Rangeley, Maine. Saddleback Mountain has broken ground on the Mid Mountain Lodge and is targeted to be completed this winter. The project will set a new standard for development in an alpine environment and will be a reflection of Saddleback’s commitment to responsible development.

The Mid Mountain Lodge will be located in Bicknell’s Thrush habitat and project leaders have collaborated with the Maine Audubon Society to pay close attention to the needs of that habitat. Mating season for this bird is from May 1 through the end of July. As a result, Saddleback delayed construction until August. The plan will be to have the building enclosed by October and to then shift the focus to completing the interior of the building.

“Saddleback is a remarkable example of a healthy boreal forest. We understand the role we need to play in preserving that and our plans demonstrate that commitment,” said Andy Shepard, General Manager at Saddleback. “The lodge will be built on pedestals, so we have a minimal disruption of the watershed, the glass will be designed to minimize bird strikes and the roof will be an undulation sod roof with native berries and grasses. This architect-designed building will strategically place windows to open up the remarkable natural environment with views to the west over the Rangeley Lakes Region. That will make the structure appear to be a natural feature from the limited vantage points along the Appalachian Trial, while also providing habitat for the birds.”

Project planners are partnering with the James Beard award-winning owners of Eventide, Hugo’s and Honey Paw restaurants on the design of a kitchen, menu and food and beverage business model for the lodge.

While the new lodge will be an exciting addition to the Saddleback experience, there are a host of other investments being made at the mountain that include three new lifts, two new environmentally friendly eco-diesel groomers, nearly $2 million in snowmaking upgrades, new single-track mountain bike trails and a 7-megawatt solar farm.

Saddleback Realty just broke ground on 22 new homes at the mountain. These homes will be a modern, energy efficient take on an iconic mountain A-frame. Phase 1 of the project is sold out and homes in phase 2 are being put under contract now. A final phase will deliver the last 6 units in the fall of 2022. For more information on the Parmachenee Village visit www.saddlebackmainerealty.com.