Cascade Landing to Offer Nearly 200 Affordable Housing Units in Bend
Construction Commences on Cascade Landing: A New Affordable Housing Community in Bend, Oregon
Construction has officially commenced on Cascade Landing, a significant new housing development located in Bend, Oregon, which aims to provide much-needed affordable housing options for low- and moderate-income families. The first phase of the project will deliver 98 residential units designed for individuals and families earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income (AMI). A second phase is anticipated to begin in Spring 2026, adding an additional 96 units, with the entire project expected to be completed and ready for residents by 2027.
Cascade Landing is strategically situated at the intersection of Atwood Drive and Ponderosa Street amidst Central Oregon’s stunning high desert landscape and the diverse cultural and recreational amenities that Bend offers. The newly developed community is poised to go beyond simply providing living spaces, featuring a central courtyard, a children’s playground, and access to supportive services aimed at fostering housing stability and encouraging independent living.
“This initiative represents an exciting and essential step forward for Bend, made possible through strong partnerships and an unwavering commitment to affordable housing,” remarked Ben Pray, CEO of Home First Development, a Portland-based affordable housing developer. He emphasized the collaborative efforts involving the City of Bend, Oregon Housing and Community Services, and various other partners, including the Baney Corporation and Green Light Development, among others, that have brought Cascade Landing to fruition.
The Cascade Landing development is part of a larger project outlined in the Ponderosa Master Plan, which covers 40 acres of land annexed by the city in early 2025. The overarching development plan envisions nearly 400 single-family homes, commercial spaces, and a 4.5-acre city park, thus enhancing the neighborhood’s amenities and vibrant community life.
In its initial phase, Cascade Landing will comprise a variety of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, including 20 units specifically designated for families earning 30% of AMI, while the remaining units will cater to households earning 60% of AMI. Each unit will be outfitted with modern amenities, such as air conditioning, quartz countertops, and in-unit washers and dryers. Additionally, Cascade Landing will feature a 3,000-square-foot community center, outdoor play structures, and landscaped areas designed for recreation and social interaction. The project is also set to meet the stringent Earth Advantage Gold certification standards, including the installation of a solar energy array and electric vehicle charging stations, thereby promoting environmentally sustainable living practices.
In collaboration with multiple service providers, Home First Development aims to ensure residents have access to essential support services. Cornerstone Community Housing will facilitate resources such as employment referrals, counseling, and utility assistance, while Advocates for Life Skills and Opportunity, a nonprofit organization specializing in disability support, will provide additional services from dedicated spaces within the community center.
The financial framework for the first phase of Cascade Landing encompasses million, including million sourced from an Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) Local Innovation Fast Track award, alongside financial contributions from the City of Bend and Key Bank.
Reflecting on the initiative, Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler stated, “We celebrate the coordinated efforts between Oregon Housing and Community Services, Ponderosa Pine Estates, Home First Development, and the City of Bend staff in making this affordable housing community a reality. Cascade Landing Apartments will serve as a foundation for families and Bend’s working community members to achieve greater financial stability.”
As Bend grapples with housing affordability challenges, developments like Cascade Landing represent critical strides toward addressing the needs of its growing population and providing essential housing opportunities for the community.
