The New Nirvana development preserves Old Town Park City’s mining history and exudes historic charm while offering all the benefits of modern construction techniques and materials.
Put a handful of builders together in a corner, and it won’t be long until they lament the trials and challenges of building in Old Town, including its many restrictions, narrow lots and overburdened streets. Th is makes it more than surprising that Lane Myers, a well-recognized and longtime Utah custom homebuilder, chose to take a large parcel where an aging condominium complex had been demolished and reconfigure it into its original historic 25-foot-wide lots, to recreate eight homes consistent with the historical proportions and detailing of the mining era.
Lane Myers, founder of Lane Myers Construction, agrees it was an unusual direction to take given he started with larger parcels of land. “When you look at Park City, it’s Old Town that feels genuine, is most interesting and gives Park City its identity. While I could have kept the larger lots and built different homes, I felt that it wasn’t in keeping with the area. I chose instead 
to replicate the earlier lot size and shape and to build homes with design details that correspond to the neighbor-hood and that reflect the uniqueness the history has bestowed.” Myers continues, “What makes these homes rare in Old Town is that they are entirely new, seismically engineered with moment frames, and they didn’t inherit any problems from earlier materials or construction methods. Th e heated driveway pavers are consistent with the area, but they don’t break and the driveways are always clear.
The plumbing is new, I used the highest quality Pella windows, and the radiant heat isn’t an add-on or retrofit, but designed brand new with the home. To me, it’s the best of both worlds: historic charm and solid, modern, custom-home construction.”
One of the many definitions of Nirvana is an ideal or an ideal place. Th at applies to Nirvana’s location. Situated on Empire Avenue, the walk to the Park City Mountain is shorter than from many of the parking lots. Th e abutting Norfolk steps lead down from Empire Avenue to the Park City Central Library, the converted old Miners’ Hospital where, in addition to the library’s collections and events, is the auditorium for the film series, and of course, many Sundance screenings. Adjacent to the library and across Park Avenue are parks. Th e city’s buses regularly run from the Resort Center and Library to Kimball Junction and Main Street, which makes it easy to stash the car and enjoy life on transit, foot or a bicycle.
“I envision Nirvana as homes for active people who embrace Park City’s outdoor lifestyle and who want to be part of the community,” Myers explains, and he makes a quip about the stairs in the four-story homes keeping homeowners fit. “I also want every home to look completely different from the street, and the homes’ interior finishes are equally very individual. I approach every home as custom.”
Eight homes are on the market. Four homes on Empire Avenue are completed, and four remain to be built on Norfolk Avenue and are ready to be finished to the buyers’ taste.
