Our History

November 2024 marks the "50th Anniversary" of our two historic and iconic buildings: Marsac Mill Manor (MMM) and Silver Mill House (SMH), which both opened in mid-November 1974 as part of the new Resort Village. They are both original buildings to what is now known as the base area of Park City Mountain Resort. Only the Summit House Restaurant (1963) at top of old Gondola lift (now Bonanza lift) and Ticket House building (1971) at Resort base were here before. 

Excavation and construction started summer 1972 on both buildings under the leadership of Edgar B. Stern, Chairman of Greater Park City Company (G.P.C.C.). G.P.C.C bought all 12,000 acres of the Park City Resort in 1970 from United Park City Mines, who started Treasure Mountains in 1963. In February 1971, G.P.C.C developed a master plan for the resort base that included first building a new (still existing today) ticket house (1971) to house new ticketing office and ski school room with executive offices on 2nd floor. In 1972, Edgar Stern turned to his close friend from New Orleans, Arthur Davis, a renowned international designer, to design and build the 1st two residential and commercial properties at the Resort Base: MMM and SMH. Davis had recently designed the Super Dome in New Orleans. Much of the building architecture of our 2 buildings reflects a New Orleans flair, and these were the only 2 buildings that Edgar had Arthur design. 

When opened in November 1974, the Marsac Mill Manor and Silver Mill House combined, housed 28 residential guest units (studios to 3 bedroom units). In addition, the largest unit (4 bedrooms and penthouse) in Silver Mill House with the iconic "Steeple" on top (in 1974 referred to as the "Tower") was originally owned by Edgar Stern, Chairman of G.P.C.C. In addition, there were 12 commercial properties including restaurants, liquor store; art galleries; pharmacy; bookstore; clothing store; antique store; ski rental store; and photography store.

The Corner Store, opened by Jim and Mike Doilney in December 1974 (and added a bar in 1975), as a original business in Marsac Mill Manor, and is still operating today. Click here for article/photo of Corner Store opening from 1974.

 During this time, the legendary Stein Ericksen was Director of Skiing at Park City Resort from 1970-1975. He was a close friend of Edgar Stern, and in December 1974, Stein opened Stein Ericksen's Ski Shop and High-Performance Rentals in the Silver Mill House Upper Plaza Level.

Click here for more information on our buildings construction and opening from 1972-1974 and list of original 12 new businesses. Click here for a list of articles from 1975 to 1979 on company ownership of the Resort Village and our building. Click here to see advertisements for condominium units in our 2 buildings from 1977 to 1980.

The Baja Cantina opened December 1983 in its present location in the Silver Mill House Plaza area and is still going strong 40+ years later. It replaced the former Park City Yacht Club. Click here to read historical articles on the Baja Cantina opening.

For most of the 1960's and 1970's the historic Silver King Coalition Mine building (built 1901) on Park Avenue was the iconic symbol of both Park City and the ski area. On July 20, 1981, it caught fire and was destroyed. The design of the Legacy Lodge on the Resort Plaza and to a certain extent Marriott Mountainside in the late 1990's, pay homage to the historic Silver King Coalition building. The Silver Mill House, with its pronounced "Steeple", has been featured in numerous paintings, prints, and photos since the 1980's. It has been a focal point of many artists over the years including watercolors by Linda Roberts in 1982 and Judy Taylor in 1988. Click here to view their respective paintings.
In 2013, a timeline outlined important events in Park City Mountain Resort as it celebrated its 50-year anniversary. In December 2016, Park City Magazine published an article on "40 People who helped make Park City, Park City".

The Park Record published a story on the history and significance of our two building in their April 9-11, 2025 edition. Under their column "Way We Were", the article is titled "The French Quarter at Park City Mountain". Click here to view the story.

Many thanks go to staff at the Park City Museum; Park Record artifacts; and several local and notable Parkites who have been here since the early 1970's for contributing information - thus allowing us to share with all owners and visitors some historic information on this special occasion of the 50th Anniversary of our two buildings.