This morning in Redmond, a once-neglected downtown property was reopened as the revitalized site of 24 high-quality housing units for the local workforce. Watson Development Ltd., the developers of the new NOVA Apartments, welcomed elected officials, business owners, and community members at the site of the former Village Squire Motel for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour.
Jeff Lundin of Watson Development, Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch, and Ryan Jennings, President of Simplicity by Hayden Homes offered brief remarks to commemorate the project and its connection to the City’s broader Downtown Urban Renewal initiative.
Built in 1965, the Village Squire Motel was once a bustling, economical motor inn. With 26 rooms and a distinctly mid-century modern aesthetic, the Village Squire welcomed travelers to downtown Redmond as they passed through Central Oregon on Highway 97. But over the years, the motel fell into neglect. The Village Squire became a frequent site for illicit activity, hampering downtown Redmond’s vitality and requiring dedicated resources from the city’s police department.
In March 2024, Watson Development Ltd. purchased the Village Squire Motel with the intent to transform the property into affordable-by-design studio apartments. The NOVA Apartments will be open for lease beginning February 2025. All 24 units will be priced intentionally so that individuals earning 80% Area Median Income can afford the units without subsidy. Rents will be informed by the HUD/Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) “Rents based on Actual Income Limit” information for Deschutes County.
The NOVA Apartments offers quality finishes, bundled utilities, site-wide high-speed wireless internet, a shared common area with full kitchen and large television, on-site fitness center, and laundry facilities, as well as fob access, security cameras, outdoor lighting, and other safety features. Located at the corner of SW 5th Street and SW Glacier Avenue, the NOVA Apartments are walkable to all of downtown Redmond’s amenities. The redevelopment pays homage to the Village Squire’s history by preserving mid-century modern themes in the design, as well as the NOVA’s name and logo. The property also thoughtfully repurposes the original Village Squire roadway sign and “No Vacancy” neon – the latter now prominently displayed in the common area.
Hayden Watson is the Principal of Watson Development and chairman of the Redmond-based Hayden Homes and Simplicity by Hayden Homes. Simplicity by Hayden Homes was the construction partner for the NOVA Apartments, while Cobalt Property Management will operate the property.
“Our commitment to the City of Redmond extends back 35 years ago when my parents, Bob and Virgina Watson, founded Hayden Homes here in 1989,” said Watson. “My dad was a staunch believer that jobs were key to building a strong community. He knew that by providing housing that workers can afford, those employees can remain in the community. I’ve seen how housing has a direct impact on our economy. Redmond’s our hometown, and that is why this project was an opportunity to reinvest in downtown and support the city that has been so good to me and my family.”
The City of Redmond’s Urban Renewal Agency granted $75,000 in SDC credits to the NOVA Apartments project.
“We applied the SDC credits towards the Village Squire’s rehabilitation,” added Watson. “Moving forward, we’re committed to ensuring these units will be offered at an attainable rental price for local workers.”
The City created the Downtown Urban Renewal District in 1995. The goal of this district is not only to remove blight but also to support public-private projects, organizations, and local businesses that contribute to the vibrancy of the downtown core.
“The revitalization of the Village Squire Motel into the NOVA Apartments is a great example of a public-private renewal partnership in downtown Redmond,” said Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch, who cut the ribbon at today’s ceremony. “Housing remains a top priority for our City Council. The City is thrilled that the NOVA urban renewal project will create essential housing for our local workforce. Redmond-based employees now have more options for housing they can afford in the heart of our community.”
Last December, the Redmond Urban Renewal Agency announced the City’s downtown business occupancy rate had reached a record 95% occupancy rate.
“Now more than ever, housing availability determines the kinds of businesses and jobs we can sustain in our community,” said Chuck Arnold, economic development and urban renewal program manager at the City of Redmond. “By investing in projects that want to preserve and enhance Redmond’s downtown, we’re also investing in our local businesses. Projects like the NOVA Apartments will help Redmond employers attract and retain talent.”
Units at the NOVA Apartments will soon be available to rent. Interested tenants should contact Cobalt Property Management for the latest availability.
