It started as a BIG dream last summer and is slowly but surely starting to take shape for North Bend resident Beth Burrows.
Last summer the 1924 historic building located at 44711 East North Bend Way was slated to be torn down so that Tanner Electric could build a new substation to serve residents.
This is where longtime resident Beth stepped in. The historic building had once been the office and workshop of the North Bend Timber Company. It had history, roots. Beth wanted to not only preserve the building, but also re-purpose it.
The 2,400 sq. ft. building didn’t look like much – with a sagging and weathered exterior – but it once was a vital part of North Bend’s lumber and railroad history. Beth envisioned the building as a future home and workspace for local artists.
Tanner Electric shared the dream and donated the building. Beth had the land so the big dreamer took action. The historic building was moved last November to her family’s two-acre property about mile away at 1265 SE North Bend Way
And then work began to restore the old building, to eventually transform it into a gallery and workspace for the Valley’s creative community. Beth also formed a nonprofit – North Bend Art & Industry – with the help of others sharing the same passion for the city’s history and for encouraging artists and creatives. This group hasn’t stopped working.
The five year plan for the home of NBA&I includes re-building the historic train shed to serve artists with work and gallery space and provide a location for classes and workshops; then building an industrial arts barn for metal and wood working; and finally renovating a historic farmhouse for use as a venue and writers gathering space, holding workshops and classes and so much more.
With the Summer Solstice approaching, North Bend Arts & Industry will host one of its first events called Rise With Art on June 22nd from 12PM noon to 4PM.
It’s a chance to see the historic train shed up close and see all the work that’s been accomplished thus far. Attendees can also enjoy local art, artists, workshops, and music for all ages.
For more info visit North Bend Arts & Industry Facebook page, where you can see all the local artists who will be participating in Rise with Art. It’s a pretty long list.
Good Luck North Bend Arts & Industry!
