Transforming a Mill Town: The Journey of Bill Smith and putting Bend, Oregon on the map

Brian Ladd sits down with Bill Smith, arguably one of Bend's greatest visionaries, responsible for reimagining Bend and taking it from a tired mill town to a thriving, desirable destination. Cementing himself in our community's history, Bill Smith along with his wife, Trish, have had an undeniable impact on Central Oregon. "While the Old Mill District is Smith's signature piece, and widely credited as integral to Bend's rebirth, his prior work with Brooks Resources helped shape Central Oregon's evolution from timber outpost to outdoor mecca. From Black Butte Ranch, Sisters and La Pine to major developments in Bend, such as Awbrey Butte and Mount Bachelor Village, Smith oversaw work that helped transform Brooks-Scanlon from a mill operator to a purveyor of destination lifestyles—work that helped rebrand and redefine the region in the process. He launched William Smith Properties in 1985, extending his holdings to vast ranches in Eastern Oregon. His wife and co-owner of the firm, Patricia "Trish" Smith, has taken the lead on their significant civic and philanthropic work, supporting arts and culture, education, and healthcare in Bend and throughout the state." Courtesy of Bend Magazine Thank you to Monkless Belgian Ales for providing the location for this interview.