SUNTIMES
A Letter From Mark
While the daylight hours are dwindling, we are entering the wonderful season of cooler weather and winter activities here at Suncadia. It was just a year ago that we launched the SunTimes to improve and enhance our communications with Owners and continue to grow our vibrant community. We are encouraged by the positive feedback on this new outreach that we have received from so many of you.
In the SunTimes Spring/Summer 2024 edition, we detailed numerous improvements, new residential offerings, and added club amenities that we planned to finish or start in 2024 – all of which are either completed or are well underway. The best is yet to come with our plans for 2025!
This past spring we started the development of the much-anticipated retail and residential project located
near the Lodge – a new central gathering place for Suncadia Owners and guests. The initial phase of site work, utilities, and paving is progressing on schedule. In the spring of 2025, you will see the beginning of the following exciting new additions to this project:
Full-service grocery market
Pasta and pizza family restaurant
Brew pub restaurant and bar
These new offerings will be a welcome addition to the heart of the community where you can dine, shop, and participate in a wide variety of yearround activities and events. In the first half of next year, we will share
with you the exciting details of the specific retailers who will be joining our community and their storied histories in the Pacific Northwest.
Adjacent to this new shopping and dining area will be a 42-home residential
Outdoor clothing and goods store
Home goods store
Coffee shop
Wine tasting room
neighborhood. The initial homes are now under construction, with the opportunity to purchase beginning in spring 2025. This exciting retail and residential project is an extension of many new initiatives and amenities
delivered over the past few years.
Our growth as a community is directly linked to our many Owner-supported projects and initiatives, such as the highly successful Owners Picnic, the Suncadia Fund for Community Enhancement grant program, and a decades-long commitment to land conservation, both at the resort and in the surrounding communities – all featured in this issue of the SunTimes.
Collectively these efforts, along with our carefully planned growth, represent a watershed moment in the evolution of Suncadia. Together, we are becoming an even more compelling community of year-round and part-time residents, and loyal visitors, who share a common passion for this premier mountain destination. I hope you will have time this winter to take advantage of all that Suncadia has to offer during this beautiful season and to preview our new initiatives as they take shape.
Sincerely,
Mark Thorne Suncadia Managing Director
Behind the Construction Curtain: Semi-Custom “Portfolio” Homes at Suncadia
Take a peek behind the construction curtain at Suncadia and you will see a diverse selection of homesites, attached and unattached homes available for buyers who want to join the growing community. The resort now offers a mix of builder move-in ready, custom, and semi-custom – “portfolio” – homes, where finishes are individualized to meet a buyer’s personal taste. Each has its benefits, depending on a buyer’s specific needs:
Move-in Ready homes are built by one of Suncadia’s featured builders and ready for occupancy. The builder constructs the home based on popular designs, features, and finishes that appeal to today’s mountain-living buyers.
Custom homes are designed and built to the specific preferences and requirements of the buyer. Buyers have full control over the design, layout, materials, and finishes.
Semi-Custom or “Portfolio” homes are a bit of a middle ground between predesigned and custom homes. Builders create a selection of designs – a “portfolio” – that buyers choose from and then make some of their own design decisions. Semicustom “portfolio” builders have been introduced to Suncadia and Tumble Creek and are intended to provide a diversity of semi-custom home options – designs, locations, size, and price.
“In my more than 13 years at Suncadia, I have worked with many clients who have appreciated the option of a streamlined land / home package purchase, such as our portfolio home program.” said Corey Atherton, Suncadia Managing Broker. “The buyer can pick the home and then make it their own with design selections, avoiding some of the tedious work of full design and permitting. Best of all, they get to start using the property more quickly – whether it is their primary residence, a vacation home, or a rental.”
Suncadia currently features several stunning collections of semi-custom portfolio homes, such as the Mountain Home Collection in Domerie Park by Landed Gentry, Nelson Lakes Sawyer Homes, and The Uplands, 55+ by Landed Gentry.
MOUNTAIN HOME COLLECTION IN DOMERIE PARK
With a number of homes already built and more on the way, the vision for this Tumble Creek neighborhood is on full display. Landed Gentry’s single-level, sized-right homes are within the pristine pines of an
active, know-your-neighbors enclave, and wrapped around a beautiful neighborhood park.
Of his experience buying his home, John Walker said, “I bought one of the new Mountain Home Collection properties. The Suncadia and Landed Gentry team was friendly and knowledgeable, but not pushy. My Suncadia Buyer’s agent was great –both before and after the sale. Suncadia and Landed Gentry delivered on all their promises and provided consistent followup at each stage. I’m extremely happy with the entire buying experience, especially the finished product.”
NELSON LAKES
For water sports lovers, fishermen, and overall outdoors people alike, Nelson Lakes provides right-in-theneighborhood access to kayaking, canoeing, and fishing from the waters’ edge. The neighborhood is connected to Suncadia’s 40 miles of biking and walking paths and close to Nelson Farm for taking advantage of all its activities.
“The homes in Nelson Lakes are tucked away from the street and sit among large, towering pines. There are beautiful lots overlooking the river corridor below, while lakeside homes will be just the right distance to hear
the soothing sounds of cascading water flowing over large boulder rocks and a babbling stream,” said Jamee Smith, Suncadia’s Chief Officer of Real Estate Marketing and Sales. “The Nelson Lakes community embraces the serenity of the nature it is nestled within and offers multi-generational outdoor activities for all family members to enjoy.”
Sawyer Homes will debut the first model of its new two-story, four-to-five-bedroom homes in Nelson Lakes in November 2024. The collection’s family-friendly designs complement the setting of private, wooded lots with a peaceful, handsomely appointed retreat.
THE UPLANDS 55+
Landed Gentry’s model home is now open in The Uplands 55+, a gated community specifically designed to the tastes of those aged 55 and older. These main floor living homes in the ridge-top village celebrate the Northwest aesthetic and a passion for sunny, indoor/outdoor living.
“There has been significant interest in sales since the model opened and as construction begins on the neighborhood’s private clubhouse, pool, and pickleball court,” said Smith. “Quick possession is available on homes that are already completed or under construction.”
SUNCADIA REAL ESTATE
MARKET CONDITIONS
Corey Atherton, Managing Broker of Suncadia Real Estate Sales Company, explains current and future trends inside the Suncadia real estate market.
PROPERTY VALUES
While property values have leveled off from the pandemic peak, they remain 50 percent higher than pre-COVID.
Atherton is optimistic about the market. With a continued solid economy combined with lower interest rates and inflation, Atherton anticipates increased demand in rural and resort areas, along with a rebound in short-term rental investments. With the addition of new semi-custom “portfolio” homes, alongside a variety of custom lots and resale properties, Suncadia is wellpositioned for sales growth in 2025. INVENTORY LEVELS
Our current inventory levels and sales trends are now in a healthy balance, with a wide variety of properties available for purchase and average days on-market.
Lower interest rates are expected to motivate buyers and continue to drive growth in the luxury second-home market, setting up a promising year for Suncadia.
Building Community, Creating Memories at the 2024 Suncadia Owners Picnic
“It was the best picnic yet.” That’s what Owners Engagement Committee (OEC) Co-chair Travis Fulton heard after this summer’s Owners Picnic. Fulton, who headed up the 2024 event, said more than 1,000 residents signed up to participate in the picnic, run by OEC volunteers with support from Suncadia management
With live music, food, beverages, and fun family activities, the Owners Picnic is a big undertaking for the committee and its volunteers. The planning process began in January with the goal of making the 2024 event bigger and better than ever. The OEC made the kids zone larger than last year by incorporating another bounce house, added the complimentary Beer and Wine Garden for adults 21 and over, and contracted with several food vendors to offer something for all tastebuds.
For the first time, the OEC raised more than $24,000 in direct sponsorships from local businesses. This year’s sponsors included Suncadia Resort, Atlas Networks, Bauer Custom Homes, Host Concierge and Maintenance, M2 Signature Homes, and N.W. Roots Construction – with most recommitting for 2025.
Bill Campbell, who co-chairs the OEC with Fulton and has been an Owner since 2006, said the picnic evolved over the years.
“In the beginning, it was a tent set up featuring the construction companies that built homes and the real estate companies that sold lots. A few years ago, the committee transformed it into a true Owners Picnic where we could meet our neighbors in a social setting.” Fulton, who has two elementary age daughters, continued, “These are precious moments, and the Owners Picnic is an opportunity for us to memorialize them for residents who are going to be here for a long time.”
Campbell, who also values the ways the picnic creates community, agreed, “At an event, like the Owners Picnic, you will meet executives, teachers, artists, entrepreneurs, stay-at-home parents, and doting grandparents who have found an ideal environment for being with family. Getting to know each other through volunteer and social activities is one of the best benefits of Suncadia life.”
To volunteer to be involved in the planning for the 2025 Owners Picnic or to volunteer at the event, contact the OEC at OEC@suncadia.com.
Our Top Five Favorites
While some may think the “weather outside is frightful,” we know that the resort is a veritable playground of wintry delights. Here are our top five activities for taking advantage of the most wonderful time of the year:
Celebrating Winterfest. Suncadia’s annual celebration of the winter season features 35 days jam-packed with holiday activities. Winterfest kicks off with the tree lighting and the arrival of Santa on November 29 in Dawson Park and continues with the holiday bazaar, November 29 and 30; Holiday Storytimes in the Den at the Lodge; and Elf Deliveries throughout the month of December.
Gliding across the ice at the Pavilion Glice Skating Rink. With the new rink – made from Glice – you can enjoy skating even if it isn’t cold enough yet for the ice to freeze.
Visiting the Farm at Suncadia. Rent snowshoes and head out on an adventure on our miles of groomed trails and inviting flats or bring your own cross-country skis to glide along the resort’s trails. You might even observe some of the incredible wildlife that shares Suncadia with you.
Experiencing the thrills of tubing down a snowy hill. Visit the Tubing Hill at the Prospector Driving Range for an exhilarating downhill experience.
Relaxing by the fire. After indulging in the outdoor winter activities that Suncadia offers, visit the Lodge or the Inn and indulge in a hot toddy by the fire.
The Club Report: Summer 2024 at Suncadia Club and Tumble Creek Club(s)
Members had new opportunities this summer to beat the heat with exclusive private pool access, early morning rounds of golf on the two resort courses, and a new co-op garden community.
Suncadia’s Vice President of Clubs
Mark Chitwood reports members and their guests were greeted this season by increased opportunities for water activities, enhanced levels of golf service, new indoor activities, and updated landscaping and facilities.
Tumble Creek Club
Summer was also in full swing at Tumble Creek Club. In addition to taking advantage of the Tom Doak designed golf course, member families were spotted playing the new arcade games in the family Parlour at the Great House and picnicking and playing pickleball at Weekley Park. They may also have had a glimpse of world class collegiate golfers as the Club hosted an NCAA Women’s regional qualifying tournament – won by the eventual NCAA National
Champion Stanford Cardinal team. The Club also had the privilege, this Summer, to host and tour Tom Doak, while reviewing course enhancements.
Next season, Tumble Creek Club members will be able to spend even more time outdoors, enjoying glamping, private dinners, camp activities, and more at the relocated Wilderness Outpost. Since its inception, the plan was to relocate the Outpost to a permanent site, selected with the Kittitas Conservation Trust years ago. Club leadership took the move as an opportunity to reimagine and upgrade the programming at this unique amenity. Among the new features will be a Communal Yurt, which will offer members a venue for booking private dinners, receptions, meetings, and more in this beautiful outdoor environment.
“With golf tournaments, endless outdoor activities, and countless social gatherings, there was never a
dull moment at Suncadia’s clubs this summer,” concluded Chitwood. “We are excited to build on this success with our new amenities in 2025.”
Suncadia Club
The golf courses were in great condition and received well by members. An exciting addition this year was the TruGolf Sports Simulator located at The Inn, this golf offering will be open yearround for members to utilize.
“Suncadia’s courses were in fine form this season,” said Chitwood, with members complimenting the excellent condition of both the Rope Rider and Prospector courses. “To enhance the golfing experience for our members, we elevated our level of service in golf operations, including blocking member tee times each morning – ensuring they always have access to the best part of the day.”
This years new exclusive Nelson Farm Pool access was enjoyed by many families and their guests. Members and guests splashed in the zero-entry leisure pool, cooled down on the interactive splash pad, and lounged in the lazy river and whirlpool. Plus, the new inflatable kid’s slide at Swim and Fitness was a huge hit this season, along with expanded games and programming for members and guests.
Club members also participated in great community-building activities, including Mix & Mingle events in partnership with local businesses, such as Monster Garage Condos, Mule & Elk Brewing Co., and Upsidedown Wine – with attendance topping out at capacity. The season wrapped up with a Member Appreciation Event at the Nelson Farm Pool, which drew nearly 300 attendees. To learn more about upcoming special events, check out the year-round social calendar on the Suncadia Club website.
On August 22, 2024, our dedicated women’s group, EmpoweredWomen@Suncadia, actively participated in the Kittitas County Habitat for Humanity Women Build 2024 project in Ellensburg, WA. Our team spent the day working with the KC Habitat construction crew, installing siding on one of the new homes in Phase II of the Stuart Meadows Project.
The first six homes of the Stuart Meadows project were dedicated to deserving families in May of this year. Here’s a link to the video blogs featuring all the homeowners and their stories. News - Kittitas County Habitat for Humanity (kchabitat.org).
Kittitas County Habitat programs: Home Repair for residents that are under the 80% AMI ($34,650 to $85,500 household income) it is aimed to keep homeowners housed and safe.
Repairs include ramps, exterior painting, roof, bathroom accessibility, furnace etc.
New Construction builds, keeps homes affordable through ground lease and mortgages built to fit the household income level at no more than 35% of household income.
Kittitas County Habitat History: 1993: Habitat for Humanity was founded in Kittitas County.
1993-2023: Built 19 homes.
2020-2021: Merged with Seattle-King County Habitat for Humanity.
2022: Broke ground on the Stuart Meadows development (the 3-acre lot was a gift from the City of Ellensburg).
2024: First phase of Stuart Meadows complete.
2024: Purchased 2.5 acres on Floral Ave in Cle Elum (planning 12-15 homes with construction expected between 2025-2027, depending on funding).
2025: Second phase of Stuart Meadows will be complete.
2026: Stuart Meadows project complete, doubling the footprint of affordable homes in Kittitas County in just three years.
Suncadia Fund for Community Enhancement: Investing in Local Communities, Contributing to the Fabric of Suncadia
The Suncadia Fund for Community Enhancement (SFCE) was started in 2004 – timed closely to the opening of the resort. You may have noticed it as a line item in the closing documents when you purchased your property as 0.5% of the selling price on any Suncadia or Tumble Creek resale real estate transaction is contributed to the fund. The fund which is designed to support activities and investments that will create and enhance a dynamic and vital community experience at the resort.
What you might not know as much about are the many ways the SFCE contributes to the fabric of the Suncadia community through annual events, such as Harvest Festival and Winterfest, and amenities, including the park and pump track at Nelson Farm. In addition, in recent years, the SFCE board has strengthened its commitment to investing in local communities through grants to nonprofit organizations in Roslyn, Cle Elum, and South Cle Elum.
You will see a prime example of this community investment in downtown Cle Elum – less than four miles from Suncadia – at The Shop Teen Center, a free and safe place for kids to socialize, do homework, and attend activities, such as movie nights. Founded three years ago with a $40,000 SFCE seed grant, two-thirds of local high schoolers have visited the center at least once.
Jim Becker, a homeowner and community member at Suncadia since 2009, joined the SFCE board in 2015 with an interest in growing its local nonprofit grant program. Early in his tenure on the board, Becker suggested investing 30 percent of the SFCE’s annual budget in local grants. As a new retiree, he volunteered to solicit grants from local organizations and guide them through the application process.
Becker said, “These are a lot of small nonprofits – they don’t have grant writers on staff and maybe have never even written a grant. So, we go through the application together and I make sure they submit the right paperwork to be successful.”
Over the last eight years, the SFCE invested nearly $1.9 million in organizations in Suncadia’s surrounding communities. Most grants are between $5,000 and $20,000, but among the larger is $75,000 to the City of Roslyn for a community chipper, providing residents with free chipping services to reduce wildfire fuels; $40,000 to Roslyn Downtown Association for the Yakama Nation Creator's Law sculpture; and $75,000 to Upper County Rotary for phase one of the Cle Elum Skatepark.
Becker said, “In my opinion, the SFCE has gone a long way in demonstrating to Suncadia’s surrounding residents that we are, indeed, a part of this community.”
Harvest Fest - Sponsored by the Suncadia Fund for Community Enhancement
Nelson Farm Pump Track - Sponsored by the Suncadia Fund for Community Enhancement
Suncadia Partners With Community Organizations to Preserve Nature’s Legacy Through Land Conservation
Suncadia residents treasure the resort’s stunning natural environment. This is likely one of the key reasons you chose Suncadia. But have you ever wondered how the natural beauty of the Cle Elum Valley and surrounding areas in Kittitas County is being conserved? It is due, in part, to a decades-long commitment to land conservation by Suncadia.
In 2000, Suncadia, in collaboration with The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation (Yakama Nation) and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) agreed to preserve approximately 1240-acres of the Cle Elum River Corridor as open space and pursue a “no net loss” policy of productive fish and wildlife habitat in connection with the development. Now approximately 3,400 acres were designated as River Corridor, Natural Open Space, and Managed Open Space in conservation easements with the Kittitas Conservation Trust (KCT). The KCT is a non-profit land conservation organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the fish and wildlife habitat in the upper Yakima River basin.
“Along with our more than 6,000 acres of forested land comes a responsibility to preserve, manage, and protect it. We consistently manage forest health, wildlife habitat, and fire resiliency,” said Suncadia Chief Development Officer Tucker Stevens. “We support and serve on the board of the KCT as part of upholding our commitment to land conservation and promoting the health of our environment.”
Suncadia actively manages its forests following a Land Stewardship Plan (LSP). This plan describes general forest management as well as individual descriptions and recommendations for management actions in the different stands of trees. Its intent is to manage forest lands inside Suncadia and Tumble Creek, including those designated Natural Open Space and Managed Open Space, for forest health, wildlife habitat, and fire resiliency. Between the conservation easement and commitment to forest health as outlined in the LSP, Suncadia extended its promise to protect and preserve forest health and wildlife and fish habitats – now and in the future.
In addition to managing the conservation easements they hold for Suncadia, the KCT expanded its efforts and today manages a wide variety of local conservation and restoration projects. For example, it recently completed a project to restore the Bull trout habitat for the Kachess population. Years ago, clearcut logging in the flood plain right up to the Kachess Riverbank created instability in the channel because many old trees were lost. As a result, the river seasonally dewaters, and every year juvenile bull trout desiccated because they didn’t have the water they needed to survive. Recognizing that it can’t make more water, the KCT set out to give bull trout a greater chance of survival by creating a habitat with deep pools that will trap groundwater, providing cool little places for fish to live and hide from predators.
Just four months into the project, more than 60 large wood structures and nearly 14,000 plants were placed in over one mile of the Kachess River and its flood plain. By the end of the
next month, fish biologists discovered 26 bull trout redds – or nests – the highest number since 2000 when surveys began in the Kachess River. The KCT’s hope is that this restoration will provide the necessary elements for the rearing of bull trout - cold, clean, complex, and connected habitats. These efforts would not have been possible without the US Forest Service, US Fish & Wildlife, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, The Yakama Nation and supporting partners involved with the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan.
Constant Vigilance to Preserve and Protect the Environment
Successful stewardship of the environmental ecosystem at and surrounding Suncadia requires constant vigilance, careful planning, and ongoing monitoring to maintain and enhance forest health.
Restoring the Bull Trout Habitat on the Kachess River