Let’s be honest: Deer Valley isn’t just a playground for deep pockets. It takes lifties, ski instructors, bartenders and baristas to keep this mountain humming. And if those folks can’t live anywhere near the resort, the powder days (and the après cocktails) just don’t happen. That’s why the latest headlines out of Park City’s council chambers—and the East Village construction site—are so important.
Bonanza Park: Where Mixed‑Use Actually Means Something
On Sept. 5, Park City Council reviewed plans for a mixed‑use development on five vacant acres in Bonanza Park. This isn’t your typical “luxury condos over retail” pitch. Here’s what’s on the table:
- 70% public open space. Think lawns and plazas for community events—not just token flowerbeds.
- 106–126 housing units depending on whether the city allows one or two four‑story buildings.
- 60% of the homes for households earning ≤60% of area median income (AMI)—real workforce housing, not marketing fluff.
- 20% reserved for 70–80% AMI.
- 20% market‑rate units, giving the project a mix of incomes.
- Community‑minded amenities: plans call for a coffee shop, brewpub, arts spaces and flexible commercial areas.
- Underground parking for 300–500 cars is still being negotiated.
Why does this matter? Because Park City hasn’t seen a project like this in decades. It’s a test case for how you build density without destroying character—and it could set the precedent for future infill projects.
East Village: Workforce Housing on a Grand Scale
While the city debates Bonanza Park, Extell Development is quietly stacking steel beams over at the new East Village. Alongside the glossy condos and the Four Seasons hotel, Extell acquired about 70 acres specifically for workforce housing and community recreation. Their plan calls for 660–870 new residences, plus a community center and aquatics facility. They’ve already completed the 319 Connector Road to link Mayflower Mountain Resort with U.S. Highway 40, improving access for both commuters and skiers. In other words: they’re trying to make sure the people serving your margaritas can afford to live within shouting distance of the lifts.
Why You Should Care
- Your ski experience depends on it. Happy, nearby employees mean better service at restaurants, shorter lift lines and fewer staff shortages when the powder hits.
- It diversifies the community. A mix of income levels keeps Deer Valley from becoming a ghost town six months a year.
- It stabilizes property values. When the workforce can live locally, businesses thrive year‑round—helping cushion the highs and lows of luxury real‑estate cycles.
- Traffic & parking get addressed. Both projects include transportation improvements (underground parking at Bonanza; new roads at East Village), which matters whether you’re a local or a vacation homeowner.
- There are still trade‑offs. More units mean more density. Four‑story buildings may offend some sensibilities. But with 70% open space in Bonanza Park and thousands of acres protected around the resort, the scale feels thoughtful.
Insider Tips & Real Talk
- Stay informed. These projects aren’t done deals. The Park City Council continues to review renderings and zoning exceptions. Public hearings are your chance to weigh in—politely.
- Invest with eyes wide open. Workforce housing nearby doesn’t devalue luxury property; it makes the whole ecosystem healthier. If anything, resorts with robust employee bases see more consistent rental demand.
- Watch for pre‑sale opportunities. As Extell’s workforce housing plan takes shape, there may be chances to buy into mixed‑income buildings at East Village—think condos with amenity packages and rental programs.
Links to Explore
- Want a refresher on Deer Valley’s market realities? Check out The Real Deal on Deer Valley Homes.
- For a deep dive on slopeside pricing, read The Real Deal on Silver Lake Deer Valley Real Estate in 2025.
- If you haven’t yet, go back to Deer Valley Uncensored for a candid take on what “ski access” really means.
- Curious about the mixed‑use proposal? See TownLift’s full report on the Bonanza Park meeting.