The Aspen Highlands ski area is Colorado's greatest diamond in the rough. In spite of some of the best expert ski terrain in North America and the greatest vertical drop of any ski area in the state of Colorado, the Highlands have fallen behind the times. Inadequate lifts, long lines, and a virtually undeveloped base area have led to the gradual decrease in the mountain's popularity. Under the new ownership of Houston developer and long-time Aspen homeowner Gerald Hines, the Highlands are poised for rebirth. In partnership with the Aspen Ski Company, Hines has begun to open new ski trails and lifts, improve existing ski terrain, and develop an American alpine village at the base of the mountain. Our plan for the base area proposes a village containing a sun-drenched pedestrian street. Flanking the village, two residential neighborhoods contain single-family houses and townhouses most with direct ski access.