Q&A
Jason Newcomer, Senior Vice President of Hospitality Development at McWhinney based in Denver, Colorado, brings more than two decades of real estate experience to one of the most ambitious hospitality projects in the country. In this Q&A, our client shares insights into his career path, the vision behind the Cal Neva redevelopment and the creative collaboration driving a legacy project rooted in place, history and timeless design.
Tell us about your role as Senior Vice President of Hospitality Development at McWhinney and your path to get here.
I’ve been in real estate development for nearly 24 years, with a foundation in civil engineering and an MBA focused on real estate and finance. Early on, I worked in project management and construction, which sparked my interest in the broader impact of real estate. I’ve been fortunate to work with developers who take a long-term view and prioritize quality, community and legacy.
My career has included landmark projects like Belmar and the SugarCube building in Denver, and I’ve also consulted for nonprofits focused on different areas from housing to mental health. That work deepened my appreciation for how real estate can serve communities. Joining McWhinney nine years ago was a natural next step and it has given me the opportunity to return to real estate development with a team that shares my values around lasting impact and thoughtful hospitality.
What’s the biggest challenge you’re working to solve with Design Workshop on the Cal Neva property?
Cal Neva, “Lodge in the Woods”, is the most complex, and most exciting, project I’ve ever worked on. The property has nearly 100 years of history, from its prohibition-era roots to its time as a star-studded resort and casino. It was purchased by Frank Sinatra in the 1960 who added a helipad, the Celebrity Room concert hall and secret tunnels connecting the lodge to lakeside bungalows. We’re committed to honoring that legacy this property holds while creating something fresh and timeless.
The challenge is blending historical preservation with modern hospitality. We’re not just renovating, we’re reimagining the space. That means keeping beloved elements like the theater and casino while designing a cohesive experience that feels intentional and authentic to Tahoe. It’s a bit like our Union Station in Denver: preserving what matters, even when it costs more, because the soul of the place is worth it.
What intrigues you most about the Cal Neva property?
The depth of stories tied to this place. The Rat Pack including Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. frequented the property, along with Marilyn Monroe and JFK. We’ve heard from people who got married there, performed there, or have family memories spanning generations. The question is: how do we create a unified experience that feels like it was designed from scratch, while honoring all those layers?
Success, to me, means the community embraces it. We’re not just building a hotel, we’re curating a legacy. It’s about creating a place where people feel connected, where the past informs the present and where every detail contributes to a larger story.
What’s been one of your favorite aspects of working on this project with Design Workshop?
This is the first project I’ve worked on where landscape design truly leads the way and it’s been a joy to see that artistry come to life. We’re letting the land speak, incorporating native landscaping, planting over 200 trees and collaborating with an arborist and the Washoe Tribe to ensure the design is both authentic and deeply rooted in place. Design Workshop’s team has embraced the “Lodge in the Woods” vision, where the hotel’s architecture plays a supporting role and the outdoor experience takes center stage.
What do you enjoy most about working with Design Workshop?
Their creativity and talent are unmatched. What I appreciate most is their commitment to place-based design. They don’t just apply templates from other projects they have worked on, they start with a blank slate and ask, “What does this land want to be?”. That mindset is embedded in their DNA. They’ve drawn inspiration from Tahoe’s natural beauty and cultural history to create something truly unique. The “Lodge in the Woods” is not trendy, it’s timeless. And that’s exactly what this project deserves.