Bennington
Southern Vermont College Resort Bennington Project Wins Town Approval
Residents of Bennington and surrounding areas can look forward to a new high-end resort on the site of the former Southern Vermont College campus, which has recently received approval from the town’s Development Review Board. This decision paves the way…
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Key points
- A new high-end resort has been approved for the former Southern Vermont College campus.
- The project includes over 100 visitor rooms and spa facilities, with construction expected to start in early 2027.
- Local residents raised concerns about visibility from nearby properties, which the developers will address.
BENNINGTON, Vt. NewsWK — Residents of Bennington and surrounding areas can look forward to a new high-end resort on the site of the former Southern Vermont College campus, which has recently received approval from the town’s Development Review Board. This decision paves the way for AWRE Vermont Resorts, LLC to transform the 371-acre property, which includes the historic Everett Mansion.
The approved development will feature over 100 visitor rooms, a spa, and various resort amenities. Specific conditions were attached to the approval: the developers must maintain as much of the natural vegetation as possible around the new residences and must commence construction within 18 months unless an extension is granted.
Bennington Resort Development and Review Timeline
During the approval process, local residents raised concerns about visibility from nearby properties, particularly from the Beal family, who expressed worries about the impact of new duplex units on their views. These concerns were discussed in a previous hearing, although the DRB ultimately voted 4-0 in favor of the project, with one member abstaining.
Additionally, the project is under review by the District 8 Act 250 Commission, which is currently awaiting final details of the permit application. The developers aim to begin construction in early 2027, anticipating that the project will take around 24 months to complete.
Historical Significance and Future Vision
The Orchards Resort Bennington VT Revival
The Everett Mansion, built in 1911 as a summer home for industrialist Edward Everett, will play a central role in the resort, which will revive the estate’s historic name, The Orchards. This project follows the property’s acquisition by Southwestern Vermont Health Care in 2020, a move intended to secure quality redevelopment in the area.
As the former college closed in 2019 due to financial challenges, this new resort development represents a significant investment in the local economy, promising to attract visitors and create jobs in Bennington County.
What’s Next?
With development plans moving forward, local residents can anticipate changes to the landscape and potential economic benefits from increased tourism and hospitality opportunities. Community members may want to stay informed about the project’s progress and any future public hearings related to its development.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting originally published by Bennington Banner. Read the original story.
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