The AI-generated image shows a three-story, multi-use building with “PHILOMATH” prominently displayed on its facade. A distinctive clock tower with dual clock faces can be seen — reminiscent of traditional downtown architecture but with modern elements. Up top, it appears the structure even includes rooftop amenities.
The illustration was included in a request for qualifications released by the city in connection with the vacant property at Main and 14th. Produced by the city and published with a Philomath News story about the pending release of the RFQ, the image has attracted some attention.
City Manager Chris Workman mentioned the AI image during a report to the City Council on Jan. 12.
“That’s got some of the things that we’d be looking for and has that kind of timber town vibe to it,” Workman said about the rendering.
At least three people mentioned the image to me since the story was published, including on Wednesday while I was getting a haircut at the Philomath Barber Shop, which is located almost directly across the street from the future development site.
The RFQ was released with the city accepting bids and proposals until March 2. The document includes a few other images that are intended to give those interested an idea of what the city might want to see on that prime spot in our city.
Give the RFQ a read — it has some interesting information from the description of what Philomath has to offer to a history of the Main and 14th site, including an image of a Nusbaum Service Garage ad that appeared in a newspaper (courtesy of a social media post by local resident Steve Boggs).
As for the AI image, it caught my eye with its blend of traditional small-town elements and a modern mixed-use design. It illustrates the kind of project that the city might want as part of its downtown revitalization.
2. A decade of Music in the Park
While writing a preview for Tuesday’s Philomath Park Advisory Board meeting, I started to recall 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.
Philomath High’s jazz band, under the direction of Dan Johnson, was the inaugural concert on May 26, 2016. Other bands over that first summer included Parish Gap (June), Magic Mama and Notions of Now (July) and The Flow (August).
Then-board member Sonlla Heern said about a dozen applications had been received from bands wanting to perform in one of three available slots.
“We had to choose from many that applied and tried to choose those that seemed most community-friendly … and also stipulated that they keep it clean and inviting for families.”
The park board committed to trying the new concert series for at least five years. At the end of that first summer, I interviewed Dale Collins, the park board’s chair at the time, and he believed the concerts had gone better than expected.
A few years later, we chatted again when the concert series was in its third year.
“I think it’s gone well for a new experience for us,” Collins said in May 2018 while the PHS jazz band performed. “We’re just finding ways to utilize our parks and this is one good way to get people out and see what’s going on.”
A few side notes. The Philomath Lions Club has provided food and refreshments since the very beginning. The event has always served as a fundraiser for local schools’ music programs. And the first band to be paid for a Music in the Park gig came in 2017 when Swamp Grass played — thanks to a sponsorship at the time from True Value Hardware and Vinwood Taphouse.
So, now we’re in the 10th year (the series was canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic). The park board has 15 band applications to go through on Tuesday to determine how to fill five available dates.
It’s safe to say that the pilot program worked out.
3. Measles virus in Corvallis
First in Linn County and now in Corvallis, the measles virus has reared its ugly head and it could only be a matter of time that it shows up in Philomath.
Earlier this week, I received a news release from Benton County that health officials were monitoring for measles after the virus was detected in wastewater sampling that includes Corvallis and Lewisburg.
A sample collected Jan. 21 tested positive for the measles virus, indicating at least one infected person has been in the area. As of Friday, no confirmed cases had been reported in Benton County.
The detection comes as three measles cases have been confirmed elsewhere in Oregon since the start 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 spread through outreach and education.
“Measles was previously eliminated in the United States thanks to routine childhood vaccination,” said Dr. Carolina Amador, Benton County Health officer. “With increased vaccine hesitancy, we are seeing higher rates of measles cases across the nation.”
Measles spreads easily through the air when someone with the virus coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include rash, fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. People experiencing those symptoms should call their healthcare provider before visiting to reduce risk of spreading the virus.
Benton County Health said the MMR vaccine offers the best protection, with two doses about 97% effective at preventing infection. People are considered immune if they were born before 1957, have had measles, or have received two doses of MMR vaccine.
If you’ve read this and you have questions, the Benton County Health Department can be reached at 541-766-6835. Or, call your health-care provider.
(Brad Fuqua is publisher/editor of the Philomath News. He can be reached at News@PhilomathNews.com).