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Red River Gorge Destination Resort Master Plan

An ecotourism destination resort that demonstrates best practices in environmental planning and design

  • Slade, Kentucky

    Slade, Kentucky

Setting a new standard

Located in east-central Kentucky, the Red River Gorge boasts awe-inspiring geologic features, biodiversity, and recreational opportunities—ideal for Kentucky’s first destination resort. We recently completed a resort master plan and market study for a 4.5+ star 170-room luxury lodge with guest cottages and other amenities on 890-wooded acres, privately held, near Slade.

Creating an authentic, context-sensitive resort master plan that sets a new standard for an environmentally and economically sustainable approach to hospitality will intentionally attract a new level of tourism to the region. The main lodge is proposed to be a United States Green Building Council LEED-Gold certified, or higher, hotel. Located in an existing meadow tucked deep within the property, the facility will feature a multi-level lodge with great views from all rooms, lobby bar, signature restaurant and distillery, fitness center, destination pool and spa, amphitheater and event lawn, green-roofed terraces above a conference facility, permaculture gardens, and access to over 10 miles of trails.

By designating nearly 90 percent of the site as a nature preserve with trail-only access and following International Dark-Sky Association development guidelines, the resort landscape design will protect and enhance the site’s rugged topography and rich natural features. 

At a Glance

Offices
Client
  • Red River Economic Development, LLC
Meet Our Team

Greg Meyer, Principal

I grew up on the west coast of Florida. Practicing the true oldest profession in the world, gardening, I am a proud landscape architect

Nancy Locke, Principal, Urban Places Studio Leader

As we struggle with growing inequality, one of the most important things to do is work toward equity—in other words, design for everyone.
Nancy Locke Principal, Urban Places Studio Leader Read More

Kevin Mangan, Principal

Design is the conscious, mindful value created at the intersection of life and culture, history, community, economy, leisure, and recreation.

Greg Meyer

Principal

Nancy Locke

Principal, Urban Places Studio Leader

Kevin Mangan

Principal

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