In my last post I told you about the new Village at Sunriver. As is typical when you have public opinion and changes there are always people that are in agreement and those that do not agree with a change. The memories that have been created at the old Village Mall are shared by many; I remember ice skating, miniature golf, the Annual Chili Cook-off, the wine tasting and so much more. The Village Mall has been a part of my memories since I was a child.
As an adult, a REALTOR® that works in Sunriver and a local that cares about the area and the people of the area I think this project is long over due. I have watched business struggle to keep their doors open, businesses make due with substandard amenities and with technology moving so quickly, the wiring and phone lines are hard pressed to keep up.
The current plans that I have seen, heard about and read about are exciting. I truly believe we will all have new memories to add to the ones of the past. Although it will be sad to watch some of what we have known to be change, it will add to the community of Sunriver and the businesses of Sunriver.
Other resorts have been developed in Oregon over the last several years and there are more slated to come in the next couple years. The Medford area is looking to add 2 “Sunriver like” resorts soon. If we want Sunriver to retain the value it has we have to keep our eyes on the future.
Many of the Sunriver home owners I have worked with over the last several years have voiced concern over the occupancy rates for the mall. The lack of stability of business and the maintenance of the boardwalk that covers a large majority of the mall, they know that the visitors that rent their homes visit the mall. The mall needs to be a place of attraction and not embarrassment.
The changes that are scheduled for the Village will be a great addition to the community. The condos, I am sure will be of a high quality and be a highly desirable product. Having residential and business in the same area will create natural foot traffic and will increase sales for the businesses.
Over the last couple of years Sunriver has been seeing a few changes, this one is a big one. However, is we look at the success of Fremont Crossing condos, and the Maverick we can see that change is good for all of us in Sunriver.
The Maverick’s addition of a flow rider will bring business that you can only understand if you have had the opportunity to ride a flow rider. Last September, my family sailed on the cruise ship Freedom of the Seas the biggest attraction was a flow rider. People will travel from near and far to visit Sunriver just for that alone. With the Village upgrading I believe we will see more activity and a larger number of visitors.