Successful Southern California Developer Paul Jennings thinks Park City, utah, and specifically Promontory, are the place to be, and he is confidently building three to four custom homes a year on his Promontory lots.
Paul Jennings had been skiing Park City for years when he spent a Fourth of July weekend. That summer experience cemented his belief that Park City will become the premiere western resort town in North America. “The long, long beautiful summer days and lingering evenings in these beautiful mountains won me over.” This belief, backed by solid market research and knowledge gained from developing around the world with his company PCS Development, inspired Paul to begin his Promontory development.
Fifty Lots and a Clear Vision
Not one to tarry, Jennings purchased 50 of the best lots in Promontory with southwest orientation for solar and optimum views. Since then, he has assembled a top-notch design and construction team: Mark Walker of Otto Walker Architects, Don Craig of Craig Construction, and interior designer Dawn Keil of Pacific Design. He has also enlisted realtor Rod Bradshaw of Summit Sotheby’s International Realty to assist in marketing the homes. Now, his team is building and selling three to four homes a year on Jennings’s Promontory properties.
Jennings is not one to sit on the sidelines, so he is actively involved in the project—taking the pulse of the market and assisting in designing. “The team’s focus is to build a relevant product,” he explains. “Our vision is to produce more efficient homes with open floor plans, diverse gathering spaces, wide staircases, and a concept of keeping the living space central to the family and entertaining—feeling accessible. That means short, wide hallways, no wasted space, and no more than about 7,000 square feet in size.”
“We design from the inside out with an interior designer on board,” Jennings continues, “which is much more conducive to good feng shui, and a calm, clean feeling. I like plain ceilings with no gables, and I find symmetry in the rooms calming. Wherever we can, we emphasize natural materials for a healthy lifestyle. Generally, the plans feature large living rooms, a dining room, kitchen, playroom, bonus space, and sometimes up to six bedrooms with contemporary finishes.”
The exteriors, according to Jennings, feature simplified design elements, and he adds, “The roof lines and detailing are contemporary. We use efficient materials, and there are roof overhangs for shading. We are always mindful of the home’s energy performance through the overhangs, siting on the proper axis, and building with energy efficiency. Every home is completely custom. Each lot has its own character, and that determines the windows, views, and ultimately the home’s design. We have included living roofs for efficiency, which also help these the homes blend into the site.”
Promontory For an Active, Multi-Generational Family Lifestyle
Why does Jennings have such confidence in the Promontory Development? “I believe it has more to offer than any other residential area in Park City for an active outdoor lifestyle with a family orientation. It also offers a balanced year-round experience.”
“The range of the facilities at Promontory demonstrates its multi-generational attraction, accommodating many interests with accommodations for many interests,” he continues. “I believe in creating long-term value. Promontory has invested $400 million in infrastructure and amenities, and 400 employees support operations to ensure the owners’ positive experience. Just on the grounds of Promontory, there are three diverse dining options, two signature golf courses and clubhouses, the new Shed family clubhouse complex by the pool, the Outfitter’s Cabin, tennis, an Equestrian Center, Kid’s’ Cabin, the spa and fitness center, and the ski-in/ski-out Alpine Lodge at Deer Valley. Promontory is well financed and forward thinking. Promontory residents come from all over the country, and it is a community that extends these interesting people opportunities to interact and become acquainted.”
Value and Accessibility
According to Jennings, value is another important consideration. Value makes both Promontory and Park City more attractive than other options for resort living. “The rate of home sales in Promontory is higher, by far, than any other development, plus, these homes cost half as much. Marketplaces don’t lie. It’s a good value and a great experience to live in Promontory, and a lifestyle that appeals to younger buyers hitting their career stride, because it is a community that values families and offers such a variety of healthy outdoor activities.”
Jennings’ enthusiasm for Park City is palpable and heartfelt. “Park City is an incredible community, stabilized by so many full-time residents from all over the country, living very interesting lives. It is an immense value compared to so many other ski areas or urban areas. Also, there is a rich cultural life in Park City and Salt Lake City, with extensive offerings of music and art.”
“When you consider other resorts,” Jennings adds, “there is nothing that compares to Park City’s proximity to a metropolitan area like Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City will always be a benefit. Think about how much more it costs to build elsewhere than near Salt Lake because it’s an urban center for materials and for a skilled labor force. The other factor is accessibility. Salt Lake has an International Airport with direct flights, and is less than a half-hour away from Park City… It’s incomparable.”
Jennings has started selling his thoughtfully designed custom Promontory homes. Each year, new homes will come on the market. To see a home, contact Rod Bradshaw, Summit Sotheby’s International Realty in Park City.
Rob Bradshaw may be reached at 435.731.0305, toll-free at 800.641.1884, or online at rodbradshaw.summitsothebysrealty.com