I think that Vail is experiencing one of its largest building booms in its history. When I went there, I could see countless cranes spread throughout the valley.
A makeover for Vail resort
The face-lift at Vail Cascade Resort & Spa is planned with an eye on luring more conferences to the refurbished creekside setting.By Margaret Jackson
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 12/30/2007 11:35:23 PM MST
The owners of the Vail Cascade Resort & Spa plan an extensive renovation as part of their efforts to reposition the center as the leading destination for meetings in the Vail Valley. Work is scheduled to be finished by the end of 2008. (Photos courtesy of Vail Cascade Resort & Spa )Like most resorts in town, Vail Cascade Resort & Spa is getting a face-lift.
But unlike at the other properties, owner Destination Resorts is positioning Vail Cascade as the pre-eminent meeting facility in Vail Valley.
"It's a matter of keeping up with the Joneses," said Jim Johnson, principal of Denver-based JG Johnson Architects, which is designing the project. "Repositioning is occurring at other resort properties in the mountains. It's a 30-year cycle, and then they have to reinvent themselves."
The renovation is part of a $2 billion burst of development underway in the Vail Valley. The ongoing renovation and redevelopment in Vail will create more than 450 lodging units and more than 100,000 square feet of retail space.
Other developments include a Four Seasons, a Ritz-Carlton and a proposed W Hotel and St. Regis.
The $30 million renovation of the 25-year-old Vail Cascade on Gore Creek includes a new 4,000 square-foot executive conference area for small, private retreats and board meetings.
With the addition, Vail Cascade will have nearly 40,000 square feet of meeting space with either creekside or courtyard views. The executive boardroom will offer state- of-the-art electronics with controls in the boardroom table.
The project also includes enhancements such as air conditioning, 42-inch flat-screen televisions and cordless telephones for the resort's 292 rooms. The bathrooms also are getting an update, including new fixtures and lighting to provide a more modern, residential look.
The property's pool and deck will be remodeled to incorporate the pool with its natural surroundings and become a year-round focal point of the resort. It will include outdoor fire pits, an infinity pool and seating areas where guests can enjoy the creekside setting. A new hot tub with a waterfall will be added.
A new coffee bar and market will provide quick dining options.
The renovations are being completed in phases, said Emily McCormack, a
After the renovation, nearly 40,000 square feet of meeting space will have either creekside or courtyard views. spokeswoman for Destination Resorts.
"Once we start seeing the reservations increase for the season, we'll drop off on construction and pick back up in April with a huge effort through the summer," McCormack said.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of next year.
Margaret Jackson: 303-954-1473 or
mjackson@denverpost.com