SaddleStone back on track in Sisters

Work is getting underway on the SaddleStone Development at the east end of Black Butte Avenue in Sisters.

Olsen Design and Development, Inc. (www.olsencommunities.com) of Monmouth acquired the 85-lot property and is developing it in the manner of its "Olsen Communities" - traditional-style neighborhoods that emphasize front porches and common spaces.

"We don't just build houses," developer Eric Olsen told The Nugget. "We build neighborhoods and communities."

Olsen specializes in bungalows, Craftsman homes and other turn-of-the-century-inspired designs in what they call "front-porch communities."

Olsen Communities orient houses toward the street, with the front porch prominent instead of a big expanse of garage door. To de-emphasize the garage, there are shared driveways and garages are accessed off alleyways. "Walkability" and extensive common spaces are considered vital features, and the houses are oriented to have a connection to the street and to common areas.

"Architecture changes the way we live and the way we think," Olsen said.

The idea, Olsen says, is to "create a social fabric that sometimes you lose just by the orientation of the house."

Metolius Property Sales of Sisters is the exclusive listing agent for the project. Olsen said it was important to have a strong local connection for the marketing of the neighborhood.

"We interviewed six Sisters Realtors and we were very impressed with the package they presented," Olsen said. "We want to know what people are looking for and have that connection to the local economy."

Four of the lots in SaddleStone have already been built upon under a previous developer's ownership. The previous development stalled when the recession and the housing market crash hit the area in 2008.

According to Olsen, prices at SaddleStone will range from $240,000 to $450,000.

"I think it's going to be an exciting project," he said. "It's going to offer a really unique neighborhood that will complement the rest of Sisters."

Kimberly Gorayeb, a broker with Metolius Properties, said, "Jeff Jones and I and Metolius Property Sales are very excited to be representing the builder, Eric Olsen, in the real estate sales of Saddlestone. Revitalizing this neighborhood will be good for the Sisters community. Saddlestone is a beautiful community, conveniently located to town. There will be several home sizes and designs available being offered at fair prices. Eric Olsen builds quality homes. We can't wait for the specs to start so that we have something to share."