What was once called The Mayflower Mountain Resort, Deer Valley East Village represents a groundbreaking combination of experienced private development and public innovation.
Located in Deer Valley, Utah, on the eastern side of the Wasatch range, the development—which includes 4,100 acres of expanded skiable terrain and access to 130 ski runs, as well as robust retail, lodging, employee housing, and parking—will come to life over the next two decades. The resort is the first new ski area built in the U.S. in over 20 years, not only establishing a new base area and portal into Deer Valley but redefining the local and regional ski industry.
The first project to come to fruition in this transformative project is the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, a family-friendly and military-recreation resort commissioned by Extell Development and the State of Utah’s Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA). Designed for broad appeal—from weekend skiers to military families and conference-goers—the hotel is one of only a few Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities for military and their families worldwide and the only one located at a U.S. ski resort.
Recognizing the need for a space that would serve as a hub for recreation and a welcoming retreat, Extell Development turned to OZ Architecture for the design and programming of the hotel and residences, creating a destination that balances luxury and a deep connection to its surroundings. Tapping into our resort master planning, envisioning, program, and entitlement expertise, OZ embraced the challenge of crafting a design that would honor the stunning natural surroundings and rich history of the area while setting a modern benchmark for ski resorts.
Understanding the unique challenges faced by resort operators, our design approach for the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley was driven by a commitment to sustainability, operational efficiency, and guest experience.
The Grand Hyatt Deer Valley site is home to the now-closed Mayflower Star Mine, which once produced more silver, gold, lead, and zinc than all the rest of the Park City area combined. The site required some serious creative thinking to overcome its challenges.
Environmental remediation was the crucial first step in the development. The site, once burdened with hazardous waste and contaminated soil, was enrolled in the Utah Department of Environmental Quality’s Voluntary Cleanup Program, and through extensive efforts, the area was transformed into a healthier and safer environment.
A hidden network of tunnels from the historic mine created unknown voids, necessitating a foundation system capable of spanning these gaps. A 40-foot-deep cut into the mountainside required shoring with shotcrete and pins, while blind-side waterproofing and buttresses stabilized the structure. Water management was also a critical focus, with drainage systems directing runoff into detention ponds to filter water flow.
Our commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency is reflected in every aspect of the design. To further minimize the environmental impact of the project, the resort employs energy-efficient design features, high-efficiency mechanical systems, and locally sourced materials, as well as dark sky lighting used to reduce light pollution in the beautiful Wasatch Valley. These measures are crucial as the resort industry and its patrons continue to demand and expect physical spaces that are friendlier to the environment.
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by a dramatic 26-foot cantilevered entry canopy that extends into the lobby and hotel reception, where expansive glazing frames breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valley beyond. This striking entrance sets the tone for the hotel’s connection to its mountainside setting. The building’s exterior, clad in raw metals and a natural stone-wrapped base, grounds the structure in its rugged environment. Feature elements on the building were inspired by the metals once mined here, and ‘mineral boxes’ are used to create interest and to articulate the façade. Large windows punctuate every elevation, capturing stunning vistas of the ski slopes and the Jordanelle Reservoir, filling the interiors with natural light.
Inside, the story continues with an inviting lobby that serves as the social heart of the property. A thoughtful interplay of rich woods, stone accents, and sleek metals creates a tactile environment that balances comfort and sophistication. Open layouts and cozy nooks foster both relaxation and connection, making the space equally suited for quiet moments and lively gatherings.
The guest rooms and suites reflect a refined mountain charm, combining luxurious finishes with a timeless aesthetic. Residences on the top floors elevate the experience further, featuring vaulted ceilings, double-height glazing, and spacious decks that blur the lines between indoors and out.
Throughout the property, the surrounding views of the mountains, the expansive valley, the expanded Deer Valley ski resort, and the Jordanelle Reservoir take center stage, ensuring a deep connection to the stunning natural landscape from every angle.
While envisioning this resort community holistically and from the ground up, our team at OZ was able to help build in opportunities for activation that support year-round uses – features many older mountain resorts are now working to incorporate into their traditionally seasonal programs.
In our current hospitality environment and to offset the seasonality of winter sports, operators now more than ever need to create diversified spaces that draw in visitors throughout the year. The Grand Hyatt Deer Valley is designed for a variety of uses and reasons for visiting. The resort features a large, versatile conference facility spanning over 40,000 square feet, designed to attract large market conferences and boost off-season tourism. The conference center can accommodate up to 2,500 attendees and includes state-of-the-art facilities, rooms with large windows and views of the valley beyond, and current technology to support meetings and events.
In addition to its impressive conference spaces, the hotel boasts a wide array of amenities, including a spa, a signature hotel restaurant and bar, a speakeasy, an elevated event terrace for both summer and winter activation, a rooftop pool and hot tub amenity, a coffee shop, a gaming area, a fitness center, kids club, retail/market, and an Officer’s lounge.
Skiers can use on-site ski lockers as well as access ski valet services at the future village center. Beyond skiing, visitors can enjoy mountain biking, ice skating, wildlife tours, and outdoor concerts, ensuring 365 activation.
Located within Utah’s Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA), the property caters to armed forces personnel with military-only rooms, rank-based discounted rates, a dedicated concierge lounge, and discounted activities for military families.
hello@ozarch.com
303-861-5704
3003 Larimer Street
Denver, CO 80205