Oregon Makers is an occasional series about creators, makers + artists across Oregon who not only create but contribute to the built environment of Oregon’s cities in creative and impactful ways.

Downtown Milwaukie has been going through many positive changes lately. From a new bookstore, a planned brewery, restaurants, and more, now comes yet another cool spot on the horizon: Good Measure. It’ll be located in the former Missing Link bike shop (and home to numerous other shops throughout the decades on the corner of SE Main and SE Jefferson, originally the Grasle-Zanders Building, built in 1923).

I asked Good Measure owner Brooke Smith (she’s also a clinical herbalist, farmer and doula) some questions about her new shop and learned what she has planned. Needless to say, it sounds amazing. Here’s the edited interview.

Is there a new vibe in Milwaukie? It seems like there are new families and people moving there (and Oak Grove). One example is that I’m noticing huge lots being used for urban farming or gardens.
Milwaukie and Oak Grove have so many wonderful rogue gardeners and homesteaders. Milwaukie is starting to flood with young, creative, like-minded folks who are all craving the community in downtown Milwaukie. We’re a tight community and I’m beyond excited to support them and bring light to their work in Good Measure. Such hard-working individuals tend to these lands and they deserve a spotlight.

I’ve loved Portland for so long but truly wanted land to grow medicinal herbs, veggies, fruit, and cut flowers. So I bought a house in Milwaukie. I also wanted space for my senior dog to live out her last years which she did and passed away about a month ago at home. I attend my city council and NDA ( neighborhood district association) meetings and the need and want for young minds to build up Milwaukie is definitely a hot topic. 

So, tell me about your new store, Good Measure. 
Good Measure is a green grocer with sourcing produce, meat, cheese, breads, and cut flowers within a 100 miles. Of course we’ll sell items outside of that 100-mile range, things like olive oils, cured meats, pasta, grains, and some fruits. We’ll be a full coffee bar, selling natural wine (not to serve) not yet at least, and minimal seating inside and out to take advantage of that gorgeous view of the river.

Describe a typical visit to Good Measure. 
A visit could include a stop on your way to a dinner party to grab a bottle of wine, salumi, focaccia, and a basket of figs

Or you could grab essentials for a seasonal dinner with fresh basil, soft cheese, arugula, and flaky sea salt

A bustling morning with the family grabbing coffee and pastries or our in-house-made breakfast burritos and then be on your way with your day – because we plan on being open very early. 

Maybe it’s a slow start to the day. You can grab a Verdant (a bubbly herby sweet green juice) to stay and soak up the impressive light that beams through our windows complemented with one of our seasonal toasts: whipped ricotta, snap pea lemon salad, honey vinaigrette and yummy crunchy bits on top.

Or, stop by and grab a bouquet, bottle of wine, some flower butter and a baguette.

What I mean by these examples is that it’s truly a space for everyone, a space to gather, a space to heal, a space to nurture. I want to feed my community. I want to teach my community about what locality has to offer us. 

When do you plan to open?
I’m shooting to be open soon with a soft opening party, a special guest DJ, beautiful wine, party snacks galore, and most importantly so many wonderful people who support one another.

I’d love Good Measure to be a Milwaukie staple for years to come. I’m looking forward to collabs, having classes, and being a resource hub for food growing. 

There’s a GoFundMe set up if you’d like to help bring Good Measure to Milwaukie. Throw a couple bucks Brooke’s way!