Work underway in Sisters on assisted living facility

The fence is up around the seven-acre parcel of ground adjacent to the Sisters post office, between Locust and Larch. Site work has begun on The Lodge at Sisters assisted living facility.

According to Peter Hoover of Thrivify LLC, developers of the facility, "Mother Nature gave us a very welcome holiday gift of a mild winter, enabling us to begin site work on December 4. Now, if winter can just continue to be mild a while longer, we hopefully will stay on schedule and meet our targeted opening date of fall 2018."

The property and project was previously slated for development by Pinnacle Alliance Group, headed by Mark Adolf of Yakima, who failed to secure all the necessary funding and eventually was plagued by legal problems.

"We purchased the project, the land, and the right to use the building design from the prior developer this past July. Other assisted-living projects were considered, but my being part of Sisters Country and having a project that was 'permit-ready' gave the nudge to proceed with the purchase of this project," explained Hoover.

Local architectural firm Mayes Architecture and Planning designed the building.

"I believe residents will appreciate the thoughtful features and amenities Chris Mayes incorporated into the interior to give warmth and to create a welcoming and relaxing environment. The outdoor themed gardens, walking paths, and landscaping will be a visual delight for both residents and those passing by The Lodge," Hoover shared.

H.A. McCoy Engineering and Surveying of Redmond are providing the engineering services on the project.

The high demand for construction services throughout Central Oregon this past year made it challenging to secure a contractor with sufficient available resources for a project of this size.

"After an extensive search inside and outside of Oregon, Clutch Industries of Salem was retained as the general contractor for the project," said Hoover. "They are committed to completing the project on schedule."

Phase one of the development involves 62 units: 28 studios (425 square feet); 28 one-bedroom (641 sq. ft.); and six two-bedrooms (909 sq. ft.). There is room on the site and future plans for a second phase when demand for the units makes expansion feasible. The total building size will be about 61,500 sq. ft. Because of the location of The Lodge, many of the units will have unobstructed views of the mountains.

Residents will be able to utilize a number of amenities in The Lodge including: a grand room; theater; on-site library; dining room; family dining room; fitness center; massage room; beauty salon; café; and chapel.

Abundant plants and flowers will be utilized in themed gardens and courtyards throughout the facility, with walking paths making the outdoors accessible to residents.

An operator/manager for the facility has not yet been secured.

"The project is not yet at a point for accepting reservations. I anticipate acceptance of reservations will begin no later than February 2018," Hoover indicated. "Given the level of interest already expressed, I believe we will be fully occupied upon our grand opening."

The presence of The Lodge is expected to be a shot in the arm for the local economy on a number of fronts.

"I am pleased that The Lodge in Sisters will be hiring for approximately 35 positions, with an annual payroll of more than $750,000 that will be a boost to the Sisters community. I am also looking forward to working with the businesses of Sisters Country and the Sisters Chamber of Commerce to explore how we can complement each others' services," Hoover concluded.