The process of Northstar’s resurgence and redevelopment began swiftly after its announcement in 2001 and, beginning in 2004, the first phase of The Village at Northstar™ was complete. This phase included the concept, foundation and layout for the entire Village and the completion of Iron Horse North, Iron Horse South and Great Bear Lodge buildings, as well as the ice rink and its surrounding commercial space/build out. In addition, the Alpine Club was established in the Village (in Iron Horse South building) as a ski valet and après ski lounge for Tahoe Mountain Club members. Based on another successful venture in Beaver Creek, EWP planned another club amenity on top of the mountain. In spring 2005, construction began on Schaffer’s Camp, a private restaurant with panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This one-of-a-kind Faulkner designed restaurant opened in Winter 2007.
Taking Northstar to the next level, in 2006 EWP broke ground on the construction of The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe located mid-mountain. It is North Lake Tahoe’s first, and only, five-star hotel. Along with the hotel construction, EWP was busy overseeing the construction of a road traveling up to mid-mountain, building a new fire station, as well as building the Trailside Townhomes (completed in 2007). The Ritz-Carlton Hotel was completed and opened in November 2009. The Hotel is the foundation EWP’s latest community, Northstar Mountainside Residences which currently include Home Run Residences and Martis 25 (to be discussed in the next blog segment).
Back down at the base of the mountain during from 2005 to 2008 progress continued. For example, One Village Place, also known as the Gondola Building, was completed. Also included in the second phase of the Village were Catamount and Big Horn buildings. The first 12 residences of the Village Walk Townhomes, a gated community located adjacent to the Village were started in 2007 and completed in June of 2008. Collaboration between EWP and Hyatt Corp began the Northstar Lodge Hyatt project and the first building was started in May 2007 and completed in December 2008. Along with these came the Village Swim & Fitness center and the Highlands Gondola traveling from the Northstar Lodge directly up to The Ritz-Carlton Hotel and neighboring building, which is now Constellation at Northstar.
In the next segment of The History of Northstar Blog Series, we will look at East West Partner’s latest developments and future vision, as well as Vail Resorts Mater Plan for mountain and operation improvements. It will show how the combination of these two elements will complete the original vision created so long ago and secure the resort’s bright future as a world-class, year-round destination.