When our client, from Toronto-based Globizen, reached out to find a lot in the greater Park City area to build a “creative retreat” in the mountains, we leaped at the opportunity to assist. Globizen is an international city building company & community focused on creating better places. They build and operate creative retreats in the world’s most desirable travel destinations. Their mission is to build better, more beautiful cities, and create long-term value through design innovation and disciplined execution. We were excited to play a small part in finding the piece of land in Summit Park that would become their next creation.
You’re from Toronto. Why choose Park City, UT of all the resort towns? It was really for three main reasons. One, when it comes to big mountain skiing, Utah is simply one of the best in North America. It’s consistently snowy and there’s a low risk of climate change impacting that in the near future. Two, it’s the most accessible resort location. Nowhere else can you fly into a major international airport and be in the mountains within 30 minutes. That’s how long the drive is from SLC to PMH. And finally, three, we saw and continue to see a lot of positive momentum around both Park City and SLC – new people moving to the state, new investment, and a really great emerging design scene.
Who were the architects and builders, and why did you decide to use them? The builder was ACI – they are of course local — and the architect was New York-based Mattaforma. ACI was recommended to us while we were doing due diligence on the site and researching the local market. They were also working on another site in the Summit Park area at the time and so it made a lot of sense to work with them. It was also clear that they understood our design objectives for the project.
The story behind Mattaforma is a fun one. We are involved in a high-rise project in Toronto called One Delisle (currently under construction). The design architect for this project is Chicago-based Studio Gang. And about 4 years into the project, two of the architects on the project decided to leave and start their own practice. We basically followed them and asked if they wanted to work on a project in Park City.
What were the main design inspirations for the home? From the outset, we knew that we wanted a clean and modern take on a mountain house. Utah has a great legacy of modernist buildings. You have architect John Sugden who worked under Mies van der Rohe and today you have architects like Chris Price (Klima Architecture) who have designed and built some truly beautiful homes in the Summit Park area, and elsewhere. Despite this, we felt like there weren’t enough of these kinds of homes for people to rent when they come and visit Park City. We made it our goal to create one – something simple, functional, and beautiful.
It’s built on a pretty steep slope, how did that influence the design concept? It influenced practically everything. We actually started with a different design. It was a lot more complicated and it kind of terraced back into the mountain. It was a play on what Chris Price had done with his design two lots over. But as soon as we started looking at and engineering the retaining walls that we would need, we quickly realized that it was going to be cost prohibitive. So we went back and rationalized the design, basically minimizing the amount of excavation we would need to an absolute minimum while maintaining our required program.
What do you want guests to experience that is special about this place? The other driving force behind the design was to create something that we are calling a “creative retreat.” Let me explain. Every year I go on a ski and snowboard trip with some of my closest friends from grad school (in the US) and with some of my friends from Toronto. We spend at least a week in the mountains unplugging and riding, but also creating things, whether that be GoPro videos from the mountain or simple photography. It always feels like an intensely creative time, and that’s maybe because we’re all disconnected from the demands of our daily lives. There’s space for it. And so, one of the overarching things that we wanted to do was create a space that would both share our love of the mountains with others and hopefully inspire a little creativity. This is the reason why we designed two large bay windows on the top floor of the house. (One is a window seat and the other is a large two-person workspace.) They’re both oriented away from the street so that you feel like you’re in the mountain. Hopefully these will serve as a great place to read, write, create, or, if you really have to, take a work call.
What is your favorite part of the home and why? The house is 3 floors. As you reach the stair landing before the top floor, there is a large double height space and a similarly tall window that frames the surrounding mountain and trees. This was a moment that Mattaforma carefully considered and designed. It was meant to signal that you had reached the top of the house and were now firmly in the mountains. I love this moment. Every window in the house was carefully positioned. From the outside it may seem a little random, but it all makes sense once you’re inside.
This beautiful and unique space is officially taking bookings.
On the heels of a pretty rough 18+ months, it’s safe enough to say that many of us have really been craving more connection. Whether it’s with family, friends, work pals, or nature (just sitting on a patch of grass, listening to the birds), it’s a longing like never before. Where can we find spaces that honor these desired connections? Where do we find the outlet we need? Just beyond the sleepy little town of Wanship, UT lies a 3,500-acre property filled with the remedies for healing and rejuvenation. A place that offers connection and practices intention…
it’s a place called Blue Sky.
The land was purchased in 2004 by Mike and Barb Philips. Originally used for ranching and outdoor adventures (see: horseback riding, etc.), it also became the headquarters for Saving Gracie’s Equine Healing Foundation (85 animals rescued and counting). Mike and Barb noted the positive impact that the land was having on those who visited, and they made a decision: it was time to share the space with a larger audience. They built an intimate, luxury resort that would enable guests to reconnect with the outdoor environment through adventure. To do so, they knew they’d need the help of a hotel management company–a team equal to the task and capable of filling such a tall order. Enter Auberge Resorts Collection.
Auberge is a assemblage of small, boutique resorts in storied destinations all over the world. Every property in the Auberge collection is unique: the nuances of the destination inspire, influence, and guide the experiences, design, and narrative of each resort. It’s a holistic approach that we fully support (and that undoubtedly translates to happy guests and staff). We took a tour of the grounds with Auberge Resort’s Area Director of Sales & Marketing for the Lodge at Blue Sky (and CHC client), Jessica Cook to get a little more info on this stunning location and property…
Tell us about the architect for the Lodge–what was the intention behind creating each space during the design process? AJC Architects. Their goal was to design a lodge with organic architecture that echoed the majesty of the surrounding mountainscape. We wanted the resort to feel like a natural extension of the land, such that the structures live in harmony with the land, rather than compete with it. The goal is for each guest to feel profoundly connected to nature at every opportunity.
“…having some time to simply pause and be with yourself is very important.”
How do you prioritize and optimize the guest experience? We reach out to every single guest prior to their arrival to design a bespoke itinerary for their stay. We ask questions about what they want out of their experience. Do they want jam-packed adventure? Are wellness experiences a priority? If families are traveling together, do they want to maximize time together or send the kids to participate in our Little Vaquero’s Kids Camp? These types of questions are really important. It helps to shed light on how each guest wants to feel during their stay. We also try to always build a little “soul space” into each itinerary–rather than having guests overpack their schedule, it’s better to give some breathing room so that they have a chance to read a book in a beautiful light-filled nook in the Lodge, or have a quiet moment with some Gracie’s Farm organic tea on their terrace overlooking the canyon. The last 15 months have been incredibly stressful for everyone, so having some time to simply pause and be with yourself is very important.
How does the Lodge incorporate its natural surroundings into the different spaces, from design to the overall guest experience? The Lodge was built on one of the toughest places on the property to construct a resort, but the location was chosen because we wanted every one of our 46 rooms and suites to have a west-facing view of dramatic Alexander Canyon. The canyon was the focal point for the build. We have three different styles and locations of accommodation, each uniquely incorporating elements of the location on which they are situated: The Sky Lodge has high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, creating an ethereal atmosphere with plenty of natural light. The feeling is expansive and inspiring. Our 22 Earth Suites are built into the side of a lush undulating hillside and have living roofs with native Utah grasses and wildflowers to make them blend in with the environs. These suites evoke a feeling of groundedness, connection, space and calm. The five freestanding Creek houses are situated along the banks of Alexander Creek, tucked into a secluded aspen grove just a 5 minute walk from the main Lodge. These accommodations have 14-foot hight floor-to-ceiling windows with private terraces that overlook Alexander Creek. These units evoke a feeling of flow, ease, fluidity, and the location within the aspen grove feels like Mother Nature is giving you a big hug. Edge Spa is aptly named because it’s built into the side of a dramatic precipice which overlooks the creek, and also has a living grass roof. The design has incredibly thoughtful touches: Stone sourced from Brown’s Canyon Quarry, just 13 miles away, photography of our rescue horses done by a local photographer, bath salts sourced from the Great Salt Lake, bespoke bath products with essential oils especially made for us from wild sage that grows all over the property. Our adventures are entirely aimed at reconnecting people with nature: Hiking, horseback riding, fly fishing, outdoor yoga, forest bathing, mountain biking, organic farming school at Gracie’s Farm (our entirely female-led regenerative farm). Even our sporting clays are thoughtful towards the earth: We order special clay discs from Europe that are biodegradable so that they don’t pollute the earth when they break apart after a successful shot. The “wads” inside the ammunition are also made of paper (rather than plastic) so that they don’t litter when they are discharged after a shot, and we also recycle all of our ammunition casings.
Tell us what really separates Auberge Resorts from other luxury mountain getaways. Many mountain resorts offer the iconic adventures that one associates with the West: Hiking, horses, fly fishing, shooting, etc. But we’ve created more thoughtful versions of them, and we’ve added additional experiences that are quintessentially Blue Sky, and we do it all with the utmost reverence for the land.
For example, we don’t just take guests on horseback rides…we have a full horse rescue foundation on site, and we offer natural horsemanship lessons (which aims to teach guests how to communicate with horses using energetic, non-verbal queues). We don’t simply go hiking…we can take you hiking to a mountaintop yurt for a fireside yoga practice or breathwork class to get centered. We don’t just serve whisky…we offer an entire High West Whiskey Distillery for tastings, tours and meals. And we don’t just source locally…we also grow our own organic vegetables, herbs and wildflowers at Gracie’s Farm, led by our talented team of “farmHers” who till the land by hand and selective animal grazing (zero machinery to preserve soil integrity).
We have a heli adventure program that offers guests high alpine experiences year-round. The helicopter will land on Blue Sky’s property next to our mountaintop yurt so you don’t need to transfer to an FBO for take-off. In the warmer months we offer heli hiking, heli fly fishing on beautiful mountain lakes and streams that are rarely fished, heli mountain biking, heli yoga and even a few heli weddings (think: couple + officiant + photographer + some champagne). In the winter we offer heli skiing/snowboarding. What most people don’t know is that we offer intermediate heli skiing, not just daredevil expert-only excursions. The intermediate heli skiing takes guests into the Wasatch Mountain Range which has terrain that is much less technical than “typical” heli ski terrain. If you can confidently ski a blue or double blue run at a mountain resort, you can heli ski with us.
Whether its walking the trails along the creek, enjoying a drink at the bar, or sitting by the fire in one of the Earth Suites, the feeling of tranquility is tangible. Many of the guests that arrive with plans to discover the surrounding areas like nearby Park City during their stay find themselves spending all their time at Blue Sky. Not just for the abundance of experiences offered, but for the quiet serenity the space offers to those willing to slow down and reconnect.
Aside from being pretty, there are plenty of perks, as far as houseplants are concerned. Not only do our leafy, green friends purify the air and boost the amount of oxygen in your living space, but studies have shown that having some flora in your workspace reduces sickness by 60%. They can also reduce stress, sharpen focus, and create a calm, peaceful atmosphere, thereby improving your mental health altogether. Best part? Caring for another living organism is likely to increase your level of compassion (which means your human relationships will benefit, as well).
Integrating new greenery into your space is a snap: “Consider mixing and layering different types of plants in strategically placed clusters through your home,” says our Senior Designer, Helena Morozoff. “While a single pot with a single bloom makes a world of difference on your office desk or on your bedroom window, having a more statement grouping will transform just about any space. Play with pots and scale! Having the right vessel is just as important as having the right plant. By mixing materials, textures, sizes and shapes, it is very easy to create just the right touch of a sometimes-missing element in a space. Matte terra-cotta & clay, glossy ceramic, aged metal or a colored pot can easily read as a less obvious equivalent/substitute to that decorative pillow.”
Lucky for us all, there’s a plethora of local spots to pick them up. Here are a few of our favorites…
1. Orchid Dynasty: This Salt Lake staple has recently set up shop at their new location in the Granary District, and we can attest that the space is stunning. Beyond their fabulous array of arrangements and—of course—orchids, they’ve got a stunning new green house and a thiiiis-close-to-being-complete cafe, so’s you can sip while you browse. Our recommendation? Bring a book. Snag a spot. Bask in it. 365 W 900 S, Mon – Fri 9:00a -6:00p. Sat. 9:00a – 5:00p.
2. Cactus and Tropicals: Besides having a vibe so nice you’ll all but want to ask for the WiFi password and a spare key so you can move right in, Cactus & Tropicals boast a plethora of plants, flowers, and trees to fit your every need. This spot also plays host to all manner of events, weddings included, but even if you’re just looking for a quick break from the day, a simple walk around these misty grounds is a perennial stress-reliever. 2735 S 2000 E., Mon. – Sat. 10:00a – 6:00p, Sun. 11:00a – 5:00p.
3. Millcreek Gardens: This garden spot has an extensive inventory of outdoor plants, trees, and shrubs as well as an adorable little cottage brimming with delightful houseplants. With so many arboreal options, you’re bound to find the perfect sprig for your nightstand or topiary for your patio space—just in time for cooler, fall-time hangs. 3500 S. 900 E. Mon. – Fri. 9:00a – 7:00p, Sat. 9:00a – 6:00p.
4. Paradise Palm: This leafy spot—perched in a primo Broadway locale—has their own unique array of tropical plants, trees, and premium organic soil mixes to make sure your new friend gets all the necessary goodies they need to thrive. The garage door is usually open, and the feeling in here is akin to a calm, quiet jungle. To which we always say “yes.” 307 E. 300 S., Mon. – Sat. 11:00a – 6:00p.
5. Thyme and Place: Yes, we’ve featured this Central 9th spot before, but we couldn’t leave this particular petal-er off our list. Their clean, simple space invites you right in, and there’s a beautiful assortment of plants and handmade planters to choose from. They also offer a hands-on tutorial on how to arrange and care for your new housemate, so all your botanical bases are covered. 362 E. 900 S., Tues. – Sun., 11:00a – 6:00p.
If you’ve spent any time at a local coffee shop, market, park, or any water cooler-type spot in the last few months, you’ve probably heard of something called the Wasatch Speaker Series. If you haven’t, we’ll give you the short and sweet of it, because this is a salty new staple worth getting acquainted with. The series, which kicked off last October, has brought a dazzling array of heavy-hitting speakers to our very own Abravanel Hall (think: Joe Biden, Dr. Jane Goodall, Dr. Sanjay Gupta). And, though housed in one of our grandest concert halls, the events have a welcome air of intimacy. This is perhaps due to a few contributing factors: 1) Attendees must purchase a package to attend all speakers, so there’s no playing of favorites, 2) Each event ensures a small portion of seats is reserved for high school students from an array of socioeconomic communities in the SLC area, 3) Time is reserved post-speech for a few Q’s and A’s, and 3) There is no photography or video recording permitted. Ever.
Gary and Rob Lauer, the father-son duo responsible for bringing this ace lineup of experts-in-their-fields to SLC, both boast successful backgrounds in tech. Lured from Silicon Valley in search of world-renowned powder, the two soon realized how quickly the tech boom was expanding west and reckoned they’d start their own company based in Salt Lake. But rather than joining the tech party, the two decided to help curb a growing appetite for mental stimulation while simultaneously giving back to the community–they created what would become the much talked-about and wildly-successful Wasatch Speaker Series.
But it wasn’t an easy start. When the Lauers first began pitching the idea around town, they ran into a few roadblocks, and understandably so (after all, it’s a pretty radical concept). But, with some tech savvy and a touch of tenacity, they were able to gain momentum and support in equal measure. They had sponsors. They had a venue. But how do you get some of the most accomplished people in their given fields to come speak in the greater Salt Lake area? By giving them a safe space to speak their minds, of course.
The goal: to allow humanism back into the discussion.
The platform the Lauers were trying to create was designed to allow an unbiased, candid approach to presenting freely and openly. The “no cameras” rule was implemented from a sense of wanting their guests to be able to speak sans fear of being taken out of context, and the other aforementioned standards were set with the intention of getting as many ears on a speaker as possible. Rob and Gary wanted to make sure they had a well-rounded roster of speakers, touching on as many subjects as possible with as diverse a group as they could gather. The Lauers wanted to encourage attendees to open their minds and hear speakers they might not have otherwise listened to.
Their overall goal was to create a fun, stimulating, provocative, and educational experience to open people’s minds and inspire future generations. The duo aimed to have the Wasatch Speaker Series be the preeminent speaker forum in the country, and hoped to put SLC on the map. And, if you had a chance to attend any from last season—or have had a look at next season’s line up (set to include Madeleine Albright, Steve Wozniak, and James Comey, to name a few)—we think you’ll agree they’re on the right track.
We were thrilled to have been invited to attend and photograph last season’s evening with the venerable Dr. Jane Goodall, so we can COLLECTIVELY attest that the Wasatch Speaker Series is well worth the price of admission.
Tickets are going fast–click here to purchase.
In a place with as limited real estate as Park City’s Main Street, getting creative with square footage is more “prerequisite” than “innovation”. So, a one-stop-shop scenario featuring four fantastic local businesses under one roof? We’re officially listening…
The sporadically-bustling, oft-sleepy little ski town has been home for Casey Crawford for over 20 years. Taking advantage of the nationwide market crash of 2008, Casey made the savvy choice to snap up a bit of real estate on the famed thoroughfare. She remembered how inspired she’d been by the collaborative spaces she’d seen in Europe and decided she wanted to recreate that at 509 Main Street.
This is perhaps the physical manifestation of “good things coming in small packages…”
PHASE 1: PROSPECT
Casey used her background in retail to create a clothing shop stocked with products from companies that have values similar to her own: sustainability, quality, giving back, and staying true to one’s roots. She’s constantly on the lookout for fresh, new brands, and allows those that have become established to move on to a bigger market. Once the shop began to thrive, she was ready to start her corporate commune.
PHASE 2: BILLY’S BARBER SHOP
Billy Cregger moved to PC from Orange County, CA in 2009 for a change of pace. With a lineage of successful barbers in his family, he decided to pursue his interest (and, arguably, his birthright) and get his barber license. The shop officially opened in 2013, and with his signature “Billy Cuts,” he quickly built a name for himself. With success came expansion, and Billy happily invited two more barbers, Jorge and Terry, to share his small-scale shop.
PHASE 3: PINK ELEPHANT COFFEE
The third piece of Casey’s masterful puzzle came to her by way of a haircut. When Mitch Baker sat down in Billy’s chair, the conversation found itself focused on the small-batch (as in “5 lbs. at a time” small) roasting company Mitch shared with his wife, Kelley. It was called Pink Elephant (a nod to Jack London), and they’d been selling to local Park City spots, like Ritual Chocolate, since they began roasting as a hobby four years prior. Knowing how desperately in-need of an artisanal coffee shop Main Street was, Casey asked Mitch and Kelley to join her growing band of merry misfits. At last, the pair had a space to showcase their globally-sourced beans, and—at last—Main Street had a coffee shop.
PHASE 4: LAND JUICERY
Chasing the (possibly caffeine-induced) high of the newly-scooped Pink Elephant portion of her biz, Casey knew that there was one more ingredient to add to the mix. Enter Jenifer, Casey’s sister and holistic and wellness guru. Using influences from experts in the field, she found simple, clean, and easy ways of getting all things healthy and healing into the body. For Jenifer, there is no compromise. She uses only glass bottles and top-notch, 100% organic ingredients (all the way down to the turmeric). Jenifer jumped at the chance to join Casey’s co-op, and you can find her deliciously-nutritious concoctions on the top floor of 509 Main.
While each their own entity, every co. in this scant spot is connected by one
crucial cornerstone:
The desire to create a friendly, innovate, all-inclusive atmosphere for Park City locals and out of state-patrons alike. Dreamed up and nestled on PC’s central street, 509 Main is a venerable lesson in all things interdependency and entrepreneurship–one that’s well worth a visit.
