The AI-generated image shows a three-story mixed-use building with “PHILOMATH” prominently displayed on its facade. It features a distinctive clock tower with two dials. It is reminiscent of traditional downtown architecture, but with modern elements. Looking at the top, it appears that this structure also includes rooftop equipment.
This illustration was included in a call for qualifications announced by the city in connection with the vacant property at Main and 14th. The image, produced by the city, was published along with a Philomath News article about the pending RFQ release and received some attention.
City Manager Chris Workman mentioned AI imagery in a report to the City Council on January 12th.
“This has some of the things we were looking for and has a lumber town feel to it,” Workman said of the rendering.
At least three people have mentioned this image to me since this article was published. That includes Wednesday when I was getting a haircut at Philomath Barber Shop, which is almost directly across from the future development site.
The RFQ was announced with the city accepting bids and proposals until March 2nd. The document also includes several other images intended to give interested parties an idea of what the city would like to see in the city’s prime location.
Please read the RFQ. This includes some interesting information from the descriptions that Philomath provides for the history of the main site and the 14th site, including an image of the Nussbaum Service Garage advertisement in the newspaper (courtesy of a social media post by local resident Steve Boggs).
When it comes to AI’s image, what caught my eye was a design that blended traditional small-town elements with modern mixed-use design. This shows what kind of projects the city wants to see as part of its downtown revitalization efforts.
2. 10 years of Music in the Park
As I was writing a preview for Tuesday’s Philomath Park Advisory Committee meeting, I began to remember the beginnings of Music in the Park. It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since the city decided to experiment with a summer concert series.
The first concert on May 26, 2016 was performed by the Philomath High School Jazz Band under the direction of Dan Johnson. That first summer featured other bands such as Parrish Gap (June), Magic Mama and Notions of Now (July), and The Flow (August).
At the time, board member Sonra Hahn said there were about a dozen applications from bands wanting to perform in one of the three open spots.
“We had to choose from a large number of applications, and we tried to choose the one we felt would be most community-friendly…We also stipulated that the facility be kept clean and family-friendly.”
The park board has committed to trying the new concert series for at least five years. At the end of the first summer, I interviewed Dale Collins, then the park board chairman, and he believed the concerts went better than expected.
A few years later, when the concert series was in its third year, we spoke again.
“I think it went well as a new experience for us,” Collins said while the PHS Jazz Band performed in May 2018. “We’re looking at ways to utilize the park, and this is one good way to get people out and see what’s going on.”
A few additional notes. The Philomath Lions Club has been providing meals and snacks since its inception. This event has always served as a fundraiser for local school music programs. And Swamp Grass’ 2017 performance marked the first band to be paid for a Music in the Park gig. This was thanks to sponsorship from True Value Hardware and Vinwood Taphouse at the time.
Well, it’s now in its 10th year (the series was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic). The Park Board will review applications from 15 bands on Tuesday to decide how to fill the five open dates.
To say the pilot program was a success would be an understatement.
3. Corvallis Measles Virus
First in Linn County and now in Corvallis, the measles virus is rearing its ugly head and it may be only a matter of time before it shows up in Philomath.
Earlier this week, we received a news release from Benton County that health officials are conducting measles surveillance after the virus was detected in wastewater sampling, including in the cities of Corvallis and Lewisburg.
A sample taken on January 21 tested positive for the measles virus, indicating that at least one infected person was in the area. As of Friday, there were no confirmed cases reported in Benton County.
The discovery comes amid three confirmed measles cases elsewhere in Oregon since the beginning of 2026 (two in Linn County and one in Clackamas County). The Benton County Health Department is working with the Oregon Health Authority and other local health officials to prevent the spread of infection through outreach and education.
“Measles was previously eliminated from the United States thanks to routine childhood immunizations,” said Benton County Health Officer Dr. Carolina Amador. “There is a growing hesitancy to get vaccinated, and measles rates are rising nationwide.”
Measles spreads easily through the air when someone infected with the virus coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include rash, fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. To reduce the risk of spreading the virus, people with these symptoms should call their health care provider before visiting.
The Benton County Health Department said the MMR vaccine offers the best protection, with two doses being about 97% effective at preventing infection. People who were born before 1957, have had measles, or have received two doses of the MMR vaccine are considered immune.
If you have any questions after reading this, please contact the Benton County Health Department at 541-766-6835. Or call your health care provider.
(Brad Fuqua is the publisher/editor of Philomath News. He can be reached at News@PhilomathNews.com).
