Industry News
The historic Beaver Village Lodge, a longtime landmark at the eastern entrance to Winter Park, was demolished last week after standing for more than eight decades. Demolition began June 11 to clear space for a new community clubhouse that will serve as part of the Roam housing development, according to the resort. Known to locals simply as “Beaver’s,” the lodge opened in 1940—the same year the Winter Park ski area began operations—and quickly became a symbol of the growing mountain town.
With its distinctive A-frame architecture, the Beaver’s welcomed generations of visitors with lodging, a swimming pool, and even horseback rides when it operated as a guest ranch. In its prime, it served as both a tourist destination and a mountain retreat for returning locals cresting Berthoud Pass. However, the building had fallen into disrepair in recent years and ceased operations in the late 2010s, Sky-Hi News reports. The local fire department considered it one of the most hazardous structures in Grand County, citing multiple sections that were not up to code.
The new clubhouse, being built by the Roam development team, is slated to retain architectural elements inspired by the original lodge, according to Roam’s website. The amenity center will include community features such as a pool and game room and will be open to both Roam residents and the general public. Roam’s first phase includes 218 residential units and 23,000 square feet of commercial space, part of a broader effort to create mixed-use housing in Winter Park.
While the loss of Beaver’s marks the end of a visible piece of Winter Park’s history, some elements of its character may live on in the new development, which aims to honor the lodge’s legacy while moving forward with a new modern look and feel.
