KSL has just unveiled the scale model of the proposed future expansion of the Village at Squaw Valley. It is located in the storefront called Basecamp, in the 22 Station East building, in the existing Village. The model can be viewed between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm Monday through Saturday. In Basecamp you will find knowledgeable staff members who can explain KSL’s plan and answer questions. Click here to view Moonshine Ink article with pictures and explanation of the model.
The proposed plan calls for 1000 residential units, a large (132,000 sq ft) adventure center that will contain an aquatic park, a small increase in the number of restaurants and retail space, an outdoor ice rink, restoration of Squaw Creek with walking paths and sitting areas, underground parking and a large number of pedestrian gathering places throughout the Village. Click here to visit KSL’s web site about their plan.
One of the goals of the proposed plan is to reduce vehicle traffic by creating a greatly improved pedestrian environment with lots of open space, many pedestrian trails and bike paths.
KSL has submitted the Specific Plan for the proposed development to Placer County for review and ultimate approval. They would like to start construction on the 1st phase in 2014. The proposed plan, if approved in its entirety, would cover approximately 100 acres. A large portion of the project site, 78 acres, has existing structures or paving, the remainder is currently undisturbed. The project plan calls for some changes in land use and additional entitlements from what was previously allowed in the Squaw Valley General Plan and Land Use Ordinance that was approved by the county in 1983. Due to these changes and the possible significant environmental impact of this project the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) also comes into play. The County has decided that an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) must be completed.
As development plans of this size often do, KSL’s proposed plan has created a lot of interest and very strong reactions, both pro and con, in the local North Tahoe – Truckee community. We have seen a similar development (although not as large) in the Northstar Village in the last 7 years. Despite the difficulties that East West Partners (the developer) had, due to the economic downturn, that project has been quite successful. It has changed Northstar dramatically resulting in further development mid-mountain at Northstar and contributing to increased development in Martis Valley. Vail Resorts has now bought the Northstar Ski operation (not the real estate development rights). These two factors have changed Northstar from a not very well known (nationally) local ski area to a world class year round destination resort! This has increased real estate values in both the Northstar residential community and the adjacent Martis Valley communities. It has also created a lot of employment opportunities.
KSL feels that it’s proposed development plan will bring similar benefits to Squaw Valley and the surrounding communities. Of course, as the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics and the type of terrain that Squaw Valley offers, it is already know as a world class ski mountain, but it is not yet a destination resort. The big knock on Squaw Valley has always been that there are not enough lodging facilities and not enough other attractions in the valley to draw year round destination visitors. The 400 room Resort at Squaw Creek with its 4 star hotel amenities, convention facilities and a championship golf course and the existing Village at Squaw Valley with its 300 + condominiums, many shops and restaurants and the numerous events that it hosts in the summer has certainly helped to change that perception and make Squaw Valley more than just a winter attraction, but not enough.
KSL’s reasoning is; the additional 1000 lodging units, Adventure Center, bike paths and the expansion of the existing Village with its pedestrian friendly walkways and gathering places, along with the combining of Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows ski areas into one mega resort will be all of the necessary ingredients to make Squaw Valley a international destination resort.
Stay tuned for more information as this story evolves.
Contact me at info@GoSquaw.com or 530-913-6020.
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