As Black Butte Ranch celebrates its 55th anniversary, summer is the perfect time to reflect on its origin as Brooks’ first project in Central Oregon, its evolution, and its enduring legacy. Here’s a look at how it came to be.
In the 1960s, Brooks-Scanlon managers decided to expand the company operations from the timber business to recreational and residential property development. Brooks Resources Corporation was created as a subsidiary to explore this vision. When the team located the stunning property just west of Sisters, Oregon, Black Butte Ranch was conceptualized. The site was chosen for its natural beauty, extraordinary mountain views, and serene setting—ideal for a residential resort community.
The goal was to create a family-friendly getaway for people west of the Cascades, with limited commercial development and a strong connection to nature. The project included homes, bike paths, golf courses, and recreational amenities. Little-known fact: Brooks even helped revitalize the nearby town of Sisters by offering merchants free architectural assistance and no-interest loans to adopt a Western-themed look, boosting the town’s appeal to visitors. A theme that still defines the town’s charm today.
After Brooks Resources launched Black Butte Ranch in 1970, the community steadily evolved into one of Central Oregon’s most beloved resort destinations.
By the early 1980s, Brooks had built out much of the ranch’s infrastructure—bike paths, golf courses, tennis courts, and a lodge—all designed to blend with the natural landscape. In 1982, ownership of the roads, trails, and common areas were transferred to the Homeowners Association (HOA), empowering residents to manage the community. Then in 1987, the HOA purchased the remaining assets, including the golf courses, lodge, and utilities, making Black Butte Ranch a fully resident-owned resort.
Today, the Ranch is home to more than 1,250 residences, two championship golf courses, and an impressive array of amenities. Recent renovations to the recreation complex, and lodge ensure the resort is well-positioned for the next 55 years. Its enduring success helped pave the way for Central Oregon’s rise as a beloved and ever-evolving destination.
