The heart of Tamarack Resort is fast taking shape with the development of Village Plaza, marked by the signing of the first seven commercial leases for the pedestrian village.
The six-building, multi-tiered Village Plaza, which will open in the summer of 2008, features 129 hotel condominiums, a movie theatre, and 23 boutiques, shops, and restaurants, a news release said.
"Tamarack seeks hands-on owners and operators who understand guest experience, the value of servicing a distinctly high-end clientele, and who are willing to embrace our active year-round lifestyle," said Michael Ferensowicz, vice president of village development.
Ferensowicz is a 20-year veteran of commercial and resort development, having most recently led development at The Village at Squaw Valley USA.
Already confirmed for Tamarack's Village Plaza are the following businesses:
• Accent Flowers Plus: Floral, gift and card studio. Currently in Bosie and Eagle.
• Blue Ribbon Artisans: Handcrafted ice creams, pastries and desserts. Currently in Meridian.
• The Lift: Integrated by a staircase to the Village Fitness and Pool area, this health drink stop will feature smoothies, power drinks and wheatgrass shots. A new business by a Tamarack employee.
• Mai Thai: Boise-based restaurant featuring Asian fusion and sushi.
• Mountain Essentials: Sports Apparel. Owned and operated by Tamarack Resort.
• Mountain Life Photography: Action and studio photos, frames and gifts. Currently established at Tamarack.
• Tait's Boardshop: A sporting goods shop now operating in Squaw Valley and Pacifica, Calif., by former pro surfer Tait Cowan.
"We were seeking the opportunity to get in on the ground floor at the next great destination, and Tamarack Resort was the obvious choice," Cowen said.
"I'm not old enough to have had that opportunity at the other great villages in North America-like Vail Village in the 60s or Whistler Village in the 80s," he said. "Tamarack's family friendly atmosphere, attention to high-touch customer service, and broad array of outdoor activities from mountain to lake perfectly matches the lifestyle that my family cherishes."
Carlos Tijerina, co-owner of Mai Thai, agreed with Cowen. "As we've been expanding our culinary offerings in the Treasure Valley we've been keeping an eye on what has been happening just up the road in the Payette River Mountains," Tijerna said. "The vibe that Tamarack is cultivating with their village will be spectacular," he said. "We are thrilled to have our restaurant showcased in a development of this caliber."
Tamarack is still welcoming interest from qualified culinary and retail businesses, ranging from ladies apparel to a pub with a dance club on the parking level below. The resort anticipates the full leasing of Village Plaza commercial space by the end of this summer.
