About 50 people, most of whom own land close to what is being called “the Upper 40,” packed into the Hondius Community Room at the Estes Valley Library on Dec. 19 to hear a presentation on what will happen to the land under its new ownership by East Avenue Development, LLC, a hotel investment and development company headquartered in Cedar Park, Tex.
Three years after acquiring the historic Elkhorn Lodge, East Avenue has purchased 43 undeveloped acres located southeast but not quite bordering the Elkhorn Lodge property and they company is beginning the petition process to have the land, which is currently located in the county, annexed by the Town of Estes Park.
A neighborhood meeting is required by the Town at the very beginning of the annexation petition, which seeks to change the zoning classification of the parcel from Estes Valley Rural Estate to Accommodations within the Town boundaries. According to the notice of the meeting, the preferred zoning approach is a Planned Unit Development to “create a cohesive development and unified land use approach to the existing Elkhorn Lodge.”
Justin Mabey, principal and co-founder of East Avenue, hosted Thursday’s meeting to gather information from the public while amending the design for the various “pods” that are planned for the Upper 40.
These include two upscale hotels no higher than three stories each, a spa, and horse trails which would be used by horses that are planned to be stabled at the lower property. Some of the historic buildings from the lower building could be lifted and put on this land, said Mabey, who also said there may be treehouse lodging.
People who own property along Elm Road, part of which loops into the Upper 40, Old Ranger Road, and Old Man Mountain Lane expressed concern about an increase in traffic in their neighborhood.
“Our intent is no, but we can’t control what is mandated throughout the process,” Maybe said. Elm Road drops south from the property to connect with U.S. Highway 36 near the main entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park at Beaver Meadows. The property is located close to Old Man Mountain but doesn’t directly border this popular hiking destination. People wandering onto private property and both ingress and egress locations for construction equipment were part of the conversation, as well as wildlife considerations.
“We focus on providing unique experiences in and around national parks,” Mabey said while explaining what East Avenue does. “So, Moab, Zion, Bryce, West Yellowstone, (and) Estes Park is kind of where we do most of our business…where can you find a150-year-old building that has as much history?”
Since acquiring the Elkhorn Lodge property, East Avenue has been lifting the historic buildings, putting them on foundations, and renovating and restoring the original lodge including the ballroom.
Will the barn be restored? he was asked. Maybe, said Mabey, noting that the barn was disassembled carefully, with drawings and measurements of the original building recorded in anticipation of this. The Elkhorn Lodge barn collapsed in 2016 under previous ownership.
“Within this entire development, the bottom first phase one, and then the upper 43 (acres) we want it to feel like it’s all part of the same development,” Mabey said. “So, if you’ve walked on the Harvard campus you know you’re there because of the color of brick (they use). We want to have a similar experience here.”
Elkhorn Lodge Phase 1, which includes the original historic property, is at least a year away from completion. The process to establish Phase 2 has just begun, but when both are completed, Mabey admitted that an estimated 600 people a day could be utilizing the amenities on both properties in the summertime within three to four years.
In February 2024, East Avenue and a lodging partner acquired the Rocky Mountain Hotel along U.S. Highway 34 on the east side of Estes Park. Out of the 150 rooms in that hotel, Mabey said 20% could be used for employee housing to staff the business.
East Avenue’s stated goals for both phases of the Elkhorn Lodge project are:
- Revitalize and restore
- Community pride and preference
- Environmental stewardship
- Walkability and accessibility
- Celebrate local heritage and nature
- Sustainable tourism
The next public meeting on this project has not been set but it will happen when the Town hears the annexation petition during a public hearing.
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