Crystal Mountain is a 1,500 acre four season ski and golf resort located in northern Michigan. Johnson Hill Land Ethics Studio began working with members of the resort’s management team in 1989 to prepare a framework plan, identifying design principles and direction for the future development of housing and resort amenities. One of the core design principles of the framework plan aimed to concentrate many of the new residential and resort amenities in the core village area, which is located at the base of the ski slopes. This strategy generated a critical mass of activity, allowing for safe and effective pedestrian connections. Since the initial planning effort in 1989, numerous projects have been implemented.

Some of the amenities offered at Crystal Mountain Resort include an indoor pool and exercise facility, a LEED-certified spa and wellness center, a pool and water playground activity center, climbing wall, ropes course, and alpine slide. At the heart of the village is Barr Park which is defined by the surrounding Inn, spa facility, ski lodge and Wild Tomato restaurant. Due to its central location, Barr park provides a unique and flexible space that lends itself to informal gatherings, picnicking, firepits, and winter ice skating. Barr Park also includes linear water feature that moves through the space and cascades down a series of steps into a lower pool.  It features a richly textured landscape with the resort’s signature use of large sweeps of perennials, ornamental grasses, and flowering shrubs.  The streetscape edge of the plaza includes a table-top pedestrian crossing, a ground level grocery and deli, an outdoor seating area, and a bosque courtyard entry into the newly expanded Inn.

• Development
• Planning
• Parks & Recreation
• Implementation