Project description
This mixed-use development was designed as a destination property featuring a distinctive architectural theme and a premium guest experience. The project required early and detailed coordination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems with the architectural and structural design to support the unique concept and accommodate limited utility space. The scope also included modifications to Town of Vail services and reconfiguration of utilities serving adjacent properties.
The hotel component includes guest rooms, multifunction and back-of-house spaces, and an outdoor rooftop swimming pool. Cator, Ruma & Associates assisted in establishing design and performance guidelines for retail tenant spaces to maintain consistency with the project’s overall theme. The retail area includes multiple restaurant spaces that can accommodate future tenants.
The mechanical system was thoughtfully designed to deliver year-round comfort, energy efficiency, and reliability across the mixed-use development. A central chiller and boiler plant provides heating and cooling through four-pipe fan coil units serving both the hotel and condominium spaces. Air handling units supply conditioned air to key amenity areas, including the kitchens, spa, and ballroom, while dedicated make-up air systems maintain healthy indoor environments throughout the facility. Extensive snow-melt systems were also installed across walkways and driveways to ensure guest comfort, safety, and accessibility in all seasons.
Most condominium units include a lock-off room that can be rented through the hotel system. All electrical systems were fully coordinated with the hotel infrastructure. Depending on unit size, condominiums are provided with 208V single-phase or three-phase service, with spare capacity in load centers to accommodate future owner upgrades. Cator, Ruma & Associates collaborated closely with the Owner’s Interior Design Group to coordinate HVAC systems, ceiling configurations, specified luminaires, and lighting controls.
The underground garage is fully ventilated and heated and includes an integrated loading dock to support hotel and retail operations.
Cator, Ruma & Associates also provided peer review services for interior and exterior lighting design, as well as consultation on all low-voltage systems to ensure seamless integration between the condominium and hotel systems. The team worked closely with multiple consultants, developers, and sales groups to achieve the project’s thematic and architectural goals. Due to the project’s location in Lionshead, design and construction scheduling were critical, requiring extensive coordination and temporary service planning throughout construction.
Guiding Principles for the Design
- Flexibility for the future
- Elevated User Experience
- Functional Aesthetics
- Timeless Design
- Destination-Driven Design
- Snow-Melt Infrastructure
- Safety and Reliability
- Energy Efficiency