FivePine Lodge plan clears commission

The FivePine Lodge's request to add 14 cabins and a laundry facility to lots 10 and 11 on their existing campus won unanimous approval from the planning commission last Thursday.

FivePine will also be adding 20 parking spaces, connecting/moving the existing trailhead to the eastern portal, and improving the public alley connecting Desperado Trail to Desperado Court.

There was no public testimony against the plan, and staff reported no objections by the county or, with modifications, by the fire marshal. A traffic study showed a traffic increase well below any area of code concern.

The basic FivePine plan was approved back in 2004, with 23 cabins approved in 2006. There have been several other uses approved for lots 10 and 11, but none have been executed.

Bill Willitts, a major partner in the FivePine complex, said, "At its core it is five independent strong-willed operators, from our movie house, to our brew pub, to FivePine Lodge, to the athletic club, to my wife's (Shibui) spa.

"We've created a place where you can actually escape. Our goal initially was to create a place where you could reconnect," said Willitts. "FivePine couldn't probably exist in any other community in Central Oregon. Sisters is right for FivePine, and our hope is that FivePine is right for Sisters. I want to say thank you. The two work synergistically."

FivePine Lodge manager Greg Willitts said, "I am excited to let you know that we are sold out tonight on a Thursday, October 16. It wouldn't have happened a year ago; it wouldn't have happened five years ago. But with momentum the town has, with the momentum the chamber is creating, and what is happening at the city level - it is happening at FivePine. Those transient room tax dollars we collect tonight go back into the pool to get more people here to complete the circle."

The proposal will still need to be heard and approved by the city council before work can begin.