Urban Renewal Board digs into Construction Plan, Adapts to Fermentation Hub Withdrawal

The Dalles Economic Development Director Jacob Anderson speaks to the Urban Renewal Board on Tuesday, Oct. 21, while Urban Renewal Manager Joshua Chandler looks up additional information. Anderson has assumed Chandler’s role as the manager of the Urban Renewal agency.

The Dalles, Ore., Oct. 24, 2025 — The Dalles Urban Renewal Agency moved several major downtown projects closer to construction this week, including the long-anticipated First Street reconstruction, while also addressing setbacks such as the withdrawal of the proposed Fermentation Hub development.

A before and after rendering of the First Street Streetscape looking west on First Street toward the Baldwin Saloon.

First Street Project Moves to Bidding Phase

City staff confirmed that the First Street improvement project went out to bid last week, marking a key milestone after years of design and coordination. Bid openings are scheduled for mid-November, and construction is expected to stretch through 2026, bringing significant road closures and detours downtown.

An informational meeting on Oct. 30 at 5:30 p.m. will outline expected traffic impacts, parking changes, and coordination with other projects such as the Federal Street Plaza and West First Street interceptor.

“We’re going to focus on traffic and parking impacts,” said Urban Renewal Agency Manager Joshua Chandler, who emphasized the city’s intent to “get everybody informed of what’s going to happen over the next year and a half of construction.”

Looking down on Federal Street and the now-graveled and fenced site where Tony’s Town & Country was located prior to demolition. Urban Renewal will use the site for staging materials in the Federal Street Plaza build. At the same time, the city remains open to hearing about proposed projects for the location, however, no formal request for ideas are currently being solicited.

Fermentation Hub Project Withdraws

Economic Development Director Jacob Anderson informed the board that developers will not move forward with the Fermentation Hub, citing the difficulty of financing a $7 million facility amid high interest rates and construction costs.

“He (Steve Light of Freebridge Brewing) and his partners really put forward their best effort,” Anderson told the board, explaining that “the numbers just don’t pencil right now.”

The project was leaning heavily on a $400,000 from an Oregon Main Street Revitalization competitive grant for acquisition and construction. However the project was not selected as The Dalles had recently won the grant in the prior year. The money would then have been used to leverage other grants to help finance the restaurant and hub for fermented products such as beer, wine and cider.

The vacant parcel—known locally as the Tony’s Town & Country site—remains a key redevelopment opportunity adjacent to the upcoming Federal Street Plaza. Staff suggested temporary uses to keep the space active, such as installing power outlets for food carts or adding grass until a new proposal emerges.

Renderings show the Basalt Commons on the former Griffith Motors site looking east on Third Street in downtown The Dalles. The project looks to get underway by the end of the year.

Tony’s Site Designated as Lay-Down Yard

The board also voted to temporarily use the Tony’s site as a lay-down yard during construction of the Federal Street Plaza, a move intended to save costs by providing staging space for contractors.

City Attorney Jonathan Kara assured members that the site’s use is protected by indemnification clauses and can be revoked with 30 days’ notice if a new development proposal arises. Commissioners discussed the balance between flexibility and readiness should an unexpected project proposal appear.

Basalt Commons and Small-Grant Projects Advance

Anderson also updated the board on the Basalt Commons housing project and smaller downtown rehabilitation efforts. Property owners at 208-210 Washington Street received a small incentive grant to install a vapor barrier and under-floor insulation to improve energy efficiency for ground-floor tenants.

Meanwhile, the board approved Phase 3 of J Properties’ renovation of the historic American Legion Hall, granting $4,120 toward façade and basement improvements. Earlier phases restored upper-level offices now leased to local businesses including Firefly Women’s Boutique, Gorge City Barbering, and an area law firm.

“I’ve been constantly impressed by the work that they’ve done and the investment in the community,” said Commissioner Dan Richardson, adding that the project “seems like a fruitful investment.”

Leadership Transitions and New Grant Pursuit

Joshua Chandler, who has served as the Urban Renewal Agency Manager, announced that Jacob (“Jake”) Anderson will take over the position as part of a city reorganization. Chandler will remain with the city, continuing to assist “in the background” and support community development projects. Anderson, who also serves as Economic Development Director, now officially manages the Urban Renewal Agency under the City Manager’s Office, reflecting a broader structural shift that consolidates economic development functions within city leadership. Board members praised Chandler’s management, with Commissioner Marcus Swift commending him for keeping “the board informed and projects moving forward.”

The agency also plans to seek a $200,000 Recreational Trails Grant to fund the bike hub planned within the Federal Street Plaza. The hub will connect to the Historic Columbia River Highway Trail, making the plaza a terminus for cyclists entering downtown.

Finance Director and Assistant City Manager Introduced

Brita Meyer

The City of The Dalles introduced two new staff members during the recent Urban Renewal Agency meeting. Brita Meyer is the city’s new Finance Director, bringing experience from her previous role with the North Central Public Health District. Meyer grew up in The Dalles and was a steady hand at the Meyer cherry and apple orchard, High Rolls Ranch. She received her Bachelors of Science in Accounting and Finance from the University of Idaho and followed the degree with several jobs with accounting firms before becoming the finance manager for the health district.

Brenda Fahey

Brenda Fahey has been hired as the Assistant City Manager and Human Resources Director, following years of service with the City of Portland. There she was the manager of operations administration.

Both were welcomed by board members and staff, who thanked them for joining the team and expressed confidence in their leadership as they step into key administrative roles.