BENNINGTON – Plans for a five-star resort on the former Southern Vermont College campus are advancing, and a hospitality brand partner for the project is expected to be announced soon. Thomas Dee, president and CEO of Southwestern Vermont Health Care, which owns the 371-acre former campus, said in a release Friday that the firm selected for the redevelopment effort — — “has made major progress in finding the right hospitality brand partner for this project. While we can’t speak on their behalf, we want our community to know that plans are advancing.
” He added, “We’re supportive of their direction and we believe this project will have an immensely positive impact on Bennington and our entire region.” In March 2023, SVHC entered into a purchase and sale agreement for the campus and its historic Everett Mansion with Weissman Real Estate. Since then, Dee said, the firm has been working toward the development of a destination resort.
The proposed resort, which was outlined in a presentation by Weissman Real Estate in March 2023, is expected to include both fine and casual dining venues, a beauty and health spa; a fitness/wellness center, special events venue and other amenities. The project also includes an extensive historic restoration of the Everett Mansion for use as luxury accommodations and fine dining. “Once [Weissman] finalizes its brand partner — in the near future— the necessary regulatory reviews and permitting processes will get underway,” Dee.