The Oldest House in Bend Almost Became a Parking Lot

Right on NW Wall Street, tucked behind Bellatazza and Bend Electric Bikes, sits the oldest standing structure in Bend city limits. The Goodwillie-Allen-Rademacher House, where The Commons(PS. great spot for a coffee or afternoon beer) currently is. Built in 1904, it’s one of those places you’ve probably walked past a hundred times without realizing you were looking at Bend’s very first mayor’s home.

Arthur Goodwillie moved here in his early 20s to work for Alexander Drake (the guy who basically put Bend on the map). At just 23, Goodwillie was elected Bend’s first mayor—and the town, all 530 people of it, celebrated by marching a makeshift band right up to his brand-new house. Leaded glass windows, a substantial frame, and more than a hint of ambition made the place stand out in a town that was still more frontier camp than city.

But here’s the kicker: in the 1990s, this house almost disappeared under a blacktop. Developers wanted a parking lot. The community wasn’t having it. What could’ve been another strip of asphalt is still a home, thanks to neighbors who refused to let it go.

Today, you can sip a cappuccino at The Commons or rent an e-bike next door without realizing you’re leaning against Bend’s living history. The Goodwillie-Allen-Rademacher House isn’t just a relic, it’s proof that Bend’s story is still standing, even when the bulldozers show up.

The Nigiri Box Of Your Dreams

Bend doesn’t exactly scream sushi capital of the world. Trout? Sure. Beef? Absolutely. But raw fish flown in from somewhere far away? Risky business.

Then there’s Ryoshi Sushi.

I went in on a whim and ordered the Nigiri Box. Let me just say, it was one of those meals that makes you stop mid-bite and question why you’ve wasted so much time on mediocre spicy tuna rolls elsewhere.

Every piece was a little jewel. Rice just warm enough, perfectly seasoned, holding together like it actually wanted to be there. Fish so fresh it felt like it swam straight up the Deschutes and onto my plate. Balanced, clean, and somehow so yummy all at once.

This wasn’t just good for Bend. It was some of the best sushi I’ve had, period. No tricks, no gimmicks. Just skill meeting a great product and turning it into something you can’t stop thinking about the next day.

So if you need me, I’ll probably be back at Ryoshi, pretending I’m only ordering the Nigiri Box once.