626 Lake Dillon Drive

The Dillon Town Council has voted 4-2 in favor of a new "branded residence" development located at 626 Lake Dillon Drive.

Currently, the site is improved with a Best Western hotel and the former A Cafe. The proposed project will consist of a 4-story, 200-unit condominium building with 3 ground floor retail suites.

Developer Jake Porritt was attracted to the site for being one of the town's most valuable areas, right along the reservoir, across from the Dillon Amphitheater,  and a short walk from the marina.

The 200 condominiums will be owned by individuals but rented out as short-term rentals by a major hospitality corporation(most likely Vacasa) for most of the year.

Owners will have 90 days of use unless they pay an additional tax on the property. Developer Jake Porritt of JGJP Dillon LLC and the Porritt Group emphasized their efforts to address public concerns, including aesthetic adjustments to blend with the town's look, though not required.

"We don't need towers, we have mountains," Dillon resident John Gillian commented during the meeting, expressing concerns shared by many about preserving the town's character. Others voiced worries about the impact of stalled projects like "Uptown 240," which Porritt's group has taken over after the original owners went bankrupt. Porritt explained that 75% of tax revenue for these projects is expected to come from the 626 Lake Dillon Drive project, which needs to be completed first to fund future projects.

Bethany Pava, a nearby resident, highlighted the absence of affordable housing in the development plan, stressing the immediate need for housing for locals who might work in the new buildings and shops. Porritt responded that while affordable housing is being considered for the "Uptown 240" project, it is not included in the 626 Lake Dillon Drive project, and finding such housing is not their responsibility.

Despite some public support for the project as a means to revitalize Dillon, many attendees left feeling disappointed and unheard. Porritt remains committed to addressing public concerns where possible but noted the structural challenges in preserving older buildings like the A-Cafe.

The new development is set to transform Dillon's water front bringing both excitement and apprehension as the project moves forward.