Building Bend’s Future: The OSU-Cascades Transformation

OSU-Cascades: A University Shaping Bend’s Future

Bend, Oregon’s growth has long been driven by bold ideas and forward-thinking collaboration—and few projects illustrate that better than the transformation of OSU-Cascades. In the latest episode of the BendBeat Podcast, host Brian Ladd speaks with Jared Pantella, Director of Capital Planning, and Christine Coffin, Director of Communications and Community Engagement, about how the university is reshaping not just a campus, but the future of Bend itself.

From Pumice Mine to Purposeful Campus

Located in Southwest Bend, the 128-acre OSU-Cascades campus sits on land that once served as a massive pumice mine and construction landfill. Rather than seeing an environmental burden, the university saw opportunity. Through an extensive and visionary remediation effort, OSU-Cascades has transformed this site into a walkable, sustainable, and vibrant university campus just minutes from the Deschutes River and downtown Bend.

Sustainability at the Core: A Triple Net Zero Vision

OSU-Cascades is leading by example with a triple net zero goal—an ambitious standard that aligns with Central Oregon’s growing interest in sustainable design and development.

• Net Zero Energy – Utilizing a geo-exchange system to efficiently heat and cool buildings using aquifer temperature.
• Net Zero Water – Maintaining landscaping that uses no more water annually than the site naturally receives through rainfall.
• Net Zero Waste – Reducing landfill contributions through smarter campus operations and upstream waste management.

As climate-conscious development becomes a critical focus in Bend’s real estate and planning conversations, OSU-Cascades is setting the bar for what’s possible.

The Innovation District: Education Meets Industry

One of the most exciting aspects of OSU-Cascades’ growth is the planned 24-acre Innovation District—a collaborative space where students, faculty, and private industry will work side by side.

This concept is already in motion. For example, local snowboard company Snow Blanks donated its business to the university. Now, students run the company—from design and production to marketing—gaining hands-on experience rarely available in higher education.

Deep Roots in the Bend Community

Though OSU-Cascades officially opened in 2016, its foundation was laid decades earlier by community leaders determined to bring a four-year university to Bend. Today, it continues to honor that legacy through:

• Donor-supported buildings
• Regular public events and campus tours
• K–12 outreach and educational programs
• A strong emphasis on community service and engagement
• As a land grant university, OSU-Cascades is deeply committed to giving back to Central Oregon residents of all ages.

Why It Matters for Bend, Oregon

As Bend navigates challenges tied to growth, housing, workforce development, and infrastructure, having a dynamic, research-driven, community-connected university is more important than ever. OSU-Cascades plays a critical role in building the foundation for Bend’s long-term success—supporting local innovation, job creation, and cultural enrichment.

Watch the Full Podcast Episode

In this episode of the BendBeat Podcast, Jared and Christine share what it took to turn a landfill into a world-class campus, how the university is preparing students for real-world success, and why Bend’s collaborative spirit is key to future innovation.

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