Welcome Downtown
Posted by Lloyd Purdy on 12 May
June 1, 2013 opening fills artisan niche in Downtown Marketplace.
This month, tables were set out and shelves were stocked at Nebbiolo, on the corner of 8th and Main Streets in downtown Oregon City. The restaurant Nebbiolo takes its name from an Italian grape. This refinished space in the old Weinhard Building at 800 Main Street includes a new wine bar, gourmet specialties and wine market, European style deli and bistro.
Nebbiolo occupies 2,000 square feet of newly renovated space carved out of what was the old corner showroom of the Busch Furniture store in the historic Weinhard Building. Featuring a full, state of the art kitchen with all the equipment necessary for the production of fresh home made pastry, breads and desserts, soups, sauces and fresh salads, as well as artisan hand-made sandwiches.
Nebbiolo will also feature a New York Italian style deli and salumeria, boutique market and wine shop offering area residents and visitors a truly unique, friendly, fun, casual Old World style dining and shopping experience. Joe and Yvette have spent the last 12 months designing, renovating and outfitting this new location in order to fulfill their life-long dream of owning and operating their very own family run restaurant and bar.
The Nebbiolo menu includes a salumeria – with cured meats, sausages, cheese, pasta and antipasto. Patrons will be able to dine in or take out. Owner-Chef Yvette Kirwin is also planning an extensive “Dolce” or dessert menu. True to its name, Nebbiolo, will also feature wines from local and international sources.
Local entrepreneurs Yvette and Joe Kirwin are what make the downtown marketplace unique. Between the investment in the space by Joe and Yvette and the Busch Family and the hard work of these new business owners we’re seeing a transformation physically and economically in a prime corner of downtown Oregon City.
Joe and Yvette bring more than 25 years of experience in the restaurant business, both worked at Pastini Restaurants as Director of Operations and Director of Kitchen Operations respectively, prior to venturing out to pursue their dream of owning a small, family-run business in their own neighborhood.
“I’m so proud of our family’s selfless contributions of time, passion, creativity, and moral support and I can’t thank them all enough. They have all repeatedly given Yvette and I the strength and courage to continue when we got down and needed a hand; and a smile to lift our spirits and inspire us to keep the dream alive,” said Owner Joe Kirwin. “There is immense satisfaction in actually seeing what was once just a vision and an idea become this physically real thing and knowing that we did it all ourselves as a family from scratch makes it that much more rewarding. We are so looking forward to sharing our beautiful space, our art and food, and our dreams with folks from all over the surrounding community.”
Located across from the Clackamas County Courthouse, outdoor seating at Nebbiolo will also provide evening views of the recently lighted Singer Falls and “moontrap” sculpture by Lee Kelly.
Entrepreneurs Joe and Yvette Kirwin, at Nebbiolo 800 Main Street in Downtown Oregon City.
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Posted by Lloyd Purdy on 9 May
Maizee Mae’s Antiques and Treasures Opens in Downtown Oregon City.
Entrepreneur Cristy Rein is introducing an assortment of true antiques – furniture, porcelain, pottery, glass, clocks and home accessories – to Oregon City with a new antique shop in downtown Oregon City. Maizee Mae’s Antiques and Treasures is now open at 714 Main Street in the historic Petzold Building across from the Masonic Lodge.
Maizee Mae’s Antiques and Treasures now fills about 1,000 square feet of retail space in the core of downtown Oregon City in a building that is listed on the National Historic Register. The store is named after Cristy’s first English Bulldog. She said, “The name conveys a sassy southern manner — and that just fits!” It is also fitting to open an antique store in the only commercial building on the National Historic Registry in downtown Oregon City.
Cristy has been an antique dealer for more than 30 years. She opened her first space on 82nd and Foster in 1982 and has been part of several well-known antique malls in the Portland area, including the Lafayette School House Mall.
“I love antiques, the history they bring, and the treasure hunt,” said Cristy, “I finally decided to open my own shop in my community. Antiques speak of days gone by and gives us a glimpse of how people lived a 100 years ago.” One of her favorite pieces was a 200 year-old plate of English porcelain. “Think of how many hands, people and even moves that piece survived — all without a chip or crack.”
Cristy is a treasurer hunter always looking out for new pieces and the story behind the antiques. One unique item for sale in her shop is a working 1924 Victrola (a wind-up phonograph). In order to turn up the volume you simply open the door wider, there’s no knob to turn.
“Downtown Oregon City is growing as a marketplace for entrepreneurs and unique small businesses.” said Lloyd Purdy, director of the nonprofit Main Street Oregon City. “Entrepreneurs and creative professionals have discovered the attraction of this 169 year-old marketplace.”
The shop does take consignment and offers full restoration and repair. The shop is open seven days a week. Monday through Saturday 10-7 and Sunday until 5 pm.
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Posted by ethanerickson on 1 May
Go way back to Oregon City’s first steps through this 5th of 55 audio tracks that walk us through the history of Oregon’s First Main Street. Like our facebook page to get these weekly posts to your news feed!
5. 511 Main Street – Released on 5/1/13
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Posted by Lloyd Purdy on 26 April
Family of Entrepreneurs Celebrate Ripening of Business.
Locally owned Oregon City market
Spicer Brothers Produce will celebrate 25 years in the fruit and vegetable business on April 27
th. To commemorate the anniversary, the Spicer family will host a free party to thank the customers and community for their loyalty and support since 1988.
Spicer Brothers Produce at 508 14th Street in downtown Oregon City is a produce and natural foods store. Owner Keith Spicer opened the store on April 28th, 1988 and has nurtured the business’s grow as an integral part of Oregon City ever since. He now runs the business in downtown Oregon City with his two sons, the Spicer Brothers – Andy and Chris – who were 4 and 2 when the store opened. Spicer’s was the first business in the neighborhood to reopen after the flood of 1996, and was able to bounce back thanks to the support of their customers.
“The three of us have a great time together running this business,” said Keith Spicer, Owner of Spicer Brothers Produce. “It’s more than work, it’s quality family time.”
To celebrate this anniversary on April 27th, a Koi Fusion truck will be selling food in the parking lot, alongside deals on produce inside the store. Live music will be provided between 1pm and 3pm by Ants In The Kitchen, a local Portland blues, soul and rock band. There will be a bounce house for kids and free popcorn for customers. A free raffle will feature drawings for gift cards, fruit baskets, t-shirts, and other prizes. Info and samples will be available from other great local companies, including Gladstone coffee roaster Happy Rock Coffee, Bob’s Red Mill, Pacific Coast Fruit, and more.
“We realized this is a milestone and our loyal customers should be part of the celebration,” said Chris Spicer. “I’m looking forward to a great crowd, live music at the market, and spending time with customers who have become friends.”
Spicer Brothers Produce is open Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. The store is located at 508 14th Street in downtown Oregon City, OR, 97045. Find more information at www.spicerbrothersproduce.com, Facebook Spicer Brothers Produce, or by calling 503-656-7061.
“Downtown Oregon City is home to a mix of business and entrepreneurs,” said Lloyd Purdy, Director of the non-profit MSOC. “Spicer Brothers Produce is a local icon and a great example of a family run business that continues to grow based upon 25 years of success.”
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Posted by ethanerickson on 25 April
Go way back to Oregon City’s first steps through this 4th of 55 audio tracks that walk us through the history of Oregon’s First Main Street. Like our facebook page to get these weekly posts to your news feed!
4. Click here to listen to 507 Main Street – Released on 4/24/13
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Posted by Lloyd Purdy on 22 March
Downton Oregon City or Downtown Oregon City? A New addition to Cottage Row on 14th Street adds British charm to Downtown Oregon City.
This weekend, Londoner Cheryl Frampton opens her first British style shabby chic and unique British gift boutique this side of the British Isles. She chose Cottage Row in downtown Oregon City as the right site for her new British themed retail boutique. The Big White Goose is located at 216 14th Street. Cheryl, who’s family owned the tourist gift shops opposite Windsor Castle for many years is no stranger to being surrounded by all things British. Adding to her heritage is Cheryl’s love of shabby chic design – both in her own hand painted furniture and home accessories.
Mrs. Frampton is pursuing her dream of working in her very own store. The Big White Goose at 216 14th Street in downtown Oregon City offers unique products direct from London plus vintage and one-of-a-kind products from the USA.
“Having spent years in the self help industry as coach and author, along with PR, marketing & events, I felt it was the right time to just ‘go for it’. I have always felt that Oregon City and the changes taking place downtown will make Oregon City a place to be. I wanted to be a part of that, so I chose to rent the middle cottage on 14th street and complete cottage row.”
At The Big White Goose on 14th Street, Cheryl will also host entertaining workshops on how to use traditional milk paint along with continuing her girls night in vision board workshops and offering english tea parties at The Big White Goose. Big White Goose grand opening will begin at 10am on the 23rd of March 2013. During the grand opening ceremony visitors will be greeted by a British style royal changing of the guard.
Visitors can also have their photo taken in front of number 10 Downing Street famous black door. The first twenty people through the front door beginning at 10:00 am on the 23rd of March will receive a gift voucher of $5.00. Throughout the day tourists to this little piece of Britain will be enter to win a unique British gift, and of course say Hi to Cheryl.
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Posted by Lloyd Purdy on 22 March
A women’s clothing, apparel and accessory boutique that grew up in the Seattle/Tacoma area has relocated to downtown Oregon City. Entrepreneur Karen Cartwright has opened her business – Flying Monkey Mercantile on 6th Street in Downtown Oregon City.
Flying Monkey Mercantile - on 6th Street in Downtown Oregon City. Flying Monkey Mercantile - the name was inspired by the Wizard of Oz – will occupy 600 square feet of retail space fronting 6th Street in the building that houses Home Life Furniture at 610 Main Street.
While in Tacoma, Karen. Cartwright grew her business from a 100 square foot shop to a 1,200 square foot shop. Her success was founded upon creating a personal shopping experience with a boutique atmosphere for affordably priced dresses, purses, jewelry and accessories.
“One key to success is to have a fun space that is jam packet with great product,” said owner Karen Cartwright. “Creating a personalized shopping experience with a boutique atmosphere and affordable pricing is the next step.”
Karen Cartwright relocated to the area with her husband and decided to open Flying Monkey Mercantile in downtown Oregon City because she remembered her visits to downtown as a child. After moving to the area she was impressed with the recent revitalization of downtown Oregon City. “When I saw the changes in downtown Oregon City I knew I wanted to be a part of that, part of that energy and excitement.” said Karen Cartwright owner of Flying Monkey Mercantile on 6th Street in
Downtown Oregon City. “Running a local business and shopping locally – this is how you help your local economy.” This boutique retailer of women’s clothing and apparel carries locally sourced products and a
selection of sizes to “fit real women” according to Owner Karen Cartwright, “I spend a lot of timing searching for merchandise and ordering unique products.”
As an entrepreneur with previous experience in retail, Karen Cartwright, and her shop Flying Monkey Mercantile, fill a growing niche of restaurants, retailers and creative professionals flocking to downtown Oregon City’s 169 year old marketplace.
“It’s clear that Karen knows the business of retail,” said Ethan Erickson, Community Coordinator for the non-profit Main Street Oregon City. “She has experience marketing, merchandising, and making customers smile.”
Flying Monkey Mercantile on 6th Street combines Karen’s interest in fashion, design, color, and helping women feel good about themselves. She’s also made a commitment to sourcing products from around the region.
Karen is in good company in downtown Oregon City, joining more than 48 entrepreneurs and new business owners who have opened shop in the downtown marketplace over the last four years.
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Posted by Lloyd Purdy on 8 March
Is Downtown Oregon City Residential Ready?
Share your thoughts with us as we explore re-introducing residential capacity back into downtown Oregon City. Use the short online survey (https://portlandstate.qualtrics.com//SE/?SID=SV_25oZsKxwp3aj2Sh) to help us get a feel for the level of interest in living in a 169 year-old downtown surrounded by creative professionals and entrepreneurs.
This online survey is part of the work of a PSU graduate student team (calling themselves Five to Nine Consulting) working with MSOC Inc. to develop a “roadmap to residential” in downtown Oregon City.
See You Downtown,
Lloyd Purdy, Director MSOC Inc.
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Posted by Lloyd Purdy on 4 March
Oregon City Triathlon route includes run through downtown Oregon City, over Arch Bridge, and Up the Grant Stairway.
In 2008, Oregon City residents Patrick and Tom started swimming in the Clackamas Cove and publicized it through the Portland Triathlon Club. By 2012, up to 40 triathletes began showing on Wednesday nights. Better yet, almost every evening in last summer you’d find triathletes swimming the Cove.
“A couple of times we tried an Adventure Swim: Around the Cove, then out the spillway into the Clackamas River and down to the boat ramp at the Park,” said race coordinator Patrick Bolan. “This is our Swim Course, but the water temperature, water level, and river tide have to be right. The only window in 2013 where it all comes together is at 7:00am on June 22nd and 23rd!”
With only two open venues for Portland-area triathlons in 2012 (tired of Blue Lake?), Clackamas Cove will be the third and most geographically diverse race venue for 2013 in the Northwest. We’ve taken the talents of our Cove swimmers – marketing, event coordination, web & logo design, logistics – and made a race with two goals: 1) An awesome triathlon experience for you, and 2) Hopefully we’ll make enough money to do it next year!
Since Patrick the race director lives in Oregon City, there’s an effort to make this a community event – sponsored by local businesses and accessible to beginners and seasoned triathletes alike. You can see that local emphasis in our Run Course: through downtown Oregon City, out and back on our beautiful new bridge, and up the classic stair climb out of the downtown and on to the bluff. Really, who else has a stair climb?
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Posted by Lloyd Purdy on 1 March
MSOC Inc, Oregon City and 169 year old Downtown set example for locally led community renewal initiatives.
Every year, one of our partners in downtown revitalization (the State of Oregon) produces a report - 2012 State of Oregon Main Street Annual Report - that documents the impact and changes that are transforming downtown’s like ours. The non-profit MSOC is part of a state and national network of locally supported downtown revitalization programs that work as a local public/private partnership to solve local challenges and address local opportunities.
By now, you’re aware of the positive impact that we’ve had working together to improve downtown and Oregon City. You’ve seen the streetscape improvements, public art, facade improvements, new special events and new businesses that are transforming our169 year old downtown into a more modern marketplace. The attached report from the State touches on changes in many downtown’s around the State. As you read through it you’ll notice that our downtown is heavily referenced (especially in the beginning and the end of the report).
Over the last four years, Oregon City, Downtown and the non-profit MSOC have become a stellar example of partnership and place making that result in transformative change. If you’d like to get more involved in the revitalization efforts focused on historic downtown Oregon City, or if you have any questions about the work we’re doing, please feel free to stop by our new office at 816 Main Street (across from Liberty Plaza).
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