The drive-thru on the east side of the proposed Starbucks building as depicted in an artist's rendering. 

Plans are moving forward for a free-standing Starbucks store at the South Y in Madras where U.S. 97 divides into two one-way streets.

In April of 2021, developer Jake Ertle bought the land at 814 SW Prince Place from the county, and recently presented plans for the project to the city of Madras.

“We’re enthusiastic about advancing the Starbucks building at the South Y redevelopment project,” said Ertle.

The project is valued at $2 million. Ertle purchased the property for $260,000. The 2,460-square foot building will include a drive-thru and seating indoors and out.

The Madras Planning Commission will look at these plans at their Dec. 6 meeting.

“Many residents over the years have asked why the city doesn’t have a stand-alone Starbucks or Dutch Bros.,” said Madras Community Development Director Nick Snead. “This project responds to that desire and redevelops lands.”

Ertle has a long-standing relationship with Starbucks and has developed locations for the company before, including the Starbucks in Redmond with surrounding retail establishments.

The original proposal for this South Y Starbucks also included retail space. Ertle says that is no longer part of the plan. Ertle will remove the vacant Grasslands Headquarters building currently on the property. 

Back in 2021, Ertle said he had an eye on this location for four years. “I definitely like the visibility it provides coming into town and the fact that it has frontage on both sides of U.S. 97 where it splits.”

He has been in talks with the Oregon Department of Transportation about improving access to the location. Ertle says they will not be modifying access but will use existing streets and curb cuts.

Starbucks projects 150,000 customers a year at this location.

“I’m pleased to see progress,” said Jefferson County Commissioner Kelly Simmelink. “There are deadlines in place, and we are hoping to see the developer successful.”

Originally, the proposal called for Ertle to begin building within 18 months of the sale or the county could exercise the option to buy the property back. In August of 2022 the county amended the contract to give Ertle 30 months to begin construction, putting his new deadline to begin construction at April 7, 2024.

“The collaboration between Jefferson County and the city of Madras has been remarkable,” said Ertle, “and we’re eager to sustain this synergy with all parties involved.”

“This development will provide another food and beverage option for the community,” said Snead, “for which the community members have clearly expressed that more options are needed.”