Taphouse, steakhouse, culinary school and event center, the groundbreaking ceremony last week signaled the beginning of the Tava House development in downtown Woodland Park. Designed to be a destination, Tava House will eventually include a residential component on the 6.3 acres in Woodland Station.
In August 2022, Derek Waggoner, chief executive officer, bought the property from the Downtown Development Authority for $800,000 cash. Waggoner’s team of investors includes his wife, Nicole; Mark and Mary Jean Weaver; Mary and Alan Sekowski; Philip and Deborah Waggoner (Derek’s parents) and Victor and Rhianna Matthews. “Today we gather not just to break ground on this exciting project but lay the foundation for a brighter future for the citizens of Woodland Park and Teller County,” said Nicole Waggoner, greeting a crowd of city and county officials, business owners, residents, friends and construction crews.
A project of the Downtown Development Authority and the City of Woodland Park, the Tava House developers waded through two DDA boards and term changes on the city council before gaining approval. “This project symbolizes our determination to build a facility that showcases the beauty of our mountain community,” she said. Nicole was speaking in place of her husband, who was present but suffering the effects of a cold.
“We believe this innovation will create jobs, boost our economy and foster a sense of community pride,” she said. “As we dig into the earth tod.