Lake Tahoe's Newest Resort
EKN Development of Newport Beach has plans to convert the Tahoe Biltmore and Beesley’s Cottages into a 120-room hotel, casino and Beach Club. Tentatively called, the Lake Tahoe Luxury Resort and Residences, it will also include an 80-condominium complex.
The Tahoe Vista darling we’ve come to love as Beesley’s Cottages will also be demolished and converted into a private beach clubhouse for the property. They refer to the project as a "branded marquee destination" and upscale Beach Club.
The developers hope to start demolition soon, with grading in early spring. They plan to build a luxury hotel, condominiums, a casino, restaurants and concert area.
Tahoe Biltmore Closing Doors
The Tahoe Biltmore initially opened in 1947. The Biltmore name related to the Vanderbilt Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. In 1958, it was renamed the Nevada Lodge, until 1985, when it sold and was renamed again as the Tahoe Biltmore. It's closing takes a piece of Lake Tahoe's history with it.
Located close to the California-Nevada border, the conversion of the old Tahoe Biltmore property will still enjoy commercial casino gambling. A shuttle will be available to move guests between Crystal Bay and the Beach Clubhouse in Tahoe Vista. This will make up for the fact that the property does not have direct lake access.
Across the street, the Cal Neva, which acquired new ownership in 2018, has experienced many delays in redevelopment. Cal Neva is sometimes referred to as the “Cal Never.” Locals are hoping that TRPA approval and any other funding issues won’t also leave this new resort in limbo.
Acquired for $56.8 million, the Tahoe Biltmore officially closed in preparation for demolition. The Beesley’s Cottages property was purchased for $18 million.
The Tahoe Biltmore property, previously purchased in 2007 by Boulder Bay, was approved for redevelopment in 2011. Like the Cal Neva, the Boulder Bay property was plagued by funding issues. TRPA approved 334 units for the property.
Initially, locals were against the project because it looked very different from what TRPA approved as Boulder Bay in 2011. The Beesley’s property covers 2.25 lakefront acres and the 10 cabins were listed for sale during the pandemic. The authentic charm these cottages brought to Tahoe Vista will always remain irreplaceable.
Marketed as a Lake Tahoe Alpine Resort
EKN describes their new project as a 15-acre Lake Tahoe Alpine Resort. They are marketing the property as bringing luxury and sophistication to this area of North Lake Tahoe. Kings Beach, which is located in between Crystal Bay and Tahoe Vista, will undoubtedly benefit by the redevelopment.
Their website also says that the property will be built with modernized and traditional mountain architecture. Locals are hopeful that the end result does not adversely impact the area, both visually and environmentally.
EKN describes the property: “Resort guestrooms, suites, and branded residences are planned to feature incredible views of the lake, meant to be experienced fully by the guest thanks to expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing. A primary goal of the hotel’s public spaces is to allow a natural visual connection and seamless flow between spaces, connecting people with nature year-round and allowing guests to engage and explore the resort through a series of indoor/outdoor experiences. Elevated amenity decks with pools will emulate the natural, layered, terrain and set the resort into the hillside from one building to the next.”
Additional amenities consist of an extensive hotel spa and wellness facility and medi-spa center featuring an outdoor terrace and direct access to a resort pool.
Further details on the property have yet to be disclosed, but will certainly provide inventory that will be welcomed in the area. Lake Tahoe is still suffering from a lack of listing inventory. Many investors are entering the area and the commercial market is also very hot.
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