Done deal: The Riverhouse sold; big renovations ahead

One month after first word of an impending sale, it’s official: The Riverhouse Hotel & Convention Center in Bend has changed hands — and the new owners said Wednesday a multimillion-dollar upgrade is in the planning stages.

In early February, Managing Partner Wayne Purcell said they were near an agreement to sell the landmark hotel and adjacent convention center to Vesta Hospitality LLC, a hotel management group based in Vancouver, Wash.

A spokesman for Vesta Hospitality told NewsChannel 21 Wednesday that the sale has been completed, for undisclosed terms.

“The deal is finalized and was completed last night,” he said. “Vesta will be working with existing management and seeking input from the Purcell family on the renovations.”

A news release Wednesday announcing the upgrade plans said the “unique full-service hotel and Central Oregon’s largest convention center, overlooking the picturesque Deschutes River, has partnered with Pacific Northwest-based Vesta Hospitality to enhance the guest experience. “

“The partnership will enable the hotel to upgrade its rooms and dining facilities, implement technological and efficiency improvements and enhance the sales efforts to drive tourism on the Deschutes River,” the announcement said.

“As a hospitality firm with strong ties to Oregon and the greater Pacific Northwest, we are excited to work with management at The Riverhouse Hotel to enrich this Central Oregon gem,” said Rick Takach, president and CEO of Vesta Hospitality.

“Vesta brings years of experience in hospitality constructive management and operations that will enable (The) Riverhouse to achieve its full potential as a must-visit destination in Bend,” he added. “Our planned renovation and supporting of a regional sales force will showcase the hotel as a cornerstone of the region’s hospitality industry and drive tourism growth.”

The Vesta spokesman said that “while the renovation plan has not been finalized, we anticipate a significant multi-million dollar renovation on the food and beverage facility, as well as the rooms and grounds.”

Officials said the planned renovations will significantly upgrade The Riverhouse’s accommodations and dining, as well as enhance the natural beauty of the Deschutes River. While currently in initial planning stages, Improvements to the hotel will begin this fall and will be complete by spring 2016.

Wayne Purcell issued a news release Wednesday, below in full:

From: Wayne Purcell

RE: Riverhouse Sale

Date: 3/4/15

The Sale of The Riverhouse Hotel and Convention Center owned by Clyde Purcell, Mary Lou Purcell and Wayne Purcell has been completed. Clyde and Mary Lou Purcell, along with Arnie Swarens, built the first phase of the hotel back in 1974. Mr. Swarens sold his share of the business in the early 1990s. The Purcells have owned and operated the business for over 40 years. The hotel was initially 94 rooms and grew over the years with multiple expansions. The Riverhouse now has 220 hotel rooms, Crossings Restaurant, and a convention center with meeting space totaling approximately 36,000 square feet.

We want to thank all the people who have supported us over the years including City and County employees, businesses and so many other individuals. Without their support, we could not have made it all these years. We are proud of the business we built, but our greatest achievement has been what we were able to do for the community and the people we helped. Over the years we have been able to donate millions of dollars in cash and in-kind donations. We are especially proud of The Gala at The Riverhouse. Along with our partners, Alana Audette and the Central Oregon Visitors Association, the Gala raised over 2.3 million dollars. It was a pleasure working with the Gala committee and the hardworking charities that were part of the Gala each year.

To have a successful business, you have to have a good team. We have had great employees over the years and we appreciate all they have done to make The Riverhouse what it is today. I think one of the best things businesses can do is to give someone their first job. Schools can only do so much, then it is up to us as business people to teach young people how to succeed in their jobs and personal lives as well.

When we contemplated the sale, it was important to find a buyer that cared for its employees and also wanted to be involved in the community. We were fortunate to find such a buyer. Vesta Hospitality is one of the owners and will manage the hotel. The new owners have been great to work with and share many of the same values we do. We look forward to them doing great things for The Riverhouse and the community.

This is not the end of us doing business in Bend. We will continue to own and operate The River’s Edge Golf Course. We will also continue to develop residential lots around the golf course and lots along the river south of the convention center. We will continue to be active in the community and appreciate the opportunity to be part of Central Oregon.

For my mom, my dad and me, thank you again to all of you who have helped us over the years.

Wayne Purcell

About The Riverhouse Hotel & Convention Center

The Riverhouse Hotel & Convention Center is a 220-room full-service hotel and 53,000-square-foot convention center located in Bend, Oregon, overlooking the picturesque Deschutes River. Established in 1974, Riverhouse provides deluxe riverfront accommodations and extensive meeting facilities with state-of-the-art audiovisual technologies. Riverhouse is surrounded by beautiful walking and hiking trails around the Deschutes River and is ideally situated near Bend’s numerous retail districts and breweries, and just a short drive from the famed Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort. The Riverhouse Convention Center houses the largest meeting space in Central Oregon and is able to accommodate more than 1,000 guests for seated meals and more than 1,700 for receptions. The Convention Center was built using environmentally sustainable constructions techniques and materials, including lumber from trees on the property, and has high-efficiency heating and cooling systems. For reservations and information, visit www.riverhouse.com or call (866) 453-4480.

About Vesta Hospitality

Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Vancouver, WA, Vesta Hospitality is one of the nation’s leading, privately owned hotel management and development firms. With a portfolio of twelve properties across the United States and Canada, Vesta continues to seek out opportunities in key markets across North America. For more information, please visit www.vestahospitality.com.