Vail Resorts Inc. plans to build a $1 billion new resort village on a 9.5 acre site in Vail’s West Lionshead.
Called Ever Vail, the 1 million square foot development will include a hotel, at least 225 condos, more than 100,000 square feet of commercial, a parking garage with 600-plus spaces and a new gondola to access Vail Mountain, the company said today.
Vail Resorts chief executive Rob Katz touted the “green” nature of the project. The company will seek approval to make Ever Vail the largest LEED-certified resort project in North America, meaning it will be certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.
“The development will integrate the principles of ‘green’ design throughout,” he said.
Ever Vail is the third major environmental initiative announced by the Broomfield-based company. Last August, Vail Resorts became one of the largest publicly traded companies in the U.S. to offset 100 percent of its electricity use through the purchase of wind energy credits. The company has also partnered with the National Forest Foundation to raise money for conservation projects.
The company said it plans to submit its plans for Ever Vail to the Vail Town Council within the next few weeks. It hopes to be able to begin real estate sales on the project in 2009.
The site currently houses a gas station, Vail Mountain’s vehicle maintenance shop yard and a retail and office complex.
Staff writer Julie Dunn can be reached at 303-954-1592 or at jdunn@denverpost.com.
