Conversation With A Local Legend
Co-founder of the Old Mill District, Trish Smith, opens up to Assistant Marketing Director, Amanda Bird-Zimmerman, about what the district’s 25thanniversary means to her.
I find Trish Smith in the Old Mill District management offices signing copies of her cookbook “Feeding My Friends” for the nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation’s membership party. Very on brand for the matriarch of William Smith Properties, Inc., the parent company of the Old Mill District, who has always had philanthropy at the forefront of her pursuits. Trish is the wife of the late Bill Smith, founder of both the entities mentioned above, and as we launch into the 25th anniversary year I think I’m overwhelmed by the number of questions I’d like to ask her, and her response to my first question confirms the feeling is mutual.
ABZ: What does the 25th Anniversary of the Old Mill District mean to you?
Trish: It’s overwhelming! (chuckles) To think of all it took to transform a barren lumber mill site to the bustling communal space it is today. You know, there were a lot of people who didn’t think it was a good idea, or that it was even possible. It took an incredible brain trust of future-thinking friends, whom I might add have incredible values, to bring this to life. The Hollern and Brooks families also recognized the importance of creating a space that takes care of the people who live here. This is the mentality of the current team working to move us into the future, too, you know. It’s impressive.
ABZ: I’ve overheard folks mention a timespan of four years, eleven months, and two days. What are they referring to?
Trish: That’s how long it took Bill and the boys to raise the capital, secure the permits, (air quotes) “convince” investors that the Old Mill District will help the economy and families. You know a lot of folks weren’t really investing in the development itself, they invested in Bill and his belief that this would become something robust and improve the lives of folks living in Bend. That, and he just loved that river!
ABZ: I have to believe that you had a hand in that, too. Afterall, you’re here signing a cookbook that you wrote, might you have prepared meals for a few of those business meetings?
Trish: Oh goodness, I sure did. While raising two kids, too! Bill was somewhat notorious for surprising me with last-minute additions to our dinner table, sometimes they got chicken drumsticks and other times I had more advance notice to prepare something fancier (laughs), but I tell you those meals were where some of our best connections were made. You know, in the early days of the amphitheater I would pick up the artists from the airport and make meals for them, too. It’s just what we did back then. We’re all about hospitality.
ABZ: A peek behind the scenes. I like it! Any other behind-the-scenes stories about the early days you think the community would like to know?
Trish: There are so many! Your mention of the four years, eleven months, and two days made me remember how down to the wire it really did get. Permitting and developing can take a lot of time, a lot of money, and a lot of patience. We were down to the last $100,000 and the smokestacks were in question. We could either pay $20,000 to have them removed, or $80,000 to have them repaired and secure. Several folks, us included, went without pay checks for a while, but looking back, that was just one of the many brave, intelligent, maybe crazy, but fruitful decisions that were made. Bend’s skyline would look so different without those stacks, and another piece of history would have been removed.
ABZ: I hear so much pride when you talk about Bill and the development of the district. What else are you proud of?
Trish: Did you know we won a Phoenix Award from the Environmental Protection Agency for the work Bill did to restore the river riparian area?
ABZ: Please say more!
Trish: That’s just it, Bill used to be the nightwatchman of the mill and patrolled the stretch of river that now flows between the Old Mill District and Hayden Homes Amphitheater. It’s always been so important to him. He paid attention to every detail of this development, and a really important detail was the health of the river so he privately raised funds to clean and restore what was deemed a Brownfield site, one of the largest privately funded restoration projects of its time, and today we have a thriving ecosystem and trail system for folks and animals to enjoy.
ABZ: You mention the amphitheater on the other side of the river. How did it get there?
Trish: Years and years before the Old Mill District came into conception, we got inspired by a Burl Ives concert that happened in Drake Park. Thousands of people descended upon Bend to experience a concert together. We knew then that that was a key in building community and space for folks to come as they are, with their families, to grow together. I think originally the amphitheater was going to be on the east side of the river, but that wouldn’t work because of how the sun moves across the sky. In the early days the lot that is now the venue was dirt, an old mill site, right, and it would blow dirt across the river to folks at Regal Cinema. Bill’s thinking was, “we’ve got to water the dirt, and if we water the dirt, we’re just grass seed away from a lawn. If we’ve got a lawn, then we’re just a stage away from Willie Nelson." And guess what?! Willie Nelson played here the second year the amphitheater was open! He came back, too. How lucky are we?
ABZ: Quite the evolution! How does what the district has become compare to the original vision?
Trish: I’m astounded by its evolution. I used to be a teacher and the old school administration building is the present-day William Smith Properties, Inc. main offices. And before that I think it was a doctor’s office for the mill workers. The Old Mill District is such a big part of our lives and my story, but it is a part of countless others’ lives and stories, too. How many families and friends come to concerts together, share meals at Hola! or Anthony’s, walk or float along the river, find art from local artisans, get support for their nonprofit, and the kids who see Santa every winter, or trick-or-treat in a safe space… all the first dates. Gosh, I’m overwhelmed again! It’s a beautiful thing that came from sleepless nights, countless hours of work, and dedication to a vision that continues to support all the various people who call this place home. And everyone deserves to call this place home.
ABZ: I love that. You’ve worked with the Latino Community Association, sat on several Boards including the Oregon Community Foundation, Central Oregon Community College Foundation, and Oregon Public Broadcasting, not to mention a schoolteacher for several years, you’ve always advocated for folks to have their voices heard and to support community. You’ve seen and heard so much. What is one piece of advice you’d give Bend 25 years from now?
Trish: (chuckling) That was a loaded question! To be succinct, stay creative.
ABZ: I have a bad habit of loading questions, can you elaborate?
Trish: Of course. I encourage folks to continue making space for creative thinking. It’s imperative. And I don’t just say that as a former schoolteacher. Communities who create spaces for everyone, and I mean everyone, to collaborate creatively, who make time and space for all voices to be heard, are the ones more apt to innovate, survive, and thrive. And if you’re lookingfor space, I hear the Old Mill District has a certain generosity of space and lush lawns perfect for brainstorming and meeting new friends.
ABZ: I think that’s the perfect conclusion and call to action for the next 25 years. Thank you, Trish!
