Tetherow breaks ground on overnight lodging

Construction crews put shovel to dirt this week, launching construction of the new, 50-room Tetherow Lodge.

Flanking the Tetherow Golf Club clubhouse and scheduled to open in the spring of 2014, the Lodge will deliver a premium lodging experience with rooms overlooking the community’s award-winning David McLay Kidd championship golf course and westward toward the nearby Cascade Mountains.

“Tetherow Lodge will be a base camp for all that Central Oregon has to offer,” said Tetherow General Manager and Managing Partner Chris van der Velde. “Guests can expect a distinctive experience in sync with the unique flavor of Tetherow and the region in general.

“The Phil’s Trail complex is literally at our doorstep, we’re right off the road to Mt. Bachelor and minutes from downtown and the Old Mill District so it will be much more than just a place to stay when you’re golfing Tetherow. We can’t wait to welcome our first guests.”

Designed by Bend architect Darren Thomas, principal of Darren Thomas Architecture + Design LLC, who also partnered with Ankrom Moisan Architects on the design of the resort’s clubhouse and many of it’s other buildings, Tetherow Lodge will compliment the aesthetic of the adjacent buildings, incorporating a consistent design language as well as material and color palette. Some of the stone that will be used in construction was even quarried on site. Sunwest Builders, of Bend, is the project’s general contractor.

“Tetherow Lodge will be a graceful blend of modern and traditional design, reflecting the resort’s location nestled between Bend and the mountains,” Thomas said. “We’ve taken great care locating the buildings to maximize the dramatic views and amplify the unique natural landscape.”

Tetherow Lodge will encompass 41,000 total square feet in two buildings. Each of the generously proportioned guest rooms will feature a private balcony and thoughtful, luxurious appointments.

“We are so pleased to see Tetherow begin construction of its first class overnight accommodations at the gateway to Mount Bachelor and the Cascade Lakes as envisioned by its master plan. Tetherow Lodge will make a significant contribution to the success of this resort,” said Nick Lelack, AICP, Interim Director, Deschutes County Community Development Department.

“In all of our facilities, we’ve sought to create structures and spaces that integrate with the existing topography while delivering exceptional utility. From our iconic cart bridge to the secondary structures on the golf course, like restrooms and maintenance buildings, everything is deliberately crafted with great care. We believe this extra effort and expense delivers an enhanced experience that Tetherow’s residents and guests can feel and appreciate. Tetherow Lodge continues that commitment,” van der Velde said.

Guests of Tetherow Lodge will receive special access to golf opportunities at Tetherow Golf Club and other premier Central Oregon courses. Beyond golf, van der Velde plans to offer concierge services catering to mountain and road cyclists as well as skiers staying at Tetherow Lodge. Casual and fine dining will be available at the adjacent clubhouse and all of the dining and shopping options of Bend are a short drive or bike ride away.

Tetherow Lodge is a joint project of Velocity Capital BV, a Netherlands based investment company and owner of the Tetherow Golf Club and Joe Weston, a Portland-based developer and original partner in the resort.

“We’re delighted at the opportunity to move forward with Velocity Capital BV from the planning phase and into the construction phase of the Tetherow Lodge,” said Joe Weston.

Construction of Tetherow Lodge comes in the midst of a resurgence of individual lot sales and new home construction at the resort. 2012 saw a 200% increase in the number of lots sold and 14 new single-family homes are currently under construction with 9 more in the design review process. Additionally, Tetherow Golf Club recently opened Tetherow Academy, a state-of-the-art, year-round golf training program housed in a dedicated facility adjacent to the course’s driving range and clubhouse.

On the brightening outlook for Tetherow, van der Velde observed, “Like the rest of Central Oregon, we’ve survived through some very challenging times at Tetherow, but we’re emerging very strong and exciting things are happening.”