WOLCOTT IS AN EMERGING COMMUNITY IN THE VAIL VALLEY surrounded by wilderness and wildlife. An important rail shipping point for agricultural products from northwestern Colorado beginning in the 1880s, the surrounding area prospered for some 40 years before rail traffic was re-routed to the north and bypassed Wolcott altogether. The land then fell into the ownership of a Colorado ranching family and has been largely untouched over the past century, creating a natural recreational preserve of sorts.

This undeveloped setting in the heart of the Vail Valley represents a rare infill opportunity and will be home to a new mixed-use development. Historical Concepts was retained to develop a conceptual vision for Wolcott’s commercial, civic, amenity, and residential architecture that would foster an authentic sense of community and be in keeping with the region’s vernacular. The heart of this pedestrian friendly community will feature a promenade lined with shops and brownstones, a town square and chapel, an inn and spa, a family recreation center, and a nature center, with a diverse mix of neighborhoods beyond. Working with the developer, the design team’s goal was to create architecture that would promote a thriving and socially active community, as well as celebrate the heritage of the site and its vast views to the river and mountains.