Aspen Peak - Niche Media - Aspen living at its peak
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/601986
+ + photography by Steve Mundinger (willoughby way) aspenpeak-magazine.com 147 Poss Architecture + Planning celebrates 40 years of business in Aspen in 2016. Here, principal and founder Bill Poss discusses his frm's impact on the changing Aspen landscape, development of the Lift 1A base area, and whether or not Aspen's rapid rate of growth is good for town. You've been in business 40 years—what's been the biggest change you've seen in development in Aspen in that time? I think the biggest change has been the growth demand and the rate of growth in town. It used to be everything was on a smaller scale. Now, the growth rate is increasing, and I don't think that's necessarily a good thing. Slow growth keeps character in check. What are your thoughts on Aspen's current economic and real estate booms? If you just look around, there are some of the larg- est buildings and largest products we've ever seen. It used to be small one- or two-lot project widths. Now, we're seeing projects that are six-lot widths. A lot of the projects look like they're on steroids. How does Aspen architecture compare to other resort towns? Aspen is truly unique and has a more cosmopolitan or chic style in compari- son to, say, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, which has a more mountain feel. Or Vail, which is more European. There is a lot more contem- porary architecture here. How do you see the development around Lift 1A affecting Aspen as a town? I think it's good to see a wider base area and a sec- ond portal to the mountain. I don't mind seeing bigger growth there. Right up against the mountain is the appropriate place. 605 E. Main St., 970-925- 4755; billposs.com chicago developer Mark Hunt has acquired an impressive downtown aspen real estate portfolio over the past three years—more than 15 properties in all, valued at close to $150 million total. His focus has been commercial projects, including major retail renovations, like the structures that now house the Dolce & Gabbana and Theory boutiques, as well as popular eateries and bars—including the Hotel Jerome, Crystal Palace , the Aspen Daily News building, and two mill street mall properties currently occupied by Jimmy's Bodega and Grey Lady restaurants. But his more contentious developments have been Base1 and Base2, two proposed affordable lodges on cooper avenue and main street, respectively, that attracted public scrutiny due to their massive scale and land-use code variations. "First of all, this is my home," Hunt says. "i fell in love with aspen, and i feel lucky to have purchased these properties. But i also think i'm offering an option for the next generation. Base1 and Base2 are designed to be affordable, social, and communal. Frankly, i'm bringing back a [big part] of aspen that brought people here in the frst place." While some have been wary of a single owner control- ling so much of downtown—with Mayor Steve Skadron saying it has the ability to "change the fabric of the community"—Hunt's other projects have been smooth sailing with aspen's development offce. "i appreciate their concern," Hunt says. "i have a huge responsibility because of the sheer number of buildings. i expect to be held to a high standard to give people the comfort they deserve. i will work closely with the city and the com- munity to develop a plan we can all be comfortable with and proud of." Grow Up, Up, and away! After 40 yeArs in the business, Architect Bill Poss cAn't help but notice: Aspen is AlwAys growing! $1.1b Total value of sales of Pitkin County real estate in 2014 $100M Price of the most expensive home currently on the Aspen market By The NumBers: "Aspen has a more cosmopolitan style" than other mountain towns, says Bill Poss (below), in part due to his own designs, like this home on Willoughby Way. Grey Lady restaurant will see its open patio enclosed in a striking glass structure. The Aspen Daily News building will house high-end retail boutiques along its façade. Q+A Mountain Monopoly One man is on a mission to upgrade Aspen.