History
History
Founders Statement
In the early 1970s there was a farm cabin in the location of Sun Ridge Estates tennis courts, and a farm house adjacent to the cabin. At that time, Rogue Valley was beset by air pollution due to the numerous kerosene orchard heaters. This resulted in a layer of smoke throughout the valley when the heaters were in operation, to the extent that many people experienced difficulty breathing. Bob and Joyce Robertson would from time to time come to visit Joyce’s brother, who rented and lived in the small cabin while attending (then) Southern Oregon College. Bob was a runner, and preferred running in the clean air in the higher elevations provided by the future Sun Ridge site.
After several months, Bob talked to the owners of their 120-acre parcel within the current boundaries of Sun Ridge Estates, and asked them if they would consider selling. They eventually agreed, realizing that at their age, they were not going to be able to build their dream home there as they had originally hoped. Bob talked to some of his friends about a joint venture. They felt the property would be ideal for a planned development. Together they purchased the 120-acre parcel that now comprises a portion of Sun Ridge. Later they purchased an additional 80 acres at the north end of this, adding to the potential development.
These five participants in the joint venture all intended to build homes on the property. For various reasons, only Bob and one other of these original five ever built a home on the property. Bob and Joyce chose the home site where the previous owners had originally intended to build their dream home.
Bob made at least two trips to Salem to secure approval from the State of Oregon, acting as the attorney for the group. At that time there were almost no planned developments in the state of Oregon. The Jackson County Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners were very favorable to this type of development and final approval was obtained, including approval for a community water system which has proven to be very beneficial to Sun Ridge residents. Sun Ridge still enjoys air that is commonly much clearer than in the valley below, in addition to enjoying spectacular views, open spaces, privacy, and great neighbors!
- Bob Robertson