RIVA Bend: New Homes Near the Old Mill District

For years, Bend’s Old Mill District has been a place people come to experience. They walk the river trail, meet friends for dinner, shop, attend concerts, and spend summer afternoons floating the Deschutes River.

Now, Brighton and SofMac, have imagined a new residential community where that experience becomes part of everyday life, with Christiansen’s Contracting Company bringing the vision to life and The Ladd Group welcoming future homeowners.

On Thursday, July 16, The Ladd Group of Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty hosted a first-look event for RIVA Bend, a boutique collection of 42 residences beginning construction near the Old Mill District. The event was held at Patio World, directly across from the development site, giving guests a chance to connect the plans for RIVA with the neighborhood taking shape around it.

Guests enjoyed small bites and drinks while viewing floor plans, learning about the community and taking home RIVA-branded items. With the future development visible across the street, the gathering offered an early look at what could become a new way to live in one of Bend’s most recognizable destinations.

Riverbend Park as Your Front Yard

One of RIVA’s most compelling features is its proximity to Riverbend Park, located directly across the street.

During Bend’s warmer months, the park becomes one of the city’s most popular gathering places for water play, outdoor events and floating the Deschutes River. It offers multiple river access points, open lawns and connections to miles of paved and unpaved trails. From Riverbend Park, the river corridor leads toward Farewell Bend Park, Bend Whitewater Park, McKay Park and downtown Bend. Bend Park and Recreation District describes it as a popular destination for river floating and summer recreation.

For RIVA residents, a day on the river could begin by walking out the front door with a paddleboard or float. Morning walks, bike rides and evenings along the Deschutes River would not require finding parking or driving across town. They would simply be part of the neighborhood.

That is where RIVA’s story becomes more than one of new construction. It is about turning a familiar Bend destination into a place to call home.

Living Within the Old Mill Experience

RIVA places residents near the restaurants, shops, trails and entertainment that define the Old Mill District. The Hayden Homes Amphitheater, riverfront dining and everyday conveniences are all close by, while downtown Bend and the Cascade Lakes Highway remain easily accessible.

The Old Mill District itself has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once home to two of the world’s largest sawmills, the approximately 270-acre riverfront district now combines preserved history with shopping, dining, recreation, entertainment and restored wildlife habitat.

RIVA adds a new residential chapter to that story. Instead of visiting the Old Mill for an afternoon or evening, homeowners will be able to experience its energy as part of daily life.

Homes Designed for Flexibility

RIVA Bend will include three modern townhome floor plans: Deschutes, Tumalo and Willamette. Each three-story residence is designed around natural light, functional living spaces and a low-maintenance lifestyle.

Features vary by plan, with options that include two- or three-car garages, private outdoor spaces and flexible ground-level rooms. The Deschutes and Tumalo plans include a ground-level office or bedroom with a kitchenette and en suite bathroom, providing added privacy for guests, extended stays or a dedicated workspace. Spacious kitchens, expansive windows and Bosch appliances bring a refined, contemporary feel to the interiors.

The garage space is also particularly relevant in Bend, where bikes, skis, paddleboards and outdoor equipment can require nearly as much planning as the living space itself.

Options for Full-Time, Second-Home and Investment Buyers

RIVA is designed to accommodate several ways of experiencing Bend. A townhome may serve as a primary residence, a second home or a vacation retreat. The community is short-term-rental eligible, offering buyers potential flexibility when they are not using the property themselves.

This distinction may be especially meaningful for buyers who want a home base in Bend without occupying it year-round. Its proximity to the river, Old Mill District, amphitheater and outdoor recreation could make RIVA appealing to visitors seeking an experience centered around the Bend lifestyle.

Short-term rental use will still require applicable City of Bend land-use approval, licensing and ongoing compliance. The City identifies short-term rentals in commercial and mixed-use zones as Type I rentals, while owners must obtain the required permit and operating license before offering a property for stays of fewer than 30 consecutive days. Buyers should verify requirements for their specific residence with the City and their real estate Advisor. Review the City of Bend’s current short-term rental requirements.

A New Chapter Begins

RIVA brings together Brighton and SofMac as developers, Christiansen’s Contracting Company as the builder and The Ladd Group as the real estate sales team. Together, they are introducing a community shaped around modern design, flexibility and connection to place.

The July 16 first-look event marked an early milestone. Construction is just beginning, but the story behind RIVA is already clear. The Old Mill District has long been somewhere people go to experience Bend. RIVA offers the opportunity to stay.

RIVA checks all the boxes.
Location? ✔️
Convenience? ✔️
Usable Floorplan? ✔️
Outdoor Living? ✔️
Community? ✔️

For Sales Inquiries :

Email: riva@bendpropertysource.com

Learn more about the community, floor plans, and availability at RIVABend.com.