In case you somehow missed the huge construction project on the corner of Willow Bridge Road and Meadow Drive in Vail Village, go take a look because it is massive and for lack of a better work, impressive. The Solaris project is 
going to change Vail that I am sure of; it is all coming together and expected to open on the 4th of July 2010.
Solaris is going to feature 78 whole ownership condominium units, retail shops, art galleries, dining, three movie 
theatres, a bowling alley and an ice skating rink that becomes a pop jet fountain in the summer. The site has 310 underground parking spaces, 200 of which will be for public parking. While Solaris amenities will be a huge attraction for owners it is also a facility that is focused on being a center that the entire community can enjoy. The mastermind behind the project, Craig Cohn had a vision to give Vail a town center, a vital piece of the community that has been missing up until now and with that vision Solaris was designed with a ½ acre open plaza that can be utilized by locals of Vail Valley, Solaris owners, and visitors alike.
“I want to change the way people live in Vail Village. I want to create effortless mountain living with metropolitan convenience, unsurpassed quality, amenities and service. Most importantly, I want to do it in a way that enhances Vail’s pristine beauty and feels worlds apart for sterile urban environments.” Pete Knobel
The whole ownership aspect of Solaris strays away from the traditional fractional and hotel options that have been the standard in Vail until now. Solaris offers all of the amenities a five star hotel would including a 24 hour concierge, valet parking, room service, housekeeping, etc but because it is full ownership it will be a home for residents. It combines the easy of the mountain lifestyle with the convenience of city life. The units vary in size and prices ranch from 1.4 million to 19 million and every unit was created with a family oriented design with spacious, open floor plans and vaulted ceilings that never drop below 9 ft. Craig Cohn and his team wanted to use materials that represent the pristine and unique nature of Vail but also integrate a “fresh look at Alpine design” with current technology and a more contemporary style. By using natural woods and stones that are indigenous to Vail Valley and bay windows to enjoy a multitude of views the rooms are bright and cheery while setting the standard for luxurious living.
Cohn said that 65% of the available commercial spaces in Solaris have been spoken and two thirds of the condominiums have already sold but he is not yet ready to release any information about which retailers or restaurants will be situated in the new town center but anticipation is high. It’s no doubt that Solaris is going to define what may be the future of Vail Ski Resort but it is my hope that if the future brings glitz and glamour the humble heart of Vail will never be lost. 
For more information on Solaris visit www.solarisvail.com or visit the sales office at 1 Willow Bridge Rd open daily from 10-8
