Big ideas For Downtown TD surface at Urban Renewal on Tuesday
The Dalles, Ore., May 22, 2025 — The Columbia Gateway Urban Renewal Board met Tuesday, May 20, to review proposals for two major downtown redevelopment projects in The Dalles: the Mint building expansion and a vision for revitalizing the historic Craig building.
The board also passed updates to its incentive program guidelines and conditionally approved new funding for Freebridge Brewing.
Former Craig Office Supply at 323 E. 2nd Street to become a wine-centric Market?
Craig Building Redevelopment – No Funding Yet, But Strong Interest
David Brown, owner of the Craig building at Second and Federal streets, presented a long-term vision for converting the historic structure into a mixed-use hub. With a vineyard on Three Mile Road and ties to Oregon’s wine distribution industry, Brown and his architectural team proposed turning the building into a wine-centric market, café, event space, and residential apartments.
David Brown of Threemile Vineyard. Photo from Threemile website.
While no formal funding request was made, the presentation received strong support from board members, who praised the project’s alignment with goals for downtown revitalization and housing. The board encouraged Brown to continue collaborating with staff and the Federal Street Plaza committee.
The Craig building’s redevelopment is intended to roll out in phases and may become eligible for funding under the newly expanded incentive program.
Mint Building Redevelopment – Conditional Approval for $250,000
Freebridge Brewing owner Steve Light and building owner Tim Shechtel presented an update on the expansion project at the historic Mint building, 710 E. 2nd St., citing significant construction progress, including kitchen upgrades, fire suppression installation, and a grease trap system. They requested $300,000 in grant funding while acknowledging an earlier $50,000 grant already received.
Tim Schechtel
Due to the project already being 90% complete, Urban Renewal staff recommended a conditional grant approval of up to $250,000. The amount is subject to verification of eligible, uncompleted expenses, which were estimated at $114,000. The final reimbursement will only cover future eligible work, per Urban Renewal guidelines.
The board approved the recommendation, noting the project's community value and long-term investment in downtown.
Incentive Program Guidelines Updated
By passing Resolution 25-003, the board formally updated incentive program guidelines, increasing the maximum individual grant to $300,000. The changes also introduce a requirement for a “public benefit statement” on projects exceeding $100,000, add conflict-of-interest language, and clarify the separation between the incentive program and Development Funding Agreements (DFAs).
