Billionaire’s plans for a sprawling resort on the edge of tiny idyllic village leaving locals in uproar

Billionaire’s plans for a sprawling resort on the edge of tiny idyllic village leaving locals in uproar

Wall Street billionaire Joe Ricketts has revealed plans for his newly-acquired 33 acres of Granite Ranch in Wyoming that has drawn the wrath of locals. 

The Ameritrade founder and Chicago Cubs owner is all set to redevelop the existing ranch into a 22,000 square feet resort named ‘The Hawken’ – a name derived from a muzzle-loading rifle that was widely used on prairies and in the Rocky Mountains during the Rendezvous era. 

‘This property offers a unique opportunity to showcase the unparalleled beauty and wonder of the Yellowstone Ecosystem. 

‘We aspire for this resort to be a place where conservation and education spark curiosity and inspiration, motivating visitors to cherish and safeguard nature, both here and in their own backyards,’ Ricketts’ team told Jackson Hole & News. 

Talking about the new name, Ricketts spokeswoman Jessica Jaubert told Cowboy State Daily: ‘The name carries special resonance for those familiar with shooting sports. 

‘Additionally, the “hawk” element subtly ties to our conservation initiatives, creating a bridge between historical preservation and environmental stewardship.

‘In everything we do in Wyoming, our focus is on conservation and providing opportunities to recreate, learn and grow in the Yellowstone ecosystem.’

While official plans remain unclear, a large water feature that looks like a lake called a ‘habitat pond’ is one of the prominent of new features that is expected to be built. 

A brand new main lodge, 10 new private cabins, spa facility and a naturalist center could also be constructed on the land.

Wall Street billionaire Joe Ricketts is all set to redevelop the existing ranch into a 22,000 square feet resort named ‘The Hawken’

The Ameritrade founder and Chicago Cubs owner's net worth is estimated at $3.4billion

The Ameritrade founder and Chicago Cubs owner’s net worth is estimated at $3.4billion

According to CSD, a few existing structures will also be repurposed as workforce housing – with one historical cabin being turned into a warming hut for people to heat up during winter activities.

A fine dining restaurant is also expected to be erected which will focus on ‘locally sourced ingredients, a stylish bar and a cozy gathering space’.

The 10 private new cabins will be divided into clusters titled Meadow, Creek and Forest. 

Each of these clusters will have its own central gathering area and offer a secluded as well as intimate lodging experience. 

When asked how much the billionaire is spending on building the glitzy resort, Jaubert did not specify and instead said: ‘I can’t share the exact numbers. However, we’ve allocated sufficient resources to ensure the project’s success.’

However, the plans for this new resort seem to be dwarf in comparison to the ones Ricketts drew up for a 230,000-square-foot luxury resort in Bondurant, Wyoming – which left locals worried about their quieter lifestyle. 

Residents say his ‘tone deaf’ plans will ‘erode’ their culture, destroy wildlife and drive up the cost of living.

He has also been accused of behaving ‘like a little boy who wants all his toys’.

While official plans remain unclear, a large water feature that looks like a lake called a 'habitat pond' is one of the prominent of new features that is expected to be built. A brand new main lodge, 10 new private cabins, spa facility and a naturalist center could also be constructed on the land.

While official plans remain unclear, a large water feature that looks like a lake called a ‘habitat pond’ is one of the prominent of new features that is expected to be built. A brand new main lodge, 10 new private cabins, spa facility and a naturalist center could also be constructed on the land.

A few existing structures will also be repurposed as workforce housing - with one historical cabin being turned into a warming hut for people to heat up during winter activities

A few existing structures will also be repurposed as workforce housing – with one historical cabin being turned into a warming hut for people to heat up during winter activities

When asked how much the billionaire is spending on building the glitzy resort, Jaubert did not specify and instead said: 'I can't share the exact numbers. However, we¿ve allocated sufficient resources to ensure the project¿s success'

When asked how much the billionaire is spending on building the glitzy resort, Jaubert did not specify and instead said: ‘I can’t share the exact numbers. However, we’ve allocated sufficient resources to ensure the project’s success’

Officials in Teton County have also warned Ricketts to be constrained in his expansions. 

Mark Newcomb, the ski guide-turned-environmental consultant who now chairs the Teton County Board of Commissioners said: ‘If he wants to make it whatever kind of resort he wants to make it, that’s fine. I certainly believe in that right. 

‘But at a high level I’m opposed to the expansion of that particular resort.’

Commissioner Luther Propst added: ‘Teton County’s economic prosperity is based on conservation. 

Officials in Teton County have also warned Ricketts to be constrained in his expansions

Officials in Teton County have also warned Ricketts to be constrained in his expansions

Residents say his 'tone deaf' plans will 'erode' their culture, destroy wildlife and drive up the cost of living

Residents say his ‘tone deaf’ plans will ‘erode’ their culture, destroy wildlife and drive up the cost of living

But despite backlash, Ricketts could be spared intense scrutiny this time as his plan is to be reviewed by the Teton County Planning and Building Department instead of the Teton County commissioners

But despite backlash, Ricketts could be spared intense scrutiny this time as his plan is to be reviewed by the Teton County Planning and Building Department instead of the Teton County commissioners

‘It’s based on protecting our water quality, our fisheries, our wildlife and a new use of a property that is so isolated certainly warrants public scrutiny.’ 

At first, Commissioner Newcomb said he was not alarmed by the proposal. 

He did not expect the expansion to be imminent. But with the release of plans, he now wonders how the redevelopment and new development will mesh with county policy.

‘If they’re proposing 22,000 new, that’s perhaps a little bit interesting,’ Newcomb said.

But despite backlash, Ricketts could be spared intense scrutiny this time as his plan is to be reviewed by the Teton County Planning and Building Department instead of the Teton County commissioners. 

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