Steamboat Pilot & Today

The same Florida developer who intends to break ground on The Chadwick condominium project this spring has two other projects in the works here.

Richard Friedman of Daytona Beach, Fla., confirmed Thursday he intends to revive the Eagle Glen project as soon as this summer. He also would like to begin construction on 12 luxury units in a project he is calling Eagle Crest.

Friedman has submitted a preliminary application to the city for permission to build three fourplex buildings at Eagle Crest.

The land is under contract for purchase from David and Jennifer Trujillo.

The Chadwick, Eagle Glen and Eagle Crest would all be built within 150 yards of one another in the Eagleridge subdivision near the base of Mount Werner.

"We're obviously very bullish on Steamboat or we wouldn't be doing this," Friedman said. He added that he believes his high-end target market is relatively immune to the flat economy; Eagle Crest units would begin under $900,000 and the free-standing homes at Eagle Glen will cost about $1.7 million.

The six-story Chadwick building will contain 23 condominiums ranging in price from $675,000 to $1.2 million. Friedman promised luxury finishes in all three projects.

He originally said he would not begin construction on the Chadwick until he had 12 pre-sales. On Thursday, he said he expects site preparation work to begin at the corner of Village Drive and Apres Ski Way, possibly within 30 days.

Owners at Eagle Crest and Eagle Glen will be members of the same association as the Chadwick and enjoy the same high level of concierge service, Friedman said.

The developer said he has four reservations for Eagle Glen and he might be able to break ground in July.

"Everything I do is market-driven," he said.

If Eagle Glen goes forward this summer, it would mean the resurrection of a project that was interrupted in mid-construction.

Aspen-based developer Bill Small of Rubicon Partners announced in July 2001 plans to build 17 homes on a hillside offering views of Blacktail Mountain. Several foundations were poured, but no buildings were ever constructed.

Friedman has retained original Eagle Glen architect Charles Cunniffe Architects. That firm was chosen by Small to ensure the residences would live up to the expectations of the clientele that typically buys resort properties in Aspen and Vail.

Friedman has selected a different architect, Eric Smith Assoc-iates, to design Eagle Crest. How-ever, both firms have instructions to collaborate to make sure there is visual continuity between the two projects, Friedman said.

"They will share the same entry drive," he said of Elk Terrace.

The Trujillos approached the city about four years ago seeking permission to build a bed and breakfast lodge on the Eagle Crest site. However, the city rejected their plans. City officials felt the B&B did not offer sufficient density for the resort core at the base of Mount Werner.

Friedman's proposal for Eagle Crest would create 32,200 square feet of living space plus 6,600 square feet of garage.

The condominiums would include four bedrooms plus a loft and average more than 2,600 square feet. Each of the 12 is planned to have its own hot tub-equipped deck.

-- To reach Tom Ross call 871-4205

or e-mail tross@steamboatpilot.com