REDI Celebrates the 2025 REDI Thrive Award Nominees and Winner!

Redmond, Oregon is a community built on innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to its residents. This spirit was vibrantly celebrated at the recent 12th Annual Made In Redmond Tour, where Redmond Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) proudly announced the winner of the 2025 Thrive Award. This esteemed award, sponsored by Mid-Oregon Credit Union ,recognizes initiatives that significantly change the landscape and propel economic development within Redmond.

This year's four remarkable nominees truly embody the essence of a thriving community, each contributing in unique and impactful ways to Redmond's continued economic flourishing.

The Esteemed Nominees: Projects Fueling Redmond's Growth

The NOVA Apartments: This downtown Urban Renewal Public-Private Project led by Watson Development, Ltd. took a neglected landmark, the former Village Squire Motel, and transformed it into 24affordable-by-design studio apartments. Opened in February 2025 and fully leased by April, The NOVA Apartments address a critical need for workforce housing, supporting Redmond employers in attracting and retaining talent. Beyond providing essential homes, it revitalized a blighted area, enhancing downtown vitality and demonstrating a powerful model for urban renewal. Check out the Redmond Spokesman article about The NOVA Apartments.

Bethlehem Inn Redmond: Since expanding into Redmond in December 2021, Bethlehem Inn has been a transformative force, establishing the city's first year-round emergency shelter. Their innovative BIRCH (Bethlehem Inn Redmond Community Housing) program, launched in 2024, offers supportive housing for individuals in recovery, fostering self-sufficiency. Bethlehem Inn contributes significantly to economic development through workforce reintegration, local job creation (with 42 staff shifts weekly), enhanced community stability, and local investment, demonstrating a sustainable model for addressing homelessness and supporting long-term individual and community resilience. Learn more about Bethlehem Inn Redmond Community Housing.

Accent Lighting: A locally owned and family-operated business since 1996, Accent Lighting has deeply invested in Redmond. Ten years ago, they leased commercial space for their award-winning showroom, and recently purchased commercial property, solidifying Redmond as their "forever home." Beyond providing living wage jobs for its five employees, 90% of whom own homes and cars, Accent Lighting is dedicated to community service, now seeking volunteer opportunities with Mustangs to the Rescue, showcasing their passion for animals and community engagement. Visit Accent Lighting’s About Us Page.

NeighborImpact Food Warehouse: This new facility is the culmination of years of effort to expand the regional food bank. With over $5 million in contributions, the warehouse, which opened in March 2025, has more than tripled cold storage capacity and increased overall food storage to 10,600 sq. ft. It enables delivery of over 130,000 meals to partner food pantries and expanded mobile pantry services across Central Oregon, serving over 83,000 individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. The NeighborImpact Food Warehouse, with an operating budget now over $60 million, provides a vital lifeline, streamlining food distribution, and strengthening the entire region's food system. Discover more about NeighborImpact’s food bank program.

And the 2025 Thrive Award Winner Is...

While REDI applauds all the nominees as true champions of Redmond's progress, the prestigious 2025 Thrive Award was presented to The NOVA Apartments!

Watson Development, Ltd.'s revitalization of the Village Squire Motel into The NOVA Apartments stands as a shining example of a public-private partnership effectively addressing critical housing needs and revitalizing a key downtown area. Along with their construction partner for The NOVA Apartments, Simplicity by Hayden Homes, Watson Development, Ltd, has had an immediate impact on providing essential housing for Redmond's workforce. The NOVA Apartments has long-term potential to inspire similar urban renewal projects truly exemplify the spirit of the Thrive Award.

Join us in congratulating Watson Development, Ltd. and Simplicity by Hayden Homes for The NOVA Apartments and all the incredible nominees. Their dedication and impactful initiatives are what make Redmond a proud place to live, work, play, and thrive.

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