(Rendering courtesy of Hacker Architects)
Plans have been unveiled for a 127,000-square-foot, four-story Nordic-style wellness “wonderland” on a long-vacant site between downtown Bend and the Old Mill District.
The upscale, mixed-use hotel and thermal spa, to be named Cascada Bend, is being developed by Seattle sustainability leaders SolTerra on a slice of land spanning almost an entire city block on NW Arizona Avenue between Wall and Bond Street.
The 68-room hotel will feature a rooftop thermal spa with expansive mountain views and an energy-efficient design that draws inspiration from Bend’s natural geology, and marks the second hospitality venture for SolTerra — a company that has specialized in design-centric and sustainable buildings since 2008 — in addition to its flagship Cascada location in Portland’s vibrant Alberta Arts District.
The Portland facility features an expansive thermal spa, movement and fitness studios, treatment rooms, a Portuguese-Japanese fusion restaurant, and an all-day café. Guests have the option to either book a hotel stay or opt for a day pass to use the thermal circuits.
Described as “dedicated to total rejuvenation,” the Bend project is being spearheaded by SolTerra Chief Operating Officer (COO) Marc Coluccio. “It brings sustainability, physical well-being and mental well-being together in one experience,” says Coluccio. “Our goal is to create places that genuinely improve how people feel.”
Cascada Bend will offer an immersive thermal spa experience, but SolTerra says it will have its own character reflecting the pace and personality of Bend, leaning into the region’s charm and natural beauty, with a softer design approach, more outdoor integration and expansive views.
Bend was chosen in part due to a local culture that values wellness and nature, with the idea behind Cascada to embrace active, healthy living.
The facility is set to break ground this year and will include the hotel, restaurant, interior and exterior spa, fitness spaces and outdoor patios, including a rooftop courtyard for guests. Final construction timelines are to be confirmed.
Coluccio said the goal is to create a restorative environment that blends ancient hydrotherapy traditions with modern wellness experiences, all in a setting that “feels authentic to Bend.”
Drawing on experience across Central Oregon and a reputation for connecting people to nature through its work, Portland- and Bend-based Hacker Architects is designing the project, which aims to “embrace integration, well-being, ecosystems and discovery” as guiding principles.
The overall concept is to create a sanctuary of health and renewal, “rooted in sustainable practices and infused with a sense of wonder.”
The high-end retreat will feature:
- A mix of candlelit, cave-like soaking environments, glass-enclosed spaces filled with plants, and rooftop relaxation areas;
- A variety of thermal springs, steam rooms and dedicated quiet zones, with an age requirement of 21+ for the wellness club;
- An eco-conscious, natural design — utilizing columnar basalt, local materials and soft lighting to blend architecture with Central Oregon’s High Desert landscape.
At the rooftop, a glass conservatory will offer warmth and humidity — a welcome respite for those accustomed to the region’s arid climate. “We think the combination of multiple thermal circuits, dedicated silent spaces and warm, inviting social areas will be a standout,” Coluccio added. “The ability to move between hot, cold and relaxation zones in a beautiful, purpose-built space will be a new wellness experience for Bend.”
About SolTerra:
Headquartered in Seattle, SolTerra is a prominent, design-build development firm focused on biophilic urban design, LEED Platinum architecture and renewable energy integration. They are well-known in the Pacific Northwest for equipping their mixed-use residential and commercial spaces with green roofs, living walls and solar arrays.
About Hacker Architects:
Hacker Architects is a Portland- and Bend-based architecture and interior design firm renowned for its deep sensitivity to the natural landscape, expressive use of natural light and extensive use of sustainable mass timber. Founded in 1983, the firm specializes in projects that foster community and connection to the environment. The company has also designed The Grove food hall in Northwest Crossing, the High Desert Museum and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Central Oregon.
