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Aspen HPC approves conceptual remodel for Aspen Institute wellness center with material review conditions
Summary
The commission approved a conceptual major-development certificate of appropriateness for the Resnick Malik Health Club (880 Meadows Road), endorsing removal of the 1993 nonhistoric addition and requiring material samples (fluted cementitious panels and CMU veneer alternatives), lighting details, and documentation for stream-margin work.
The Aspen Historic Preservation Commission on July 1 approved a conceptual package for a remodel and reconfiguration of the wellness center at 880 Meadows Road — the Resnick Malik Health Club on the Aspen Meadows campus — while attaching conditions and requests for additional material samples and final design details.
Design Workshop's Jessica Guerra (speaker 10) and architect Steve Harris (speaker 11) presented a plan to remove the 1993 non‑historic addition, reveal previously hidden historic facade, and reconfigure a new addition with no net increase in floor area. The project proposes contemporary, simple materials intended to read as "similar but different" to the original Bauhaus Herbert Bayer gym: fine-textured cementitious fluted cladding, thin veneer CMU for low volumes, and aluminum-finished windows and doors. The team emphasized life-safety upgrades, ADA access, removal of improvements from the 15-foot stream margin setback, and retaining the essential historic gym facade.
Staff (speaker 6) said the application requires multiple reviews — certificate of appropriateness for major development, conceptual review, commercial design review, stream margin review, and an insubstantial planned-development amendment — and found the proposal broadly consistent with guidelines provided the commission provides direction on material differentiation and fenestration.
A homeowner association representative, Jonathan Tinker (speaker 12), asked whether exterior lighting would comply with Aspen's night-sky rules and whether the relocated spa/patio would remain visible from residences across the river. The applicant and staff said final exterior lighting will be reviewed at final submittal and must meet city standards; they also stated the spa/patio is being moved farther from the HOA and visual impacts will be addressed at final design.
Commissioners’ discussion centered on ensuring the new addition reads as contemporary and subordinate, mimicking form where necessary but differentiating materiality so the addition does not appear indistinguishable from the historic building. Commissioners asked the applicant to bring physical samples (including the fluted cementitious cladding and alternative CMU veneer options) at final review, and to provide clearer fenestration details. The commission moved to approve the resolution series as written by staff with conditions; the motion passed unanimously.
