Nestled in the majestic Chugach Mountains, Alyeska Resort is undergoing a transformation into a modern, four-season global destination. With new and renovated facilities, the resort, widely known as Alaska’s base camp for adventure, will see an invigorated mountain village. This revitalization includes expanded visitor experiences, new accommodations, workforce housing, and the integration of the Glacier Creek area, all designed to harmonize with nature. These developments aim to elevate and redefine the resort for the next generation.
Project Name: The Village at Alyeska
Studio Name: Skylab
Location: Girdwood ,Alyeska
Design Team:
Jeff Kovel, Design Director
Robin Wilcox, Principal in Charge
Karl Gleason, Project Architect
Shaun Selberg, Project Designer
Sonia Norskog, Interiors Lead
Max Czysz, Project Designer
Renderings: Skylab
The multi-phased project, initiated with an extensive master planning effort, builds upon the foundation of the original plan. This holistic approach encompasses navigating regulatory requirements, fostering community engagement, and embracing innovative design principles to create a vibrant, sustainable destination that honors Alaska’s unique heritage and character.
Phase 1 features two primary components: Alyeska Village and Moose Meadows. Alyeska Village will boast 325,000 square feet of new facilities, including new hotel accommodations, a condominium development, and a new conference center. Moose Meadows will offer 125,000 square feet, featuring 25,000 square feet of workforce housing, retail amenities, a 20,000-square-foot community center, a daycare facility, and an NHL regulation-sized, outdoor covered hockey rink.
The new 450,000-square-foot village will be pedestrian-friendly, offering a wide array of modern conveniences while highlighting the natural beauty of the surroundings. Sustainability and environmental stewardship are integral to the design, reflecting a commitment to preserving the region’s pristine wilderness. “I’d like to think,” says Robin Wilcox, Principal at Skylab, “that our plan for outdoor spaces in the village sets this apart. While the buildings are designed to frame views of the surrounding geography, it’s the interstitial spaces we planned to create intimate, sheltered moments within this epic environment. We’ve woven together pedestrian corridors and architectural expression through the landscape, leveraging the wetlands as part of the landscape palette to carve out meaningful, experientially dense, and unique neighborhoods.”
Wilcox adds, “The village is designed to rest lightly on the land. To achieve this, we utilized boardwalks over the landscape and are considering locally sourced materials, staying true to the native palette.” Signature elements of the development will feature mass timber construction, providing a sustainable solution that balances innovation, budgetary constraints, and community interests. There is a shared goal to incorporate elements of indigenous culture and heritage respectfully, acknowledging the deep connection between the land and its original inhabitants. Specific elements are still in development.
One primary objective of the new development is to provide affordable housing options. Plans include dorm-style housing units for Girdwood’s workforce, along with childcare facilities and a community center to enhance the area’s livability and functionality.
Community-based initiatives are also integrated into the plans. During the master planning phase, it was discovered that the Nordic Ski Club in Alyeska was planning new trails overlapping the expanded resort area. By adjusting the resort boundary to accommodate the club’s goals, the trails are now outside the development area, and parking for trail and community use will be provided within the resort.
Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2025, culminating years of planning and preparation. The project team remains committed to aligning their efforts with the community’s evolving needs and priorities, ensuring the development serves as a positive force for the region. Phase 1 is estimated to be completed by fall 2027, with future phases expected to include additional condominium and workforce housing.
