Revitalizing an Icon: Cal Neva

Since taking ownership of the Cal Neva, the McWhinney team has advanced its commitment to revitalize and preserve the iconic property. To date, much of the team’s efforts have focused on stormwater infrastructure, grading, site utilities, structural enhancements, and Wellness center construction. These improvements are being made with the goal of honoring the site’s legacy, historic preservation, protecting environmental health, and investing for the long-term in this community.

“We’re focused on preserving the quality of the natural space, scenic views, as well as the historic architecture,” said Jason Newcomer, Senior Vice President of Hospitality Development with McWhinney.

McWhinney is no stranger to historic preservation in a hospitality setting. The company was a key partner in the award-winning redevelopment of Denver’s Union Station, a landmark transformed into a mixed-use transit hub featuring retail, dining, and the 112-room Crawford Hotel. Building on the legacy of thoughtful restoration and placemaking, McWhinney is channeling this generational perspective into Cal Neva’s successful restoration and longevity.

As part of the restoration, McWhinney has engaged Proper Hospitality, a luxury lifestyle hospitality company known for its locally inspired properties, as the operator. Operating acclaimed hotels from Santa Monica to San Francisco, the company’s emphasis on “uncommon luxury” makes for an ideal partner for Cal Neva’s next chapter. 

Recently, Proper’s Jamie Mark, Vice President of Community Development and a project team member, even relocated to Incline Village and is now a full-time resident. Mark brings an extensive background in hospitality and a community-oriented approach to development. “It has been a wonderful experience meeting so many great people who have welcomed us here to Tahoe,” she added.

Together, McWhinney and Proper are working to begin the design process for modernizing the resort. The team aims to reopen in late 2027, celebrating more than 100 years of Cal Neva. While key aspects of the revitalization are still being finalized, the team continues to make plans to restore and enhance the resort’s most iconic features and gathering places, including upgrading and modernizing the existing 10-story hotel tower, the showroom, circle bar, historic lodge, theatre, three-meal dining, and meeting/event spaces. Plans also include restoring a portion of the original tunnels beneath the lodge. Along with maintaining its historic significance, the team is also exploring a world-class spa, wellness center, and upgraded outdoor lounge areas. The property will feature chef-driven dining, arts and culture programming, and amenities that reflect North Lake Tahoe’s character and charm.

The community’s enthusiasm has been a significant driver of decision-making on this project – the outpouring of support and the invaluable input have helped to inform how the project moves forward. Since purchasing the property, the team at McWhinney has engaged extensively and enthusiastically with the local community throughout the design process, hosting (literally) hundreds of meetings, conducting tours and open houses. Many people have shared their treasured memories about Cal Neva.

McWhinney has welcomed this local input and is working to bring back beloved events and traditions in the theater and social spaces. Plans for new lodging options are designed to support residents and visitors alike, offsetting the region’s recent loss of 400 hotel rooms and helping to reduce reliance on short-term rentals. A ’Park Once’ philosophy will encourage walkability and multi-modal transportation in and around the town center.

The revitalization is not only about preserving history—it’s also about supporting economic growth, making environmental improvements, and adding new amenities for both locals and visitors. The project is designed to contribute to the long-term vitality of the region, with a focus on sustainability, accessibility and community connection.

Visit https://www.properhotel.com/lake-tahoe for more information