Nov. 20–Pronghorn is leading central Oregon into its latest boom in lodging development, with plans for a new 105-room luxury lodge, a spa expansion and new space for weddings in a $20 million expansion announced Wednesday.
Formerly Pronghorn Club and Resort, the golf resort development is located in the high desert of central Oregon 14 miles northeast of Bend. It now is called Pronghorn, An Auberge Resort.
A hospitality management company, Auberge Resorts also manages boutique lodging in California’s Napa Valley, Colorado ski country and in tropical settings. Pronghorn opened in 2006 as an ultraluxurious, private, gated golf community, then transitioned to a public resort in 2010 when the recession that began in 2007 adversely impacted development.
Pronghorn’s new lodge will more than triple the number of existing public rentals, which currently includes 48 luxurious units. The resort features a public golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus and a members-only course designed by Tom Fazio.
The lodge will be named Huntington Lodge at Pronghorn, for the historic Huntington Trail wagon route that ran nearby through Deschutes County beginning in 1867.
“The new lodge will bring more activity to the resort and allow us to expand service and amenities,” said Spencer Schaub, general manager at Pronghorn.
The plans at Pronghorn are part of a significant uptick in lodging construction in central Oregon, following several years when the recession limited development.
Brasada Ranch near Powell Butte, another luxury destination golf resort, plans to open four additional luxury cabins in April.
Tetherow Golf Resort on the west side of Bend plans to open twin lodges this spring on either side of its golf clubhouse and restaurant, with a total of 50 hotel-type suites. Projected opening is April 10.
Venerable Seventh Mountain Resort, near the west edge of Bend, will transition by the end of this month to a World Mark by Wyndham Resort, then undergo demolition and reconstruction of building one.
Also, in Bend’s Old Mill District, Hilton’s 110-room Hampton Inn & Suites is under construction and due a spring opening, while the Marriott chain is looking at a nearby location to build a 90-room SpringHill Suites.
The new lodge at Pronghorn will be among Oregon’s best, with its luxurious details, setting near the 18th hole of the Fazio golf course and peaceful location on the high desert. All guest rooms will face west, with views of nine volcanoes. Room size will range from 460 to 1,400 square feet, with overnight rates beginning in the $250 range, according Schaub.
Huntington Lodge is being designed by SB Architects of San Francisco, which specializes in high-end hospitality destinations, while lead contractor will be SunWest Builders of Redmond, which is also doing the Tetherow project.
Pronghorn has three restaurants, a 55,000-square foot clubhouse with fitness center, plus the two golf courses. The spa will be doubled to 4,000 square feet. An improved wedding venue will open this spring, with other nuptial improvements coming with the target completion of the lodge in early 2015.
Grand breaking on the Pronghorn project is to occur April 1. Pronghorn is owned by the Honolulu-based Resort Group.
— Terry Richard
