^Credit: Winter Park Resort
I have some great news to share coming out of Winter Park Resort, CO this morning.
The resort has published a press release that they’re aiming to start construction of a new workforce housing project this summer.
WP states that the new project will consist of two buildings housing “more than 300 beds”. The buildings will be near the base of the resort and will be within walking distance for employees.
WP is in the process of gaining “final approval” for the project. Once obtained, they plan to break ground in Summer 2022 and finish the project sometime during Fall 2023.
Kudos to WP and Alterra Mountain Company for taking steps to address the need for affordable housing opportunities for their employees.
The project will be a huge financial investment, but it’s a necessity these days for employees that simply can’t afford to live in town.
Here’s to hoping more resorts follow suit!
Full press release from Winter Park Resort below:
Winter Park Resort Expects to Start Construction This Summer on New Workforce Housing Project
A proposed employee housing complex with more than 300 beds will help address the resort community housing crunch
WINTER PARK, Colo., April 26, 2022 – Winter Park Resort is in the process of gaining final approval and permitting to build a new workforce housing complex near the base of the resort. When finished, two buildings will house more than 300 residents, all within walking distance of the resort. Once approved, construction is anticipated to begin in the Summer of 2022 and be completed in the Fall of 2023. The new workforce housing project is the culmination of community discussion, needs-based research, and feasibility studies between the Town of Winter Park, Winter Park Resort, the resort’s parent company, Alterra Mountain Company, and other key stakeholders.
Winter Park Resort and Alterra Mountain Company recognize the urgent need for workforce housing and have made this current project a priority ahead of future plans to expand the resort’s offerings for guests.
“Winter Park has grown into a world-class destination, offering escape and adventure to thousands of people every year. But affordable housing in our community hasn’t kept up. As one of the largest employers in the area, we recognize the role we must play in improving our housing issues, and this project is a significant step in the right direction,” said Sky Foulkes, Winter Park Resort president. “Our employees are the lifeblood of our organization and community, and the key to our success, so we’re thrilled to be moving this project forward.”
The housing units will be located just off U.S. Highway 40 and Winter Park Drive, providing employee residents with close-in accessibility to the resort. Designed for both seasonal and year-round workers, the new housing project will provide every resident a lockable room with appropriate privacy or seclusion. The accommodations will not include dormitory-style sleeping arrangements, and instead will offer a mix of studios and single bedroom units that combine with communal kitchens and living spaces.
“The Town of Winter Park is in full support of this workforce housing project. Throughout the planning process, the resort has thoughtfully ensured that the concept aligned with the town’s housing needs assessment and workforce housing strategy. The timing of this project complements the efforts of our community leaders to create a regional housing authority that will broadly address workforce housing needs in Grand County,” said Nick Kutrumbos, Town of the Winter Park mayor. “Collectively we believe that the ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life for our workforce and residents. Winter Park Resort has checked that box by keeping the project within walking distance to jobs, public transportation, and arguably the best outdoor recreation in the region.”
About Winter Park Resort
Winter Park Resort, Colorado’s quintessential mountain and ski resort, is located less than 70 miles from the city of Denver. Flanked by the dramatic Continental Divide, the resort is defined by its pure natural environment, a strong pioneering heritage, and its unique Colorado adventure culture. During the winter, Winter Park receives some of the state’s most consistent snowfall across its 3000+ acres of world-class terrain, and has been voted USA Today’s #1 Ski Resort in North America three times. During summer, the resort is home to renowned Trestle Bike Park, and has numerously been named as Colorado’s Top Adventure Town. For more information, visit www.winterparkresort.com.
Featured Image Credit: Winter Park Resort/Alterra Mountain Company
