve helped shape Bend into what it is today. One of those people is Mike Hollern, chairman of the Brooks Resources Corporation board of directors, and a visionary whose leadership and long-standing commitment to thoughtful development has left a lasting mark on Central Oregon. In my role as the new Marketing Intern at Brooks Resources, I had the… more >

Raising Walls, Building Futures: Women’s Build Week in Bend

In May 2025, a spirited crew of women came together to raise the walls of new homes in Bend’s Daly Estates neighborhood. It was all part of Women Build Week, a Habitat for Humanity initiative that supports affordable housing while shining a spotlight on the essential role women play in building stronger communities. We assembled a team of women from Brooks Resources and Taylor Brooks – along with a few male colleagues… more >

Brooks Resources’ First Project in Central Oregon, Black Butte Ranch, Celebrates its 55th Anniversary

As Black Butte Ranch celebrates its 55th anniversary, summer is the perfect time to reflect on its origin as Brooks’ first project in Central Oregon, its evolution, and its enduring legacy. Here’s a look at how it came to be. In the 1960s, Brooks-Scanlon managers decided to expand the company operations from the timber business to recreational and residential property development. Brooks Resources Corporation was created as a subsidiary to explore this vision. more >

Valerie Yost Presents at ULI Northwest Transformative Projects Event in Portland

Valerie Yost, our Director of Marketing, recently spoke at the ULI Northwest Transformative Projects event in Portland. The event brought together industry leaders to share visionary projects that are redefining communities. Valerie’s presentation focused on Discovery Corner, one of seven standout projects featured in the event. Notably, Discovery Corner is the only project selected from outside the Portland metro area, showcasing its significance in the region’s… more >

Brooks Resources Celebrates Women’s History Month with Discovery West

In honor of Women’s History Month, Brooks Resources is proud to highlight Discovery West, our women-centric neighborhood development. As part of this initiative, we have named the streets within the community after inspiring Women of Discovery—trailblazers who have made significant contributions across fields such as science, medicine, astronomy, exploration, and beyond. Their remarkable achievements continue to shape the world, leaving a lasting legacy that inspires future generations of… more >

Brooks Resources’ New Contributions Administrator: Christi Haynes

Christi Haynes, our new Contributions Administrator, has been with Brooks Resources since 1999. She has been instrumental to the success of the award-winning NorthWest Crossing community since its inception, assisting residents and tenants, and managing the Architectural Review Committee. She is now the Builder Relations Manager for all Brooks Resources projects, including the company’s newest development, Discovery West, as well as our new Contributions Administrator for Brooks Resources. She took on… more >

Mike and Sue Hollern Honored by Oregon Historical Society Named 2025 “Oregon History Makers”

We could not be more pleased or proud that our own Mike and Sue Hollern have been named Oregon Historical Society (OHS) 2025 “Oregon History Makers,” along with Tony Hopson, Sr., Pat Reser, and Jordan Schnitzer. They will be honored on October 5 at OHS’s annual gala. Those honored were selected for their many contributions which have positively shaped the cultural landscape of Oregon. Of Mike and Sue, the OHS said, “Few have… more >

Thanking Longtime Brooks Employee, Barb Hess, For Her Years of Dedication!

Congratulations and a heartfelt thank you to Barb Hess, who is retiring from Brooks Resources after 42 years! She has been a highly valued member of our team, and while we are happy for her, we are all sad to see her go. Her office is right at the top of the stairs at our headquarters – the perfect spot for greeting everyone with her warm smile and sparkle in her eye. She will be greatly missed!… more >

“Crossroads” Roundabout Sculpture Installed at Columbia and Colorado Avenues

One of the newest sculptures in Bend’s public art collection was recently placed at the roundabout located at Colorado Avenue and Columbia Street. Created by Albuquerque artist Karen Yank, the piece, named “Crossroads,” is crafted from Corten and stainless steel. Yank said that her piece was designed to honor the visionary individuals who transformed Bend from a historic lumber mill town into a vibrant hub of art and culture. Her design reflects Bend’s timber heritage,… more >

Alex Helm Joins Taylor Brooks Team as Development Manager

Alex Helm, Taylor Brooks Taylor Brooks announced today that it has expanded its team with the addition of a new Development Manager position, and the hiring of Alex Helm. Helm brings several years of experience in the real estate development industry, including roles in project management at Pahlisch Commercial and O’Brien & Company. Prior to that he was a Project Manager at P&C Construction and Andersen Construction. Alex… more >

The Bend Foundation Honored at The High Desert Museum’s High Desert Rendezvous

The Bend Foundation was the 2024 honoree spotlighted by the High Desert Museum at the High Desert Rendezvous, which raised a record $630,000! Brooks’ Chairman and Trustee of the Bend Foundation, Mike Hollern, spoke at the August 24 event and accepted the honor. The 35th annual High Desert Rendezvous is one of Central Oregon’s longest-running charitable events, and funds raised go to support the programs and exhibitions of the High Desert Museum. more >

Pioneering Timeless Communities: Development Lessons We’ve Learned Along the Way

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… more >

Chairman Mike Hollern Receives Inaugural Soul of Central Oregon Award

Our beloved Chairman, Mike Hollern, received the inaugural Soul of Central Oregon Award from Oregon Media on July 17. The honor was awarded to him at Oregon Media headquarters in Bend. Launched to commemorate 9 years of Bend Magazine and 15 years of Oregon Media, the award recognizes the people who embody the heart and soul of the community by giving selflessly to make Central Oregon a better place. This was… more >

Kirk Schueler Concludes Successful 10-Year Tenure as Oregon State University Trustee

Outgoing Chair of the Oregon State University Board of Trustees Kirk Schueler, receives a framed resolution in appreciation from OSU president Jayathi Murthy (left) and incoming Chair Román Hernandez (right). After 10 years of dedicated service, Kirk Schueler, President and CEO of Brooks Resources, bids farewell to his role as a trustee of the Board of Trustees at Oregon State University (OSU), where he has reached the imposed term limit. During his tenure he served as… more >

Shevlin Crossing Expands: Second Building Breaks Ground, Adding Stunning Commercial Space

Taylor Brooks’ Shevlin Crossing continues to evolve and provide much-needed new class-A commercial office space in northwest Bend. Ideally located at the Shevlin Park Road/NW Crossing Drive roundabout, the two-building campus features sustainable construction incorporating cross-laminated timber panels and was designed by TVA Architects. The first 19,000 s.f. building’s current tenants include RBC Wealth Management and Rosewood Family Advisors LLP, with Shift Functional Medicine and facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Nadia Mostovych, moving in soon!… more >

Unveiling the Legacy: Shevlin Center Illuminates Early Brooks Resources History

The rich history of Brooks Resources Corporation and its transformative influence on Central Oregon continues to unfold today. From pioneering walkable mixed-use neighborhoods to spearheading zoning innovations tackling transportation hurdles to building some of the area’s most beloved legacy resort developments, Brooks Resources has consistently redefined the landscape with innovative solutions. Shevlin Center—A Symbol of Brooks Resources’ Commitment to Town Progress Brooks’ Shevlin Center development stands as a testament to the company’s visionary… more >

Hannah Bouska Joins Taylor Brooks as Development Coordinator

Taylor Brooks welcomes Hannah Bouska as its new Development Coordinator. Bouska brings several years of experience in the real estate development industry. Her most recent role was with AKS Engineering and Forestry in Bend, where she was a Project Coordinator. Prior roles included Project Manager at Vivax Pros, Operator/Foreman at Hudspeth & Associates and at Fulcrum, Inc. Taylor Brooks General Manager, Jeremy McPherson, said, “This new role will draw on… more >

Empowering Paths: Celebrating Kristen O’Riordan of SunWest Builders During Women’s History Month

At Brooks Resources, we’re always happy when there’s a chance to celebrate the talented women in our field, so imagine how we feel during March, which marks both Women’s History Month and Women in Construction Week (March 3-9). One outstanding female construction professional we’ve gotten to know over the past few years is Kristen O’Riordan of SunWest Builders. Kristen is the project manager for the live/work townhomes at Discovery West’s Discovery Corner area. more >

Roundabout Revolution: The Birth of Bend’s Roundabouts

Anyone visiting Bend today will immediately notice the many roundabouts that keep traffic flowing. Home to many large-scale sculptures, such as the famously nicknamed “Flaming Chicken,” “High Desert Spiral,” and “Mt. Bachelor Compass,” the roundabouts are a source of intrigue and inspiration today. But before 1999, there were no roundabouts in town. As roundabouts “turn” 25, we look back at how they were conceived. The person who brought the roundabout concept to Bend is Brooks Resources… more >

Taylor Brooks’ Shevlin Crossing: Elevating Expectations in Bend’s Commercial Sector

What happens when two long-time real estate development companies decide to tie the knot? Big, exciting things! Such is the case with Taylor Brooks, a partnership between Taylor Development and Brooks Resources. One of Taylor Brooks’ top projects, the beautifully constructed Shevlin Crossing in Bend, is in full swing. It’s ideally located at the Shevlin Park Road/NW Crossing Drive roundabout and features cross-laminated timber panels that give shape to the progressive space designed by TVA… more >

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