When Northstar-at-Tahoe opened in 1972, there was a vision of what the resort would one day become. Today, efforts are underway to complete that vision. At the heart of the resort will be a completely enhanced Village at Northstar, serving as the hub of activity for the Northstar community.

Following an extensive, national search, Northstar named Colorado-based East West Partners as its collaborator on this joint-venture endeavor. The two companies share common values and goals, such as environmentally sound building practices that go above and beyond the regulatory requirements and strong community involvement. According to Roger Lessman, managing partner of East West Partners, "Our goal is to create a warm, friendly, pedestrian-oriented village that is festive and fun and has that casual, family-friendly atmosphere that people love at Northstar." One of the leading resort developers in North America, East West Partners� signature developments include numerous projects at Beaver Creek and Bachelor Gulch in Colorado.

East West Partners and Northstar-at-Tahoe have designed a Village concept with more residential and lodging capacity, a variety of establishments such as shops, fine dining and casual restaurants, a book store, brew pub, coffee shop, bakery, photo shop, and a small convenience market. A fitness center and ice-skating rink are also planned.

One of the most important elements of the Village will be the creation of gathering places where people can come together and enjoy the village atmosphere. These include outdoor fire pits, outdoor restaurant seating, and a new ice-skating rink in the heart of the Village.

While many activities will be spread throughout the resort, the Village will serve as the heart of the community. Whether the activity is fine dining, appreciation for the arts, wine festivals, programs that help people reconnect with nature, educational and self-improvement workshops or retreats, the Village will serve as a focal point and center for social gatherings.

A key element of a festive village is increasing the number of residences throughout the Village core. Plans call for seven new buildings in all, with 213 new luxury condominium residences in the center of the Village, with spacious one to four bedroom residences available. "Having people stay right in the heart of the Village increases the activity and foot traffic, which adds to the festive atmosphere and community spirit," says David Tirman who is East West Partners� vice president for the Village enhancements.

The planned Village architecture is inspired by the local Sierra Nevada and western national park architecture. There will be varied roof pitches and building heights, traditional shed and dormer windows and overhangs, constructed with natural stone, milled timber and wood accents. Buildings will vary in height and will be situated to allow the maximum amount of sunlight in public gathering places.

Working with East West Partners, additional improvements and enhancements planned for Northstar-at-Tahoe include traffic control improvements, on-site employee housing and a new on-mountain dining restaurant. The resort also has plans for several on-mountain, ski-in / ski-out neighborhoods, and increased recreational opportunities, such as new chairlifts and expanded terrain. Mountain improvements are planned to keep pace with the addition of new residences and lodging at the resort.

Groundbreaking for the Village is set to start in the spring of 2004. The 100 luxury condominium residences in the initial phase of construction will be offered for purchase this winter through a Priority Reservation Program. This offering has been highly anticipated and is the first real estate opportunity in the Village at Northstar. For more information on the Village at Northstar, call at 800.217.7554 or visit www.villageatnorthstar.com.

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