The construction of Deer Valley East Village is driving a massive need for workforce housing in Wasatch County, with officials projecting that the entire East Village envelope will require a staff of approximately 6,000 workers over the next 10 years.
Marina West Housing Planning
As reported by KPCW on Aug. 24, 2026, developer Extell is planning workforce housing to support the ongoing resort construction. During a Military Installation Development Authority board meeting on Aug. 20, 2026, Extell Executive Vice President Kurt Krieg stated that studies are currently underway to determine the necessary programming for the Marina West housing project. Krieg noted that before submitting a site plan to MIDA, the developer aims to ensure the project includes proper workforce housing, community amenities like grocery stores and restaurants, and a gas station.
A workforce housing site plan for Marina West is expected to be presented to MIDA in early 2027. MIDA has previously indicated that the Marina West development will include up to 600 units, which are intended to open for the 2028-29 ski season.
Population Projections
The scale of the projected workforce has been highlighted by Wasatch County Councilor and MIDA liaison Erik Rowland. Rowland noted that when the resort project was originally proposed in 2002, the population of Wasatch County was approximately 8,000 people. He said the number of workers required to sustain the new facility will match the entire county's population from 20 years ago.
"That's a staggering statistic, and I think just really highlights the need for a workforce housing solution," Rowland said, according to KPCW.
Ongoing Construction Updates
Construction activity remains active throughout the project area. Krieg reported that approximately 350 workers are on-site daily for ski and civil improvements. Recent developments include the opening of the Canopy Deer Valley hotel in mid-August 2026. Other major structures, including the Waldorf Astoria, the Four Seasons, and the Deer Valley base lodge, remain under construction.
In the SkyRidge area across the highway, developer Tyler Aldous is working on a 67-unit lodge. Aldous stated that MIDA will be deeded three units to conduct business in the state of Utah. Additionally, a golf clubhouse is scheduled to open in late September.
MIDA Mission and Housing Efforts
MIDA, which oversees the East Village and other projects near the Jordanelle Reservoir, was established to promote economic development and serve the military. As part of these efforts, 100 hotel rooms at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley are reserved at discounted rates for service members.
In the Pioche development, several dozen condo units have already been designated for workforce housing to address the regional demand.
Future Outlook
The growing demand for housing in Wasatch County is a direct result of the massive scale of the Deer Valley East Village development. As the project moves toward its 2027 site plan submission for Marina West, local officials and developers continue to focus on the infrastructure needed to house the thousands of workers required for the resort's operation.
Regional Impact
The rapid growth of the East Village is transforming the local demographic landscape, necessitating a shift in how housing and community amenities are integrated into the development plans.
