1985 - Felix Posen, eventual owner of Cordillera, discovers the property
on a vacation with his wife Jane.
1987 - Plans unveiled to build the Lodge & Spa at Cordillera,
a 28-room retreat and wellness center on the Divide. Architect- Leon
Lambotte.
1988 - Six rooms at the Lodge open.
1989 - The Lodge & Spa opens and planning begins on the community
and a golf course. Carriage house opens. Lodge pool opens.
1991 - The Fenno Ranch is purchased and soon becomes, "The Ranch at
Cordillera."
1992 - Groundbreaking on Sales Center.
1993 - Gerry Engle becomes CEO/President. First member's hoedown. Divide
Sales Center opens.
1994 - The Mountain Course, designed by Hale Irwin, opens.
President Ford and Felix Posen dedicate the course opening and the
groundbreaking of the clubhouse.
1995 - The Mountain Course Clubhouse and Timber Hearth Grille
open. Construction begins on the Cordillera Valley Course. Michael
Gilliland becomes Partner.
1996 - The Trailhead, a 10-acre family orientated recreation center
opens on the Ranch Cordillera purchase Equestrian Center.
1997 - The Valley Course, designed by Tom Fazio, opens at
Cordillera Valley Club. It is joined by the Clubhouse and Chaparral.
Short Course opens. The Lodge and Spa adds 28 rooms bringing the total
room count to 56.
1998 - Grouse on the Green, an Irish-style pub opens adjacent to
the Short Course. The Summit, Cordillera's newest community, opens and
plans are unveiled for the Summit Club.
1999 - The Spa re-opens renovation. Construction begins on the
Summit Course. Jack Nicklaus attends groundbreaking. Construction of
Whitaker Bros Mercantile & General Store commences.
2000 - Opening of Whittaker Bros. Mercantile. Construction of the Summit
Course finishes.
2001 - First Homeowners are elected by the Homeowners to the
Board of the Property Owner's Association. The CPOA enters into an
agreement to purchase the 200+ acres of Chaveno Valley, which will
become home for the Metro District staff.
2002 - With the election of four Homeowners to the Board of the
Cordillera Metropolitan District, control of that District passes to
the Property Owners. The Independent Membership Conversion Committee is
formed to provide information to Club members regarding conversion.
Construction begins on the Metro District administration and
maintenance buildings as well as the Chaveno Fire station.
2003 - Control of the Cordillera Property Owner's Association
transfers to the Property Owner's with the appointment of a third
Property Owner to the Board. The Developer, The CPOA, and the
Cordillera Metro District reach agreement on the transfer of control of
all metro districts to the property owners. Additionally, Agreements
are reached with the developer on the purchase of additional water
rights and various financial considerations for future infrastructure
improvements. The CPOA enters into an agreement to purchase
approximately 191 acres of property bordering the Eagle River and the
Squaw Creek "bench" to protect the community's entrance and to provide
fishing rights. The IMCC provides the community with its
recommendations including the creation of the Club at Cordillera, inc.
with a broader mission statement than IMCC's. Elections to the Board of
the Club at Cordillera are held. The admin and maintenance buildings as
well as the Chaveno Fire station are operational. Construction begins
on the Summit Fire Station.
2004 - The CPOA enters into an agreement to purchase an
additional 77 acres of land bordering the Eagle River just west of
Squaw Creek Road. The Cordillera fishing program commences. The Summit
Fire Station becomes operational. The Community Center opens with the
Cordillera Market. Work is completed on the Cordillera Post Office. The
Cordillera water system is turned over to the Upper Eagle River
Regional Water Authority, which will assume all responsibility for the
system maintenance.
2005 - The Cordillera Post Office Opens.
2006 - The Trailhead Playgound Opens.
2007 - The Cordillera Vail Club and Commuity Park Opens.
Cordillera Preservation Foundation
For some interesting History of the Squaw Creek Valley try these books:
The Good Life: Growing Up On Squaw Creek by Mary Fenno Thomas
The First Pioneers: A Squaw Creek History by June Simonton