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While contracted purchasers were touring the newly completed model condominium at One Steamboat Place this holiday weekend, the developers were scrutinizing the details.

In addition to being a sales tool, "it's a mock-up," David Burden said. "It gives us an opportunity to get everything just right and then say, 'Let's go.'"

Burden is CEO of Timbers Resorts, developer of the 450,000-plus square-foot project adjacent to Gondola Plaza at the base of the Steamboat Ski Area.

One Steamboat Place isn't scheduled for completion until next winter, but the model unit was put on a fast track and completed right down to furniture and framed art work this month even as dry wall continues to be installed at units down the hall.

Scott Parks, construction superintendent for Haselden Construction, and his crew were wielding rulers last week, checking the space between sinks faucets and the elevated designer sink bowls in the master bath.

Parks said it wasn't as difficult as one might imagine to finish a single unit in the midst of the complex One Steamboat Place construction project.

"All of the subs were already working on the site; you just had to reel them in to do the finishes," he said.

The model unit is among the condos that make up the membership club phase of One Steamboat Place, comprising 176 eighth-shares and an additional group of one-twelfth fractionals. The 38 whole-ownership units are taken.

The model was chosen in part because of easy street access adjacent to the Gondola Transit Center.

The three-plus-bedroom unit comprises 2,500 square feet.

The influence of interior design firm J Banks Design Group of Hilton Head, S.C., is immediately apparent upon arriving at the deep red front door of the model unit.

The color theme is carried into the foyer with a built-in hall tree of the same tint and is immediately recognizable in all of the kitchen cabinetry. The striking color is even carried into the vanity of the master bath.

The fixtures and furnishings are calculated to put a contemporary spin on a condominium home that feels like it belongs in the West.

"This is meant to feel warm and family friendly," Burden said.

His wife, Sandy, worked closely with Joni Vanderslice from J Banks Design Group to choose the finishes in the Vacation Club condominiums, which will be furnished on behalf of the owners.

"Sandy knows what Timbers Resorts is looking for," Burden said.

They traveled from Paris, France, to Parma, Italy, to collect individual antiques for the units at One Steamboat Place.

In pragmatic terms, the condominium offers a flex space in addition to the three full bedrooms. It could be used as a retreat for two teenage girls, for example, nanny quarters or as a media/television room segregating Wii fanatics from the main living space. Also on the practical side is a small computer room with its own door.

On the flamboyant side is a custom banquette seating piece that rules one side of the large dining table. Two couples seated in the banquette are apt to rub shoulders throughout the course of a dinner.

The interior designers went to great pains to make each of the four bathrooms in the condominium singular. The master bath has a framed painting over the tub, an upholstered chaise, steam shower and travertine floor.

Another bathroom is notable for a floor inset of rough, black pebbles that offer an unexpected foot massage.

Burden said the One Steamboat Place units include all of the strong points of the Timbers Club his company developed in Snowmass six years ago, plus many qualities owners there have asked for.

Tours of the model unit are available by appointment through the One Steamboat Place sales center.

- To reach Tom Ross, call 871-4205

or e-mail tross@steamboatpilot.com