CREJ - Building Dialogue - September 2017
What was once The Lionshead Inn during the 1970s is now part of the billion-dollar renewal to the Town of Vail. The Lion is 310,789 square feet of luxury residential units and underground parking – a gateway to Lionshead Village and nestled within the Vail Valley. The project was developed years ago but was put on hold in 2006 due to slowing economic conditions. Now, some years later, The Lion is the largest project in Colorado’s central mountains within the past decade. PCL Construction built and OZ Architecture designed the project, which includes 65 private residential units, seven of which are penthouses, one employee housing unit, three levels of underground parking, an indoor pool, and both an indoor and outdoor Jacuzzi. The exterior design from OZ captures a modern take on the Bavarian manor house with a stone base, natural wood trusses and modern lines. OZ Principal Eduardo Illanes coins the look as, “Alpine Modern,” blending the mountain getaway with an urban-feel that is in synch with the surrounding Lionshead community. Materials such as copper, stucco and natural cedar impart European styling and are reflective of forty years of Vail tradition. Large windows in each unit take advantage of the natural surroundings providing expansive views of the valley. Interior comforts are reflected in fine design details such as open floor plans and luxury materials. The residencies are clean and contemporary, with plenty of natural light and vaulted ceilings.