Thanks to a referendum that put Base 2 on the ballot this Tuesday, voters will make the final decision on the proposed lodge for the corner of Main and Monarch streets. The property was initially approved by Aspen City Council in May, but because they allowed for a variance on floor area ratio, meaning the lodge's footprint is larger than the current zoning limits for that part of town, the public will get to decide if it moves forward. 

Developer Mark Hunt pitched Base 2 as an affordable lodge that would complement his already-approved Base 1 on the corner of Cooper and Original. The lodge features an average room size of 150 square feet, meaning comfortable rooms at highly competitive market prices designed to attract new, younger visitors. The interior design is very modern and reflective of the Aspen lifestyle. 

Public amenities, for both guests and residents, will include bowling, barber shop, restaurants, bars and a Hammam.  Base lodges are intended to be used and enjoyed as Aspen’s spare bedroom, second kitchen and game room.

The room rates will be more affordable than other Aspen properties, estimated at about $150-200 per night. Thirty-seven rooms are proposed for the property. Hunt brought the project forward because a top 10 goal of Aspen City Council was the creation of more affordable lodges. But, the project has been contentious within the community, creating a division between anti-development and pro-development groups. 

The election is Tuesday, Nov. 3, and all ballots must be delivered to the Pitkin County Clerk & Recorder's Office by 7 p.m. The election is mail-in ballot only so there is no in-person voting.