SB Architects, part of Egis Group, is leading the design of the upcoming Waldorf Astoria Lake Tahoe, a resort and mountain club that pays tribute to the rich history of the Nevada state line, while introducing a new level of sophistication and a unique brand of luxury hospitality to the former Tahoe Biltmore site.
Following the project’s approval by Tahoe Regional Planning Agency earlier this year, EKN Development and Hilton Hotels & Resorts are expected to now commence work on the 15-acre mixed-use development to bring 76 guestrooms, 61 branded residences and 25 exclusive, privately owned residences to Nevada’s Crystal Bay and Incline Village community, in addition to multiple dining experiences, outdoor community gathering and event spaces and an upscale 10,000-sq.-ft. casino.
North America’s alpine lake and a one-time Winter Olympics venue, Lake Tahoe is renowned for its 72-mile shoreline, world-class ski resorts and year-round outdoor recreation opportunities ranging from skiing and golfing to boating, biking, hiking and climbing. To embrace the distinctive characteristics of the North Lake Tahoe region while giving the area a much-needed contemporary addition, SB Architects drew on its ample experience designing soulful and inspiring hospitality destinations to create a resort with an authentic sense of place that exposes guests to the artistry of mother nature.
“A primary goal was to create a natural, direct connection to the water beyond, which we achieved by elevating the lobby to capture expansive views of the Lake. The lobby terraces down to an existing grove of trees, immersing guests in the natural landscape and creating a seamless flow between spaces. By creating a series of communal spaces to allow for year-round indoor/outdoor connections, guests can bask in the direct connection to the lake from the comfort of the resort and the surrounding idyllic setting,” said Keith Houchin, VP/associate principal, SB Architects.
Design inspiration
Bringing a new level of sophistication and luxury to North Tahoe, the new Waldorf Astoria is designed to immerse both locals and visitors in the great Tahoe Basin. Evoking a timeless alpine elegance, the development accentuates Lake Tahoe’s unparalleled natural locale to bring to life the overall vision for the resort—a modern interpretation of the region’s traditional mountain vernacular.
The entire resort has been thought of as an integrated village with a collection of shops and restaurants nestled into the old-growth pines preserved by SB Architects and enhanced with an amphitheater where music performances, movie nights and other activations can be enjoyed by hotel guests and the public. The community grove with its dynamic programming ensures that the destination feels intimate, while providing a lively promenade and hub for guests, residents and locals alike to enjoy shops, exceptional dining options and more.
Utilizing clean lines, varied pitched roofs, deep terraces and balconies, the architectural vocabulary of the resort is expressed in a material palette of warm wood tones, accented by rugged natural stone with complimentary metal accents capturing and mirroring the magnificence of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Elevated amenity decks with pools emulate the natural terrain and set the resort into the hillside from one building to the next, adding to the layering of elements that resonate with the landscape of Lake Tahoe.
Resort and residential amenities
The resort and residences will sit nestled into the hillside offering views of the crystalline blue lake and surrounding mountains, with the resort serving as the energetic hub at the heart of the development. Connecting to the hotel to the north will be branded residences, while a cluster of privately owned, more exclusive non-branded residences will be set away from the heart of the development for added privacy, with an option to have the residences serviced by the hotel.
Upon arrival, resort guests will be greeted with an elevated lobby experience with expansive views south over the lake and the entire Tahoe Basin. Resort guestrooms, starting from a generous 620 sq. ft., luxury suites and residences are also planned to feature incredible views of the lake, which can be experienced fully due to expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing, and exclusive rooftop amenities available to the owners of non-branded residences.
Adjacent to the elevated lobby space with its remarkable vista will be the resort’s all-day dining brasserie and Waldorf Astoria’s signature Peacock Alley lounge, with additional dining and entertainment options available at the poolside restaurant, an upscale casino paying homage to the popular gaming history of Nevada with live entertainment, and a speakeasy for a contemporary getaway.
Perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes, hiking or relaxing at the lake, the luxury resort will feature a Waldorf Astoria Spa and fitness facility, an outdoor terrace with an expansive resort pool, and a dedicated pool for residents.
