OSU Cascades: Transforming Bend’s Future from the Ground Up
Bend’s growth story is one of vision, collaboration, and bold ideas—and few projects embody that spirit more than the evolution of Oregon State University–Cascades. In our latest episode of the BendBeat Podcast, we sat down with Jared Pantella, Director of Capital Planning, and Christine Coffin, Director of Communications and Community Engagement. We explored how OSU Cascades is reshaping not only a former pumice mine and landfill, but also the educational, economic, and cultural landscape of Central Oregon.
From Pumice Mine to Premier Campus
It’s hard to imagine now, but the 128-acre OSU Cascades campus site in Southwest Bend was once a massive pumice mine and construction debris landfill. Where others might have seen an environmental liability, OSU saw an opportunity.
Over the past decade, their team has embarked on an ambitious remediation—moving and safely re-engineering hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of material—turning a scarred industrial site into a vibrant, walkable, sustainable university hub. The location couldn’t be more ideal: minutes from the Deschutes River, world-class trails, and downtown Bend’s cultural heart.
A Triple Net Zero Vision
From the start, OSU Cascades committed to a “triple net zero” goal:
Net Zero Energy – Powered by an open-loop geo-exchange system that taps the consistent temperature of the aquifer to heat and cool buildings.
Net Zero Water – Landscaping that blends native species with carefully curated green spaces, aiming to use no more water annually than naturally falls on campus.
Net Zero Waste – Tackling upstream supply chains, campus behaviors, and recycling infrastructure to eliminate landfill contributions.
This commitment to sustainability makes OSU Cascades a model for how higher education can lead in climate-conscious design—a topic of growing importance in Central Oregon’s real estate and development conversations.
Innovation Meets Industry
One of the most exciting developments is the planned Innovation District—24 acres designed to bring together faculty, students, and private industry under one roof. Imagine kinesiology students working alongside physical therapy startups, or engineering majors partnering with companies developing next-generation energy systems.
This model has already seen success: when local snowboard company Snow Blanks’ founders were ready for their next adventure, they donated the business to OSU Cascades. Today, students manage everything from design and production to marketing—gaining hands-on, résumé-building experience that’s rare in any university setting.
Deep Community Roots
While OSU Cascades is still a young campus—it opened in 2016—the vision began decades earlier, driven by community leaders who believed Bend deserved a four-year university. That grassroots support remains strong, whether through donor-funded buildings, packed monthly campus tours, or local collaborations.
Being a land grant university means community service is built into OSU’s DNA. From public science lectures to summer academies for high school students, the campus continues to find ways to engage residents of all ages.
Why It Matters for Bend’s Future
As Bend continues to navigate the challenges of growth—housing, infrastructure, workforce development—the presence of a dynamic, research-driven, community-connected university is a cornerstone for long-term success. OSU Cascades is not just educating future leaders; it’s fostering innovation, strengthening the economy, and enriching our culture.
For those of us invested in Bend’s evolution—whether as residents, business owners, or community advocates—this is a story worth following closely.
Watch the full conversation in the video above to hear more from Jared and Christine about landfill myths, student-faculty ratios, the Innovation District’s future, and why Bend’s collaborative spirit makes projects like this possible.
If you want to stay ahead of what’s shaping Bend’s future, make sure you’re subscribed to the BendBeat Podcast, explore our latest features on Ladd Group Real Estate and Bend Property Source, and share this post with someone who cares about the growth and vitality of our community.