(Photo above The Atrium by CBN)
In an example of Bend’s increasing urbanization as the city’s population creeps ever closer to the 100,000 mark and new arrivals seek more diverse lifestyle options, a luxury condominium project offering sweeping westward Cascade viewsoverlooking the Old Mill mixed-use hub has been unveiled.
Attorney Jim Paul, who has close ties to Central Oregon, had been involved in ownership of an approximately half acre vacant parcel on Bluff Drive for a number of years, but only in recent history as Bend regained pace with an increasingly varied influx of residents was the time deemed right to nurture the newly completed project, known as The Atrium at the Old Mill, thanks to a joint venture with Bend-based architect David Waldron, senior partner with David E. Waldron and Associates.
The 18,000 square foot three-story Atrium complex – built by general contractor D.E. Rink Construction – has three units on each floor with one and two-bedroom options and sizes ranging from around 1,000 to 1,800 square feet, boasting 10-foot ceilings and voluminous use of glass to accentuate a light and bright ambience. Interior design was conducted by Veronique Waldron.
One challenge faced by contractors was the relatively tight building envelope within which to work and a somewhat protracted path to development completion through the planning and permitting process.
David Rink, president of D.E. Rink Construction, whichhas been involved in building custom homes and remodels as well as commercial buildings in Central Oregon since 1979, said: “This project was unique in that we built nine luxury units all in one location. The site had its challenges, extremely tight clearances, staging was like a puzzle and everyone needed access right there!
“Thanks to very talented subcontractors and suppliers for the patience and care it took to deliver another very fine addition to Bend. “I’m absolutely certain that every owner will have one of the nicest views Central Oregon has to offer.
“I want to thank senior Project Manager Logan Williams and Site Supervisor Mark Cardot for their relentless perseverance and attitude towards delivering another quality structure.”
Project Architect David Waldron has been in operation over 30 years and has an extensive background in a wide variety of project types, building in many areas throughout the Pacific Northwest, Alaska and the Midwest, as well as designing numerous projects in alpine or cold weather type environments.
Each unit has an enclosed garage and Waldron said he designed the condos with advanced sound insulation – delivered via concrete floors and extra insulated adjoining walls – climate control, energy efficiencies and a sophisticated security system including 24-hour surveillance feed. Other features include automatic window shades, heated bathroom floors and enclosed, discrete mechanical systems.
Waldron added: “As part of developing the original concept, we researched high end condos in other urban settings and one thing I was struck by was that many of the properties had somewhat narrow, dark hallways, so we intentionally widened the hallways within The Atrium and tried to maximize penetration of reflected natural light to add to the open, spacious feel.”
Prevalent contemporary stylings extend to a tastefully furnished lobby area available for gatherings and greeting guests, while common areas also feature storage areas designated for each owner.
Listing broker Robin Yeakel, with Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty, said all nine of the available condos were purposely oriented to maximize elevated unobstructed panoramic mountain vistas, as well as partial river views, with the goal of attracting upscale buyers, also potentially lured by the proximity of scenic river trails, shopping facilities, art galleries and restaurant amenities.
She said: “This is an example of the type of contemporary, elegant, modern upscale living we believe Bend is ready for.
“The developers really went the extra mile in terms of the level of high-end construction and finishes, and we believe this is a special jewel that fits an emerging lifestyle aspiration, including a very walkable environment, and the feedback so far has been very positive.”
Yeakel added that the units were designed to have a more modern sensibility than other established developments in the area, which would likely broaden their appeal to a wider pool of prospective buyers. Target buyer profiles included young professionals, second home seekers or older couples looking to downsize and simplify their lives, with the added benefit of maintenance being taken care of through a homeowners association.
For more information, contact Robin Yeakel at Cascade Sothebys Realty: 541-408-0406 or robin.yeakel@sothebysrealty.com.
The Atrium at the Old Mill
291 SW Bluff Drive, Bend, OR 97702
Property Owner/Developer: Bluff Investments
Contractor: D. E. Rink Construction Inc.
Project Cost:
Square Footage: 18,000
Project Manager: Logan Williams
Site Supervisor: Mark Cardot
Architect: Dave Waldron
Surveys and Staking: Munson & Associates
Structural and Civil Engineers: Ashley & Vance Engineering
Mechanical and Plumbing: Interface Engineering
Subcontractors and Suppliers
A&E Masonry, Advanced Systems, AI’s Boom Truck Service, LLC, Alex Hodge Construction, Alternative Construction Concepts Inc., AM-1 Roofing Inc., Bend Commercial Glass, Bend Construction Supply Inc., Bend Heating &Sheetmetal Inc., Bend Lock & Safe Inc., Bend Mapping & Blueprint, BendBroadband, Bruce T. Makey, Building Specialties, Cascade Acoustical Engineering LLC, Cascade Disposal, Cascade Heating & Specialties, Inc. Cascade Office Supply, Cascade Painting & Design, CCI Bend LLC, Central Oregon Garage Door Inc., CMIT Solutions, ConSeal Inc., Coverall Carpentry Inc., CR Fabrication LTD, Cut Rite Concrete Cutting, Daniel Grant, Deschutes Construction Corp. Inc., Deschutes Recycling, Deschutes Window and Door, Design Space Modular Buildings, FEI Testing & Inspection, Inc., Gale Contractors Services, Gowdy Bros Electric Inc., H&W Doors, Inc., Hooker Creek Companies LLC, Lets Construction Cleaning Services Inc., Little John’s McGill Drywall, Miller Lumber, Munson & Associates, National Construction Rentals Inc., North 45 West, North Country Building Specialties LLC, Old Creek Company, Oregon Wholesale Hardware, Pacific Power, Parr Lumber Co. Bend, Pavement Protectors, Pella, Pro Rentals & Sales Inc., Searings of Bend, Selectemp, ServiceMaster Recovery Specialist, Severson Fire Protection Inc., Several Plumbing Inc., Shepherd Heating & Air Conditioning, TAC Construction, Inc., Thyssen Krupp Elevator, Treasure Valley Coffee of Central Oregon, TVM Waterproofing, Ultra Quiet Floors, Watchdog Security, We Cut Concrete
