Deschutes River Resort Expansion Proposed

BEND. OR-The owner of a 220-room resort along the banks of the Deschutes River is looking to more than double in size in order to accommodate larger events and conventions. The $20-million project would add 195 rooms to an existing stock of 220 and 58,000-sf of convention space to the current total of just 6,000 sf.

The city is currently reviewing a variance request that would allow owner Wayne Purcell to build within 40 feet of the river, which is less than half of the current setback. Purcell was not immediately available for comment. A city planner already has recommended denial of the request, and a recent public hearing in front of the planning commission also produced negative responses to the idea. The hearing was continued to Feb. 25.